COB 2011 News archive
College of Business
COB’s Department of Marketing Recognized for Prolific Research
The JMU College of Business Marketing Department was recognized in the December 2011 Journal of Marketing Education. The article “A Decade of Scholarship in Marketing Education,” notes that James Madison University marketing faculty was ranked number one nationally in terms of number of articles published in the Journal of Marketing Education. Seventeen articles written by marketing faculty were published from 2000 to 2009. The marketing department was ranked number four in number of articles published in the Marketing Education Review, with a total of 8 articles published over the same time period.
The top author in the Journal of Marketing Education was Dr. Bud Clarke, interim dean for the College of Business, with a total of six articles; Theresa Bilitski Clarke was ranked third, with a total of five articles.
Congratulations to the marketing department faculty for this outstanding achievement!
December 13, 2011
Student Diversity Council Receives IDEA Program Grant
Congratulations to the COB Student Diversity Council, which was recently granted a $1,500 Innovative Diversity Efforts Award (IDEA) grant to support the project entitled, “COB Student Diversity Council: Conference Participation,” which will allow several SDC members to attend a diversity conference in the spring of 2012. A total of twenty-five proposals were submitted; the IDEA Grant Review committee recommended funding for only five proposals.
The IDEA program is intended to enhance the diversity of thought, socio-economic status and background, ethnicity, and cultural experiences within the university community. The funding gives students, faculty, and staff members the opportunity to test innovative ideas and/or develop sustainable activities and projects that would enrich the diversity of JMU.
SDC President Tiffany Fung says, “We are so delighted to receive this grant. Our organization has only been around for about a year. We are working hard to help begin and enhance diversity initiatives within the student population. We are confident that we will return from the diversity conference with renewed ideas and energy.”
Congratulations again for being named an IDEA grant recipient!
JMU Alumnus John Hinshaw Named Executive Vice President, HP Global Technology and Business Processes
John Hinshaw, a '92 James Madison University College of Business alumnus, was recently appointed to the position of executive vice president of Global Technology and Business Processes at Hewlett-Packard. In this newly created position, Hinshaw, a former computer information systems major, will oversee information technology and shared and administrative services, as well as being in charge of optimizing business processes across the company.
Previously, Hinshaw was vice president and general manager of Boeing Information Solutions. Among other tasks, his job at Boeing involved delivering information solutions to the U.S. government. Prior to Boeing, Hinshaw was senior vice president and chief information officer at Verizon Wireless.
Hinshaw will be reporting directly to Meg Whitman, HP's newly appointed CEO.
"John has an outstanding track record of process excellence and leading large, complex organizations," Whitman said. "I am confident that he will help position HP for the future through best-in-class IT and shared services administration."
In addition, Hinshaw officially joined the company's executive council as of November 15.
"I have been an admirer and customer of HP for many years and I am thrilled to now join the company and lead the Global Technology and Business Processes organization," Hinshaw said. "My CIS foundation from JMU played a significant role in my career path and I continue to be impressed with the quality of the programs and talent that have emerged from the program."
From HP Newsroom news release
CoB’s Kristen Herring and Team Win Success Series Challenge
Team H.O.M.E, which included members Kristen Herring, CoB; Joan Fahrney, Learning Centers; Titus Fox, Carrier Library; and Donna May, Payroll Services, took the top honors on Tuesday, Dec. 6, during the JMU Success Series Challenge. The team selected a project called H.O.M.E., which stands for Harrisonburg Outreach Madison Experience.
The idea for the project was born out of the realization that there is some disconnect between the Harrisonburg community and JMU students. Team member Joan shared a personal experience along those same lines. While her daughter was living in Spartanburg, S.C., she was involved in a serious car accident. Thanks to her close connection with a local family, Joan’s daughter received immediate help and support during this critical time.
This proposed program is designed to facilitate informal friendships between local families and first year JMU students. The program would match a member of the community with a student (or two) who have no family nearby and give them the opportunity to spend time together. The H.O.M.E. program would unite the JMU and Harrisonburg communities by building personal relationships.
As first-year freshmen settle into their new lifestyle, the H.O.M.E. program would make that transition easier by connecting eligible students with volunteer families. The Harrisonburg community would have an opportunity to learn about the challenges these students face as new college students and hopefully throughout their college experience as they step out on their own for the first time.
H.O.M.E. families would also have the opportunity to act as community guides, attend student performances and sporting events, provide a home cooked meal, help cope with homesickness, and serve as a liaison, if asked, for the students and their parents in times of need or celebration.
The team interviewed the top leadership at JMU, as well as students and community members. The general consensus was that the H.O.M.E. idea was a valid one, and would be a valuable addition to a student’s experience while at James Madison University. Additionally, this program would help to build stronger relationships between the university and the community.
Two other teams presented that day; one project focused on a program offering a fast fitness class for faculty and staff (but not for students), while the other project showcased a web-based portal to find information on local bus routes.
The JMU Success Series program is an invitation-only initiative; the 2011 class is the third group to go through the program. This year-long program, led by Jo Ann Jonker Vaught, Oxford University Scholar, Master Facilitator and Certified Organizational Consultant, is open to employees not currently serving in a formal leadership role, who have the potential to make significant future contributions to JMU.
The program consisted of five one-day workshops focused on the technical, relational, and navigational aspects of the JMU workplace. Significant areas explored included team building, communication, decision-making, negotiation skills, conflict resolution, leadership, strategic planning, and customer service.
Facilitator Vaught says, “The design of this program is to enhance skills, discover more about individual personalities, and broaden ways of thinking. James Madison University is investing in the participants – and the University, and ultimately, students will benefit from the exciting projects that have been created.”
Team member Kristen says, “The Success Series has been, without a doubt, the most challenging thing I have ever taken part in professionally. I do not consider myself a leader in most cases, and I hate conflict and will avoid it at all costs. This experience has pushed me outside of every boundary I have ever had. It has been challenging and time consuming, but it has been an amazing experience, one I would not trade for anything.”
Congratulations to the H.O.M.E. winning team, and to all participants for their hard work and effort!
December 6, 2011
JMU CoB Finance Department Showcased
Tom Schneider and Patricia Bellow, two recent quantitative finance graduates, presented papers they wrote during their QFIN seminars. Schneider and Bellow attended the Financial Management Association meeting, which took place on Oct. 20, with finance professors Jason and Kristin Fink, their former advisers.
Their papers appeared in The Journal of Undergraduate Financial Research, which publishes original work written by undergraduates. The accepted articles are usually the result of the highest quality senior or honors theses and come from all areas of finance, cases studies, and pedagogy.
The meeting featured the top three articles published in the June 2011 issue.
Schneider’s article was titled “The Impact of Firm Fundamentals on Idiosyncratic Volatility during the 2007-2009 Credit Crisis,” and Bellow’s was titled “Solow Growth Analysis: Further Analysis of the Model’s Progression through Time.”
Additionally, Jason and Pam Drake, the finance department head, were featured in a Dec. 6 Daily News-Record article on the JMU’s Center for Faculty Innovation’s Faculty Flashpoint Series on the Occupy movement, which was held Dec. 2. Dr. Elias Semaan, finance professor, was featured in a photo in aBreeze article covering the same meeting.
JMU’s COB 300, Fernando Pargas featured in Management Monthly newsletter
Both COB 300 and management professor Fernando Pargas are featured in the December 2011 edition ofManagement Monthly, the newsletter from McGraw-Hill Irwin.
The article outlines the intense nature of COB 300, but highlights the rewards that go along with completing the course.
The newsletter also includes an interview with Pargas about his career achievements and his new book “Stopping Big Business and Politics from Bleeding America—An Agenda for the New Generation.”
“This is quite an honor for JMU to be featured in this national newsletter,” says Dr. Scott Gallagher, management department head. “Our students know how rigorous COB 300 is; the newsletter is spreading the word about the importance of this integrated coursework. The feature story on Fernando Pargas and his work with other countries is a tribute to his dedication. Congratulations to him.”
The monthly newsletter, for instructors using one of six McGraw-Hill management textbooks, is intended to provide professors with up-to-date resources in the field.
December 3, 2011
Technology Use Brings Experts into Classrooms
Dr. Brooks Marshall’s financial analysis class recently met face-to-face with Mark Langer, Executive Vice President & CFO, Equity One, Inc. Although Mark was in Florida and the finance students were in Harrisonburg, Microsoft LYNC technology brought them together.
The finance students were challenged with deciding whether to buy or sell shares of Equity One, and then clearly justifying their decisions. Students went up to the “hot seat” one by one, and answered Mark’s probing questions on their decisions. This presented a wonderful opportunity for the finance students to interact with a top leader in the world of finance.
Mark, who is also a member of the CoB Executive Advisory Council, volunteers his time three times a year with separate issues for the students to consider. The first session gave students the chance to ask questions about Equity’s performance; during the second session, Mark gave an insider’s view on raising money in the capital markets through issuance of debt and equity.
Mark is a 1988 graduate of James Madison University and obtained his B.B.A. degree majoring in accounting. The students and faculty at the CoB greatly appreciate the donation of his time, talents, and expertise. Dr. Marshall notes, “Mark is very loyal to JMU and has a strong desire to help JMU students.”
Other CoB faculty are encouraged to consider using this type of technology in their classrooms. Dave Jones can set up all the technical requirements for LYNC. Since the IT department manages the LYNC server, it also helped to facilitate this classroom technology. Dr. Marshall says, “Substantial credit goes to Dave Jones for his work on getting the remote connection to work so well. The first two sessions had problems with volume and picture, but the third session was perfect.” Dave is eager to work with other faculty on using technology in the classroom.
December 1, 2011
JMU MSA Program Ranked #1 Nationally in CPA Exam Pass Rate
Congratulations to the James Madison University MSA program for its recent recognition as the number one university in the country in pass rate for the Certified Public Accounting exam. The CPA exam is a four-part test; the national pass rate for each part is approximately 50%.
According to the 2011 National Association of State Boards of Accountancy report, the 2010 edition ofCandidate Performance on the Uniform CPA Examination ranked JMU as the No. 1 school with the top overall pass rate for first-time candidates with an advanced degree. The report covers testing information collected for the 2010 calendar year and details examination candidate performance from nearly 2,000 colleges and universities.
Dr. Paul Copley, director of the JMU School of Accounting, says, “To rank higher than numerous Ivy League and Big Ten schools is quite a distinction for JMU. We were ranked number four in 2009, and 13 the year before. To move to number one in 2010 is a tribute to our faculty and students. The work ethic of our students, coupled with a strong curriculum, helped us achieve this honor.”
Dr. Nancy Nichols, director of the JMU Master of Science in Accounting, adds, “This a very significant accomplishment that showcases our masters in accounting program as one of the top programs in the country. Achievements like this one make you truly appreciate the magnitude of the students’ accomplishments.”
She goes on to say, “We are very proud of our students and this national recognition of the quality program that JMU offers. We have a rigorous program that challenges students, and, as a result, provides them with the skills needed in the profession. The CPA exam success is a byproduct of a strong program. Our employers have known for years that we graduate outstanding students and this ranking acknowledges that fact.”
When asked what distinguishes JMU’s accounting program from other programs, Copley explains, “One difference is the “boot camp” that JMU offers its students to help them prepare for the exam. The idea for the program goes back to my first year here, in 2004. I discovered that students didn’t really have a plan for preparing for the exam. It made sense to establish a study program for the 6 weeks following graduation in May. Since the exam is offered in July and August, the students would be well prepared to take it then.”
The boot camp is endorsed by Becker, the Illinois-based company that has been preparing students for the CPA exam for 50 years. JMU professors teach the material for four hours a day, four days a week – a drill-like environment that prepares them for the exam. The camp started in May 2005 with 45 students; today, more than 90 students take advantage of this opportunity.
Copley notes that “The boot camp only works if there is a strong foundation; that’s what our kids get through the undergraduate and master’s program; this just gives them the confidence to succeed.”
Nichols adds, “We have high quality students who work hard and a dedicated accounting faculty who provide them with an educational experience that gives them solid foundational knowledge and prepares them to succeed in the profession. Our students know that their first professional milestone is to pass the CPA exam. Their employers are impressed when they start to work with the CPA exam behind them and they can focus their energies on serving clients.”
Founded in 1908, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) has served as an association dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of the country’s 55 state boards of accountancy for more than 100 years. As a driving force within the accounting profession, NASBA accomplishes its mission by creating a forum for accounting regulators and practitioners to address issues relevant to the viability of the accounting profession. NASBA takes pride in offering its member boards a rich portfolio of products and services, all designed to effectively aid boards in their goal to protect the public.
November 29, 2011
College of Business to Hold Open House December 3
The faculty, staff, students, and administrators at CoB are diligently preparing events that will ensure an informative and enjoyable Academic Open House on Saturday, Dec. 3. The schedule of events is as follows:
9:00-9:45 OR 10:00-10:45 a.m.
College of Business Overview
Showker 105 and G5
10:00-10:45 OR 11:00-11:45 a.m.
Accounting
Showker 107
Computer Information Systems
Showker G2
Economics
Showker 102
Finance/Quantitative Finance
Showker 106
International Business
Showker 101
Management
Showker G7
Marketing
Showker G6
JMU Alumnus Doug Eldridge Visits Business Law Classes
Doug Eldridge, president of DLE Agency and 2000 CoB graduate, recently visited JMU to speak to two of Dr. Daphyne Thomas’s business law classes. He earned an integrated business and Spanish major, and then went on to George Mason University School of Law.
Doug’s agency, DLE Agency, is a full-service sports agency, based out of Washington, D.C. He started DLE with the vision and commitment of pairing boutique-quality client attention with the resources, relationships, and results typically found in older agencies. DLE currently has clients in six different sports spanning three continents. The agency includes an entertainment division, which represents sports anchors and sports writers.
Doug shared many of his experiences with the class, and related business law concepts to real world examples, focusing on topics such as breach of contract, consideration, and collective bargaining agreements.
He spoke at length about the “morality clause.” This is a component of a contract between an employee and an employer that basically says the employer can terminate a relationship with an employee if the employee’s words or actions shed a bad light on the company. Some examples he cited were Tiger Woods, Hank Williams, Jr., and Rashard Mendenhall, running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. These three lost valuable endorsement opportunities because of their rash actions or words. He noted, “Twitter is the undoing of many a great athlete.”
His advice included, “If you have thin skin, this is not the industry for you. It involves heavy travel, rejection, hard work.” In addition to working hard, Doug believes in public service and giving back and leading by example. In 2009, he participated in the “10-12-100” campaign. “I ran ten marathons in twelve months to raise $100,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project. I wanted to run for guys who can’t run for themselves,” he says.
Doug appreciates the help and advice that Dr. Thomas and Marsha Shenk, Academic Services Center, provided him during his time at JMU. He kept in contact with them over the years. “They influenced my education and me as a young man,” he says. “I loved it here as a student. I found my four years at JMU both challenging and irreplaceable.”
He is impressed with how the university has grown in national reputation and quality and depth of the students. His visit on Oct. 24 marked his first visit to a classroom since his own graduation, and the beginning of a partnership with CoB. He says, “I want to pay it forward, help young people. I want to start a regular internship program at DLE using JMU students.”
Doug’s advice to students is “be humble and be hungry – this is chess, not checkers. Every move has consequences. Be determined to learn everything; don’t be sensitive to criticism. Prove you’re capable, and trade short term losses for long term gains.”
He adds, “Anything is possible with a quality education. There is no limit to what you can do. There are no excuses – only open doors and opportunities.
November 18, 2011
JMU College of Business Diversity Council Food Drive Exceeds Expectations
Hundreds of families in the Shenandoah Valley will be even more thankful this year because of the generosity of JMU College of Business students. The students took the lead in the local Salvation Army Brent Berry Food Drive by donating 4,004 items to the drive, which wrapped up on Nov. 17. Last year’s total was 2,600; this year’s goal of 3,000 was exceeded by 1,000 items!
Items collected during the drive, which was sponsored by the CoB Diversity Council, included canned foods, boxed foods, and nonperishable items.
Food drive chairperson Dr. Chuck Baril says, “One of the goals of the diversity council is to encourage respect for everybody and their ideas. Embracing differences can be a source of real strength. We try to provide opportunities for our students to interact with and learn about people from different backgrounds. The food drive program was intended to help the community; in reality, helping the community has helped our students.”
All departments were represented, with sophomores, juniors, seniors and MSA students participating. A team of MSA students helped carry and load the food on to the truck, which was generously donated by Rodney Eagle, Eagle Carpeting.
Plans are already underway for next year’s drive, which will mark the 3rd time that the CoB Diversity Council and the CoB students will help support the Brent Berry Food Drive.
COB Professor Describes “Unholy Alliance” Between Business and Politics in New Book
According to Dr. Fernando Pargas, a management professor in the College of Business, the Occupy Wall Street protests that are currently taking place around the country symbolize a new agenda of an ethics-focused generation.
“Today’s college students are aware that they will soon be the managers of both our corporations and our politics, and they are worried about what part ethics will play,” Pargas says.
In his new book, “Stopping Big Business and Politics from Bleeding America: An Agenda for a New Generation,” Pargas says that educators need to stop pretending there isn’t a corrupt alliance between business and politics.
“We must teach our students how to run organizations that are free at last from the stench of deceit and greed,” Pargas says.
The money from one and the power of the other creates an unstoppable force, he says. Pargas believes supporting that force creates a propaganda machine that forces the malleable public to follow them in “hypnotic obedience.”
The book discusses topics that Pargas believes are often ignored or misunderstood by the general public. Some chapters include topics on the business of war, the oil monarchy, and the influence of lobbying.
Pargas is a former executive for Time Warner, Inc. and was a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce International Council in Washington, D.C.
“Stopping Big Business and Politics from Bleeding America: An Agenda for a New Generation” is currently available in a Kindle edition. A paperback edition is scheduled to be released in late November.
From a Beckham Publications Group, Inc. press release
JMU College of Business Opens Capital Markets Lab
Thanks to a generous donation from Enrico S. Gaglioti, JMU is now able to offer its students access to a state-of-the-art capital markets lab. This lab gives students real-world experience in trading financial securities. The lab was officially dedicated on Nov. 3, 2011.
Gaglioti, a 1994 CoB marketing graduate, wanted to leave a legacy that would affect many students over the years. He wants the lab to be open to any student who is interested, not just finance majors. Finance department head Dr. Pamela Drake notes, “We offer training to both students and faculty who want to use the lab. The lab is used as a classroom and a resource.”
Members of the Madison Investment Fund use the lab to help refine their investment choices. The MIF manages about $100,000 in university foundation funds.
Other students use this lab in their research projects, as do groups competing in local and national investment competitions.
The lab, which is located in room 109 of Zane Showker Hall, includes 12 Bloomberg terminals. Renovations to the room began on Monday, May 9, 2011. JMU computer gurus Dave Jones and Ernest Mougoue worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was up and running in time for the fall 2011 semester to begin.
In addition to the Bloomberg terminals, the lab is equipped with a stock ticker and flat-screen monitors tuned into national news and financial broadcasts. The Bloomberg terminals offer a tremendous advantage for CoB students, as Bloomberg terminals are the equipment of choice in major financial organizations. CoB students can now enter the job market with hands-on, real-world analytical experience with Bloomberg terminals.
Students can access the same real-time financial data and information technology used on Wall Street today. They can conduct research for assignments, term papers, theses and independent studies. Students who successfully complete four core exams, plus one market sector exam, earn a “Bloomberg Essentials” certification, which they can include on their resumes. Faculty can use the lab for research in various areas such as financial risk management and financial modeling.
The lab has been designed for classroom, laboratory and open use, and consists of:
- Twenty-four dual-monitored computer stations, plus an instructor station, 12 of which are Bloomberg stations.
- William O’Neil & Co. institutional data research tool, 24 licenses.
- RISE 4-panel Video Wall (touchscreen), capable of displaying four screens of market data.
- Two 50” flat panel displays with cable news feeds.
- Ticker in the lobby of Showker, above the entrance to the lab.
Classes typically held in the lab include:
- Principles of Investments (FIN371); required of all finance and quantitative finance majors, as well as economics majors with a financial economics concentration.
- Advanced Investments (FIN471), Financial Modeling (FIN475), Derivatives (FIN380), Intro and Advanced Financial Risk Management (FIN450 and FIN451) as well as all QFIN seminars.
- Spreadsheet Skills in Finance (new FIN302) sections, which use the databases unique to the Trading Lab.
Enrico Gaglioti
In addition to funding the capital markets lab, Gaglioti has supported the JMU College of Business in numerous ways over the years: CyberCity, an endowed fellowship in the finance department; Wall Street Study Tour for Seniors, CoB’s annual fund; the Interpersonal Effectiveness Institute; and the soccer program. Gaglioti is very interested in supporting curriculum development through a variety of means. He joined CoB’s Executive Advisory Council in 2007 and is on the U.S. Soccer Foundation Board of Directors.
Gaglioti is the head of Equity Sales and co-head of Equities in North America at Goldman Sachs. He serves on the firm-wide suitability committee, Securities Division Operating Committee and the Securities Division Business Practices Committee. Gaglioti joined Goldman Sachs in 1998 and was named managing director in 2001 and partner in 2002
Students had the opportunity to learn about several different business majors during two student-to-student programs on November 2 and 3. Members of the Student Advisory Council organized the event, which included a panel discussion in which panelists discussed their majors and career opportunities.
The audience learned more about economics, accounting, computer information systems, finance, quantitative finance, marketing, international business, and management. After the formal panel discussion, the panelists met with students individually to answer their specific questions.
Many of the students in the audience said they were glad they attended. They appreciated the opportunity to learn more about specific majors and to better understand the types of careers and jobs suited to those majors.
Plans are in the works for additional student-to-student events in the spring of 2012.
November 5, 2011
Inaugural Student Diversity Council Case Study Competition Winners Announced
The inaugural Student Diversity Council Case Study Competition was held on Saturday, November 5, 2011. Amy Hui, Lauren Danker and Lisa Huynh of Team 4 took home first place and $1,000. Nick Casassa, Colleen Neary, and Colin Halligan of Team 10 placed second and won $600. Michelle Agtuca, Stella Kim and Katrina Aducci of Team 5 placed third and won $150. Jennifer Pierz, Kevin Zajack and Chris Choi of Team 8 placed fourth and won a gift bag. Thank you to the sponsors, KPMG and Deloitte Consulting, and to KPMG, Capital One, Johnson Lambert & Co, Ernst & Young, IBM, and Dr. Daphyne Thomas for judging the competition.
November 4, 2011
The CoB Executive Advisory Council met November 3 and 4 at JMU. Dr. Robert Reid presented a CoB update, and Dr. Bud Clarke shared the CoB strategic plan and transition plan. The EAC committees met Friday morning to review goals and objectives, and to work on action items. The next meeting of the EAC will be in the spring of 2012. The group welcomed the following new members:
- Sandy Berry, Chairman, Research & Development, Inc.
- Jarl Bliss, Vice President & Parnter, Lincoln Property Company
- Kimberly Bram, General Counsel, Southern State Cooperative
- Courtney Bromley, Vice President, Homeland Security Department
- Michael A. Brown, Executive Director, Morgan Stanley
- Kathryn Byrne, Partner, International Services, M.R. Weiser & Co. LLP
- Jeff Carlton, Senior Vice President, Investments, USB Financial Services
- Linda Crawford, Vice President, Salesforce.com
- Lisa Giesler, Chief Operations Officer, Hill & Knowlton, Inc.
- Eric Major, President, K2M
- Jennifer Morgan, Vice President, Federal Civilian SAP Public Services
November 4, 2011
DeLoitte Employees Volunteer for Case Judging Competition
Four employees from DeLoitte Consulting volunteered their time and talents on November 4 to judge a student case competition for the Management of Technology and Innovation class (MGT 420). Management professor Fariss Mousa says, “I would like to thank Mr. Roberto Andrade, Ms. Kelly Doney, Mr. Ussama Baggili, and Jorge Parejas for their help in judging the competition. It was a great learning experience for the students.” Two sections competed to do a case analysis of Microsoft. Eight teams presented their findings and recommendations to the judges.
Each team took a look at Microsoft, and shared recommendations on how to improve the company’s bottom line. Some solutions included developing methods for employees to more freely share their innovative ideas, improving communication and collaboration internally, and recommending a change in the top management team so a new visionary team could turn the company around.
Judge Mr. Andrade says, “I thought serving as a judge was a great opportunity. It’s the first time I’ve participated. It’s a great way to connect, and to give students an idea of the real world.”
Congratulations to the winning team of Brian Kuchera, Bennett Hulbert and Zachary Hally!
October 28, 2011
Booz Allen Hamilton, JMU form Partnership
Over the years, many companies have worked closely with the faculty in the College of Business at James Madison University by establishing mentorship and internship opportunities for business students.
Thanks to the efforts of recent JMU alums and faculty members in the CIS department, Booz Allen Hamilton has recently joined the ranks of companies partnering with CoB. For more than 97 years, Booz Allen Hamilton has been providing consulting services to government agencies, corporations, institutions and nonprofit organizations throughout the world.
Osama Malik and Carl Hurlebaus, both JMU graduates and employees of Booz Allen Hamilton, recently traveled to Harrisonburg to visit students in the CIS department. Malik and other Booz Allen Hamilton employees have been building a relationship with the CIS department for the past five semesters. The main purpose of the recent visit was to speak to a few CIS classes (Dr. Jeffrey May’s CoB 204 and CIS 454 courses) and to strengthen the newly created Booz Allen Hamilton/JMU mentorship program that was created during the Spring 2011 semester
In the classroom, the speakers focused on the importance of developing soft skills, such as interviewing and networking, as well as helping to shed light on the real world relevance of course material. In addition to technical competence, Malik and Hurlebaus reminded May’s students that the keys to success in the marketplace include the ability to work in a team, demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, and possess superior interpersonal communication, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Outside the classroom, a new program was created that allows selected students to connect with mentors from Booz Allen Hamilton. This semester, 20 students were chosen to participate in this program. Along with providing real world professional advice, the mentors spend time helping their students with resume building, developing a professional elevator pitch and interviewing skills. As a result of this program, new internship opportunities have emerged for JMU students, and four students were hired as full-time employees of Booz Allen Hamilton last semester.
Malik and Hurlebaus wanted to reach out to their alma mater and help current students. They understand the importance of relationship building, and Booz Allen Hamilton certainly appreciates the skills and abilities that JMU alums bring to the table.
As mentioned by Malik and Hurlebaus, Booz Allen Hamilton uses the following attributes as a tool for hiring:
- Emotional intelligence skills
- Interpersonal communications skills
- Problem solving skills
- Decision making and judgment skills
- Team skills
- Learning agility
Knowledge of and use of these skills are what set CoB graduates apart from other business school graduates and are key decision factors that lead to companies such as Booz Allen Hamilton hiring JMU graduates.
October 27, 2011
JMU College of Business Diversity Council to Hold Food Drive
The CoB's Diversity Council is again sponsoring a food drive to support the Brent Berry Food Drive’s effort to feed needy families in our community. Last year, the council donated over 2,500 items for the drive, including canned vegetables, stuffing, desserts and other items that would supplement a turkey dinner, as well as nonperishable items.
The CoB Diversity Council is asking students to help reach this year's goal of 3,000 items to be donated to the local Salvation Army. CoB faculty and student organizations will lead the effort. Thursday, Nov. 17 is the deadline. Specific items that are needed include the following:
- Peanut Butter
- Canned fruits/Vegetables
- Soup
- Pasta/Rice/Beans
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Macaroni & cheese
- Dry/Powdered milk/Evaporated milk
- Healthy snack items
- Diapers/baby wipes
- Soap/sanitizer
- Toilet paper/paper towels
- Toothbrushes/toothpaste
While 12-year-old Brent Berry was growing up, he always saw his dad, Bucky Berry, helping the Salvation Army. Whether it was ringing the bell at Christmas time or gathering food and other items for the shelter, Bucky was always there to help out. Because of what Brent saw and because he wanted to be like his dad, Brent decided to help the Salvation Army too. That's how the Brent Berry Food Drive began.
Plans are in the works for a Salvation Army truck to come to Showker Hall on Thursday, Nov. 17, to pick up the items our students donate. Both Brent and Bucky Berry plan to be there that day to meet and thank the donors.
The drive officially starts on Friday morning, Nov. 18, at 9 a.m. Food drive chairperson Dr. Chuck Baril says, "We're pleased to set a tone of success for the food drive by making an early donation. We applaud Brent Berry for his initiative in starting this food drive and reaching out to help our local community."
October 19, 2011
Scholarship recipients, donors, and Beta Gamma Sigma inductees were honored on Oct. 19 at the College of Business Awards Gala dinner, held at the Festival on the JMU campus. Dr. Robert Reid welcomed the attendees and recognized the many scholarship recipients and the generous donors who made the scholarships possible. Earlier in the day, 56 students were inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for AACSB accredited business programs. These students were also recognized at the banquet.
Faculty members who have received private support in the form of professorships and fellowships, as well as research and teaching support, were also honored during the banquet.
Dave Sanderson, a JMU alum, was the featured speaker. Sanderson was a passenger on the US Airways flight that made an emergency landing on the Hudson River in NYC in January 2009. He shared his story of the amazing rescue of 144 people that frigid winter day.
Sanderson was originally scheduled to go home to Charlotte, NC, on a later flight that day. He finished his business trip early, and changed his flight to the ill-fated #1549. Although many would consider that Sanderson was in the wrong place at the wrong time, he felt that he was exactly where he needed to be. He was the last person on the plane – he wanted to ensure that everyone else was safe and off the plane before he left.
Sanderson recalled, “My mother always taught me to do the right thing, and the right thing to do is take care of other people first.” He emphasized the importance of being a leader, and taking charge when circumstances call for it. He also encouraged the audience to give back in whatever way they could. The audience thanked Sanderson for his remarks with a rousing standing ovation.
October 19, 2011
Students Inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society
On Oct. 19, 2011, 56 students from James Madison University’s College of Business were recently inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma.
Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for AACSB accredited business programs, encourages and honors academic achievement in the study of business, and personal and professional excellence in the practice of business.
Potential members are invited based on their high scholastic achievement in business subjects. To be eligible for membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the academic ranking of those being considered must place them in the upper 10 percent of the junior or senior class and upper 20 percent of the graduating master’s class.
Some notable members include the following:
Chairman and CEO, BB&T
VP and CFO, Nike
EVP, Intel
EVP and CFO, Delta Airlines
President and CEO, Cisco Systems
Vice Chairman and EVP, Marriott International
SVP of Human Resources, amazon.com
Former chair of the Federal Reserve
Beta Gamma Sigma was founded as a national organization in 1913. Today the society has more than 325 chapters at some of the best business schools across the country. While almost 300,000 students receive baccalaureate or master’s degrees in business each year, only about 16,000 students are elected to membership in Beta Gamma Sigma.
Congratulations to the following students who were inducted:
Eryn Leigh Berquist, daughter of Rita and Bruce Berquist of Greensburg, Pa., will graduate in December 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Economics.
Emily Bowman, daughter of Wayne and Amanda Bowman of Walkersville, Md., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.
Benjamin Richard Bullock, son of James and Denise Bullock of Mechanicsville, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Management.
Christina Capaldo, daughter of Connie and John Capaldo of Bridgeport, Pa., will graduate in May 2012 with Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business and Spanish.
Stephanie Capasso, daughter of Thomas and Susan Capasso of Mt. Sinai, N.Y., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.
Quinn Courtney, son of Janet and Bernard Courtney of Winchester, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Elizabeth Dunbar, daughter of Slater and Craig Dunbar of Richmond, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Katie Duquette, daughter of Robert and Kathie Duquette of Wyomissing, Pa., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Jason Russell Erickson, son of Tom and Brenda Erickson of Woodstock, Va., will graduate in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems.
Stephen Matthew Eure, son of Laura Eure of Richmond, Va., will graduate in December 2011 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Sean Flynn, Sandy Hook, Ct., will graduate with an MBA in Information Security.
Andrew Frank, son of Alan and Margeaux Frank of Annandale, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.
Christopher Gautieri, Pleasantville, NY, will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Brad Gerner, Colonial Heights, Va., son of Myra Gerner of Fayettesville, N.C., and Bret Gerner of Lawton, Okla., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Amy Reavis Giulioni, daughter of Bert and Carol Reavis of Virginia Beach, Va., will graduate in December 2011 with an MBA degree in Information Security. She received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University in 2002.
Brian Gray, Alexandria, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems.
Sarah Groves, Sterling, Va., daughter of Joseph Groves of McLean, Va., and Julia Groves of Arlington, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business and Computer Information Systems.
Katie Hall, daughter of Reed and Anne Hall, Colonial Beach, Va., will graduate in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management.
Jack Hareza, son of Joe and Suzy Hareza of McMurray, Pa., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting/Finance.
Ryan Heyrana, Fairfax Station, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.
Amanda Gayle Hughes, Weyers Cave, Va., will graduate in August 2012 with an MBA degree in Information Security. She earned her undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary in December 2000.
Jennifer Susan Jahn, daughter of Warren and Linda Jahn of Westport, Ct., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.
Matthew Jones, Fairfax, Va., will graduate with an MBA in Information Security.
Andrew William Kirk, son of Alan and Susanne Kirk of Harrisonburg, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Economics.
Rachel Lynn Krause, daughter of Scott and Pam Krause of Carrollton, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing.
Rachel Elizabeth Lewis, daughter of Ben and Laura Lewis of Richmond, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management and Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Li-Cheng Liu, daughter of Cheng-His and Ku-Ping Liu of Centreville, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.
Chloe Wrae Lockard, daughter of Charles and Susan Lockard of Roanoke, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems.
Omar Ryan Mayassi, son of Ali and Randa Mayassi of Annandale, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems.
Michelle McCorkindale, daughter of Cary and Birgit McCorkindale of Virginia Beach, Va., will graduate in December 2011 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems.
Luke Turner Mitchell, daughter of David and Eileen Mitchell of Warrington, Pa., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Ranna Mohajer, daughter of Nellie and Shar Mohajer of Ashburn, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing.
Patrick Craig Moore, son of P. Craig and Kimberly S. Moore of Poquoson, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
William Murphy, son of Kim and Rick Breitwieser, Tucson, Az., graduated in December 2010 with an MBA in Information Security.
Michael Thomas Nicolett, son of Tom and Lisa Nicolett of Monroe, Ct., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. He plans to continue on to earn his Master of Science in Accounting in May 2014.
Nicholas Papageorge, son of John and Ginger Papageorge of Fairfax Station, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantitative Finance and Math.
Paul Parker, Norfolk, Va., son of Wendy Parker of Algonac, Mich., and John Parker of Wadsworth, Ohio, will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management.
Eric Pasztor, son of Michael and Barbara Pasztor of Ashburn, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. He plans to continue on to earn his Master of Science in Accounting in May 2014.
Laura Ann Price, daughter of Brian and Karen Price of Manassas Park, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.
Richard Warren Reese, son of Sheridan and Rick Reese of Richmond, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business and Spanish.
Juan Manuel Restrepo, son of Hernan Restrepo and Patricia Isaza of Richmond, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Taylor Rodriguez, Rockville, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Aaron Rogers, son of Donna and Luis Araya of Fairfax, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Matthew Schoner, son of Art Schoner and Robin Lewis-Schoner of Virginia Beach, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.
Taylor Selby, daughter of Julie Selby of Ijamsville, Md., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.
Marina Shimanski, daughter of Alexandr Shimanski of Dayton, Va., and Yekaterina Kapuza of Harrisonburg, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Management.
Heather Ariel Terk, daughter of Elyse and Steve Terk of Bridgewater, N.J., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing.
Delaney Constance Tomczak, daughter of Kay and Jeff Tomczak of Dumfries, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business Management.
Mark Trimakas, son of Ed and Debbie Trimakas of Centreville, Va., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.
Joanna Minee Tu, daughter of Dar-Wei and Lynn Tu of Fulton, Md., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business.
Alexis Grace Vlasho, daughter of Vince and Jerri Vlasho of Alexandria, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business and French.
Kayla Danielle Waller, daughter of Kim Greene of Christiansburg, Va., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing.
Gilbert John Welsford, Jr., son of Gil and Chris Welsford of Chester Springs, Pa., will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management.
Ryan James Whittaker, son of Jim and Colleen Whittaker of Manahawkin, N.J., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting.
Yanan Wu, daughter of Aiping Dong, Qingdao, China, will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and Finance.
Kelly Marie Yost, daughter of Mary and John Yost of Eldersburg, Md., will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems.
October 14, 2011
Dr. Andre Neveu Selected for Honors Faculty Fellows Program
Congratulations to Dr. Andre Neveu, assistant professor of economics, who was recently selected for the Honors Faculty Fellows Program. The deans of each of JMU’s six undergraduate colleges have selected a faculty member who will serve as an Honors Faculty Fellow for a term of two or three years. These Fellows will engage with honors students, staff, parents, and alumni through a wide range of activities inside and outside of the classroom. They will also play a major role in shaping the future direction of the Honors Program. The Honors Program emphasizes the value of faculty engagement in enhancing the honors community and experience.
Dr. Neveu received his Ph.D. in economics from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Prior to joining the faculty at James Madison University, Neveu taught courses in economics at Skidmore College, Brooklyn College, Baruch College, and the City College of New York. Neveu’s current research examines heterogeneous agent-based models of the macroeconomy and economic business cycles. Additionally, Neveu is involved in research studying a variety of issues including tax policy, exchange rate forecasts, and income dynamics. Neveu has also published work on local earned income tax credits, the inefficiencies in the living wage, and the macroeconomic impacts of early childhood education.
October 11, 2011
Albert Meyer Shares His Philosophy on Business Ethics
“Never has so much been stolen from so many by so few.” So said Albert Meyer as he paraphrased Winston Churchill’s famous quote to describe unethical executive compensation practices which continue to this day. Meyer shared his experiences with students and faculty during an Oct. 10 business ethics presentation at the CoB.
Well known as a fraud watchdog, Meyer was lauded for blowing the whistle in 1995 on the Foundation for New Era Philanthropy and its fraudster John Bennett. Bennett was indicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison for his criminal activity.
He also questioned the practices at Enron and Tyco before they were exposed.
With New Era Philanthropy, Meyer noted that he discovered irregularities during routine financial statement analyses. He advised the audience to look at each item, and determine whether it makes sense. “Always be skeptical,” he said.
He also suggested that the creation of stock options helped cause the fall of Enron and Tyco, and the practice continues to dilute investor wealth even today.
When asked why he exposed these fraudulent businesses, he says, “I was driven by professional ethics. I felt I had a duty to the community to express my concerns.”
Meyer's talks were sponsored by the College of Business, the Gilliam Center for Ethical Business Leadership, Beta Alpha Psi, and the Department of Finance and Business Law.
October 10, 2011
Paul Holland’s “Something Ventured” Featured at Jefferson Innovation Summit
During the recent Jefferson Innovation Summit in Charlottesville, the documentary “Something Ventured” was shown to kick off discussions by local entrepreneurs. Produced by EAC member Paul Holland, the film explores the rise of the venture capital industry in the 1960s and 1970s.
Holland pre-premiered the film for EAC and select CoB classes in 2010. The film officially premiered at the South by Southwest festival in March, 2010. The film's official subtitle is “Risk, Reward and the Original Venture Capitalists;” it features several venture capitalists who helped fund Atari, Intel, Cisco System, Genentech, Apple and others.
October 7, 2011
Madison Investment Fund Takes First Place in Inaugural Bulletin Board Competition
Congratulations to the Madison Investment Fund for winning first place in the first-ever College of Business Student Organization Bulletin Board Competition. The winners were awarded ribbons and cash prizes of $750, $500, and $250.
The International Business Club came in second, while the Student Diversity Council and the Association for Information Technology Professionals tied for third place.
The contest was intended to help student organizations gain more visibility, as well as provide the opportunity to earn some funds for the groups. It was judged on the following criteria: creativity, incorporation of theme of professional development, and marketing appeal.
Congratulations to the winners, and many thanks to all participating organizations!
October 7, 2011
Paul Copley and Brad Roof Named to Virginia Business Magazine “Super CPAs”
Congratulations to Paul Copley, Director, School of Accounting, and Brad Roof, Professor, School of Accounting. They have been named to the 2011 Virginia Business Magazine Super CPAs.
This is an annual list compiled by the magazine and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA). Virginia Business partners with the VSCPA each year to highlight Virginia’s top CPAs for their contributions to the profession. Super CPAs are recognized for outstanding professional activity in firms, companies, nonprofits, government, and higher education and are nominated by their peers for this recognition.
Congratulations, Paul and Brad!
October 3, 2011
Bonnie Berry is National Elementary Teacher of the Year for GATE
Bonnie Berry, who teaches kindergarten at Ottobine Elementary School, is this year’s elementary Teacher of the Year for GATE, the Global Association of Teachers of Economics.
Berry, a frequent winner of local and state competition, was nominated for the award by Lynne F. Stover of the JMU Center for Economic Education. “Bonnie has always done a great job of helping her kindergarteners understand economic principles,” Stover said. “I thought she would be a strong candidate for the GATE award.”
Berry is a former Virginia Economic Educator of the Year, and was nominated by JMU for that award as a representative of the James Madison University Center for Economic Education's service area. She is also a multiple-year award winner in the local competition coordinated for the Harrisonburg Rotary Club and Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce by the JMU Center. Berry was recognized for her achievement at a Rotary Club meeting on Oct. 3 in Harrisonburg.
Berry will also be recognized in Chicago at the October meeting of GATE, during the annual joint meeting of GATE, the Council for Economic Education and the National Association of Economic Educators.
Berry’s previous prize-winning work included lesson plans and entire economics units that combined in-class instruction, classroom enterprises, and culminating field trips.
“Bonnie’s work has shown us how much children can learn about the economic world they live in, even at a very early age,” said Stephanne Byrd, board chair of Shenandoah Valley Economic Education Inc. SVEE provides funding for a comprehensive economic education program locally.
Laura Evy, Berry’s principal at Ottobine, said her work continues to be “cutting edge” after 43 years of teaching experience. “Having children experience ‘real life’ learning, even as kindergartners, is one of Mrs. Berry’s daily goals,” Evy said. “Using economics to achieve this goal is evident throughout the year as the students are taken out of the school building classroom and thrust into the real world of economic resources.”
September 30, 2011
JMU Alum Rich Masterson Presents Ethics Seminar
Serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist Rich Masterson gave a talk entitled, "The Billion Dollar Moment of Truth: A Leadership Lesson in Walking the Talk.” He described the challenges and opportunities of an entrepreneurial life and the importance of maintaining an ethical compass on his journey from JMU to creating and attempting to sell a billion dollar company.
He is Chairman of Campaign Grid, an online political advertising platform and an investor in real estate and private equity through Masterson.com, a holding company. In honor of their father, Rich and his sister Beth (Masterson) Beahm endowed a JMU College of Business scholarship for the Thomas J. Masterson Ethics Essay Competition. Rich was an engaging and thought-provoking speaker.
ICPM Awards CM Facilitator of the Year to JMU Professor Mike Yankey, CM
There was no lack of recognition-worthy accomplishments when the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) issued its call for 2011 Certified Manager (CM) Award nominees. The CM awards recognize excellence in professional development, leadership, CM program instruction and facilitation, ethics/social responsibility, and board contribution. Award nominations are made by Certified Managers, CM instructors, ICPM Regents, colleagues, and senior managers. For 2011, the high quality of award nominees made the selection process especially challenging.
Among award recipients was Professor Mike Yankey, CM, a strategic management and marketing instructor for the College of Business. In 2011, Mike assumed leadership of the JMU CM certification program where he successfully mentored six top management students to achieve CM certification. “Professor Yankey showed a great desire and interest in helping our student cohort to succeed in the CM program.“ Mike was recognized for modeling the attributes of a professional manager in his leadership of the student CM program. Mike formerly served in the US Army where he worked in telecommunications. He is a James Madison University alumnus, having earned both a BBA in Management and an MBA. Mike obtained CM certification in December 2010.
Lynn Powell was recently named executive director of the Institute of Certified Professional Managers. She has worked as director for ICPM for several years. Congratulations, Lynn!
ICPM is a trusted partner in management development and certification. Recognized worldwide for its Certified Manager® (CM®) certification, ICPM draws on over 36 years of experience to validate essential skills that are needed to lead and manage effectively in the workplace and achieve organizational goals.
Joyce Krech has been named executive director for the Small Business Development Center at JMU. She most recently served as director/certified business analyst for the center. Congratulations, Joyce!
The SBDC helps with the startup, management, and growth of businesses in the area.
September 23, 2011
Eta Delta Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi Named 2011 Diversity Initiative Award Winner
Congratulations to the Eta Delta chapter of Beta Alpha Psi for winning the 2011 Diversity Initiative Award Competition. The award, sponsored by Ernst & Young LLP, includes a recognition plaque and $2,000. The competition consisted of developing and implementing a strategy to impact overall diversity at the chapter level and the school of business.
Kudos to Professor Sandra Cereola and the Eta Delta chapter for their hard work on this initiative. Last year, the chapter advanced to the semi-finals of the competition.
September 20, 2011
College of Business to Hold Open House September 24
The faculty, staff, students, and administrators at CoB are diligently preparing events that will ensure an informative and enjoyable Academic Open House on Saturday, Sept. 24. The schedule of events is as follows:
9:00-9:45 OR 10:00-10:45 a.m.
College of Business Overview
Showker 105 and G5
10:00-10:45 OR 11:00-11:45 a.m.
Accounting
Showker 107
Computer Information Systems
Showker G2
Economics
Showker 102
Finance/Quantitative Finance
Showker 106
International Business
Showker 101
Management
Showker G7
Marketing
Showker G6
August 26, 2011
College of Business Names Award Winners
The JMU College of Business announced award winners during the CoB faculty luncheon on Aug. 26.
Congratulations to the following faculty and staff who were recognized by their peers for outstanding work:
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Paula Daly - COB/CISR Faculty Team - Community Service Award
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Cary Cole - Kenneth Bartee Teaching Innovation Award
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Dr. Jason Fink and Dr. Kristin Fink - Best Academic Publications
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Dr. Kyle Huggins - Best Practioner Publication
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David Jones - Staff Service Award (GA Ernest Mougoue was also recognized along with David for his help in getting the Capital Markets Lab up and running.)
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Dr. Susan Kruck, Accenture Professional Service Award
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Dr. Diane Lending - Best Education Publication
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Dr. S. Brooks Marshall - MBA Graduate Teaching Award
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Dr. Elias Semaan - Distinguished Teacher Award
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Dr. Elias Semann - Dr. Otto Brenner Award
August 22, 2011
College of Business Announces Changes in Administration
College of Business Dean Dr. Robert Reid recently announced that he is taking a two-year leave of absence from his duties as dean. During this period, Dr. Reid will direct the new JMU Center for Interpersonal Effectiveness. Watch for more news on this innovative new outreach effort.
Stepping in as interim dean is Dr. Irvine “Bud” Clark III, associate dean, academic programs. Dr. Rick Mathieu, academic unit head for Computer Information Systems & Management Science will take over as associate dean for academic programs for the interim period.
June 8, 2011
Ernst & Young/Beta Alpha Psi Diversity Award
The Eta Delta chapter's submission for the Ernst & Young/Beta Alpha Psi Diversity Award has been selected to receive a $2000.00 award. In addition to the monetary award, James Madison University’s Eta Delta chapter has been invited to participate in a panel presentation at this year's Beta Alpha Psi Annual Meeting in Denver. This panel presentation will highlight the work done by the five chapters recognized as winners of this year's award. Congratulations on this achievement!
May 1, 2011
Jared Anderson Named JMU's and CoB's 2011 Valedictorian
Jared Anderson, the 2011 James Madison University Valedictorian and College of Business Valedictorian, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in economics, a Bachelor of Arts in political science, and a minor in mathematics. He has received a number of scholarships and awards from both the Economics Department and the Political Science Department for his achievements.
Outside of the classroom, Jared has been a member of JMU's nationally-ranked Club Baseball team for four years and was selected for the all-region team during the 2010 spring season. In his spare time, Jared enjoys reading, exercising, and making jokes.
He is from Burke, Virginia, and is the son of Diane and George Anderson. His sister, Sara, is currently a sophomore at JMU. After graduating, he will be working for Accenture's Management Consulting division in its Reston office while he sorts out plans for graduate school.
Apr. 19, 2011
Madison Consulting Dedicates Over 400 Hours of Service to the Community
As a volunteer experience, Madison Consulting invested over 100 hours per team member, solving pressing business problems as requested by the clients. Madison Consulting is a team of four outstanding College of Business majors with an interest in consulting work--Amanda Nemec, Marketing; Brad Gerner, Accounting & Finance; Tommy Cumberland, Marketing; and Jeannie Nyguen, Finance--formed the Madison Consulting Team for 2010-2011.
Rockingham Memorial Hospital served as the first client for this inaugural program. The students were asked by JMU alum, Sherry Gohdes, RMH Director of Accounting, to review RMH’s purchase order process and to analyze and make recommendations to improve utilization of the system. The report and presentation of the findings were made by Madison Consulting in March, 2011.
Currently the team is parterned with Paul Holland of Foundation Capital and Molly Davis of Rainmaker Communications, to identify social media outlets for “Something Ventured,” a film about the history of venture capital. They will complete the five-week project in April 2011.
Madison Consulting creates a learning opportunity for juniors and seniors to experience and practice consulting, to explore consulting as a possible career, and to polish their project management, analytical, and communication skills. The Madison Consulting Faculty Advisory, an eight-member faculty panel, is now recruiting four to six new student members and two projects for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Apr. 18, 2011
Openair Apiary Plan Gets First Place in COB300 Business Plan Competition
The business plan, Openair Apiary, took this year's title of first place and the top prize and scholarships for the team members who presented their plan at the James Madison University College of Business 9th Annual Business Plan Competition. Each spring, finalist teams compete for the honor of having their plan judged as the top plan.
Five teams presented plans for start-up businesses on Saturday, April 9, 2011. They covered operations, marketing and financial strategies included in their plans that they believe would give their companies a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The five finalist teams received $25,000 in scholarships, provided by the College of Business Executive Advisory Council and friends of the college.
The annual competition includes student business plans from spring, summer and fall semesters of the previous years. All student business plans included in the competition were created as part of a 12-credit integrated course within the business college that helps students learn how the various parts of business work together.
The teams and their business plans from this year's competition are listed below in order of their ranking:
-1st Place - Openair Apiary - Alexa Charlip, Luis Genao, Sam Hawkins, Vivian Ho, Hayley Kinnally & Marina Shimanski
-2nd Place - Veglatin - Tom Pollock, Lauran Shafer, Bhavik Shah, Alex Soltis & Gregory Weinapple
-3rd Place - Go20 - Brittany Hott, Grant Morgan, & Emily Parker
-4th Place-ChickenTopia - Shannon Kramer, Anna Lindstrom, Han Nguyen, Rebecca Rust, Philip VanExter & Emily Wener
-5th Place - Just Organic - Stephanie Birkett, Mollie Brooks, Alec Calcutt, Anthony DiVona, Lisa Muoio & Noble Othi
Apr. 11, 2011Madison Investment Fund Receives Recognition as a Top Student-Managed Fund Internationally
James Madison University's Madison Investment Fund (MIF), a student-led investment fund that serves as a money manager to the JMU Foundation, has been internationally recognized as the second best student-managed investment fund in the equity value investment style category.
Last week the MIF competed in a portfolio competition at the R.I.S.E. XI Forum sponsored by the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, where they were matched up against other student-managed investment funds from around the globe. The MIF underperformed the winning fund by just 0.93% on a risk-adjusted basis according to records released from the Forum.
MIF President, Justin Quaglia, a senior Finance and Economics double major said "Our success cannot be attributed to any single party, but rather it stems from the passion of our members, the invaluable support and advice from our alumni and faculty, the focus of our advisor, the discipline of the administration, and the respect of the James Madison University Foundation. These efforts not only allowed us to achieve strong investment returns, but they helped us build strong leaders for the future."
While most schools have their investment funds as part of their capstone finance course, the MIF is a real world asset management organization that operates year round, even during the summer months when the students are on break. Quaglia pointed out that "The most frequently asked questions we received at the competition this year were 'What class is this for?' and 'Do you get credit for this?'." "Our team does this because they are passionate about it and want to learn more about investing - we don't do it for credit, " says Quaglia.
The MIF experience is more than just learning how to invest. "Other funds focus solely on their performance," Quaglia said, "what sets us apart is our focus on our fiduciary duty to the JMU Foundation as well as our push for educational enhancement, professional development, and citizenship. This is what I truly believe makes us better than any student-managed fund out there."
This is the MIF's second time receiving international recognition. In 2004, the MIF was the top performing equity value student fund manager.
The MIF recruits once a year during the fall semester and is open to all majors.
Mar. 23, 2011
New Major Entrepreneurial Fellowship
Eric Major (’91), President and CEO of K2M in Leesburg, Va and his wife, Lara Parker (’92) Major have recently established the Major Entrepreneurial Fellowship in CoB. Available to tenure track faculty in any department, Eric wished to highlight that every department contributes to the ability of students to think and work entrepreneurially. The Majors are also establishing a fellowship in the College of Education as well.
Mar. 13, 2011
EAC Member, Paul Holland, Interviewed in The New York Times
James Madison University, College of Business Executive Advisory Council member, Paul Holland, was interviewed in the New York Times article "A Film About Capitalism, and (Surprise) It’s a Love Story". Holland, the executive producer of "Something Ventured" and general partner with Foundation Capital, discusses how he reveals his motivation to create a film about American start-ups. The story gives a glimpse behind the drive and heart behind visionary entrepreneurs, “these are very pointed stories about American companies that actually build things” said Holland.
The College of Business Executive Advisory Council was formed in 1985 to enhance the liaison between the JMU College of Business and the business community. The Council provides advice to the dean and faculty and assists the college in advancing its overall commitment to excellence.
Feb. 11, 2011
The Center for Entrepreneurship Kicks Off 2011 JMU Challenge!
The Center for Entrepreneurship invites James Madison University (JMU) students to create sustainable solutions for the JMU campus to reduce, reuse, recycle, repair and restore. The goal of the JMU Challenge is to develop a local solution (e.g., for the JMU campus) that addresses a global environmental problem. Student teams should collaborate with faculty members to generate feasible ideas to progress a typical college campus towards the ideals of zero waste (e.g., lower environmental impact, lower emissions, lower energy consumption, etc).
Students are asked to submit two to three-minute video pitch to YouTube and then e-mail the link, along with your team member names/majors/e-mail addresses and title of your submission to cfe@jmu.edu between March 17th and Friday, April 1st. Submissions received after the deadline will not be included in the competition. The awards presentations for the competition will be held by the top teams on Wednesday April 20th from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. in Taylor 309. Challenge grants will be awarded to the top team to implement their solutions.
The Center for Entrepreneurship's mission is to promote, foster, and perpetuate the American entrepreneurial tradition, and to strengthen Virginia's economy by encouraging innovation and the creation of new enterprises. The JMU challenge participating organizations include Center for Entrepreneurship, Net Impact and the Institute for Stewardship of the Natural World.
Feb. 3, 2011
CoB Student Group Highlights Value of Diversity
In the spring of 2010, inspired by the Beta Alpha Psi/Ernst & Young Diversity Initiative competition, Catherine Smathers, along with other Beta Alpha Psi members, began to brainstorm ways in which they could make a difference. Through that process the concept of a student-led diversity group, the COB Student Diversity Council, emerged.
Jan. 31, 2011
Huff Pledges $100K to School of Accounting
James Madison University's College of Business has received a substantial gift from Robert Huff, CPA, the managing director of Robinson Farmer Cox Associates. Huff, a 1974 accounting major and longtime supporter of the university, pledged $100,000 to JMU's School of Accounting.
The gift establishes the Robert M. Huff Family Endowment for Faculty Support in Accounting. The endowment will provide funds annually that the director for the School of Accounting can apply to faculty research, curriculum development, research assistants, professional development or other areas of faculty support.
“Endowments are particularly important since they provide a lasting source of income that the school may use during periods of economic downturn, when state budgets are tight and student needs for assistance are more pronounced,” said Dr. Paul Copley, director of the JMU School of Accounting. “It is particularly pleasing that Mr. Huff so valued his experiences at James Madison that he wanted to make a significant gift to the School of Accounting.”
Jan. 31, 2011
CoB Distinguished Teacher and Madison Scholar Awards Announced
College of Business(CoB) faculty members Elias Semaan and D. Eric Boyd were selected for outstanding teaching awards. Elias Semaan has been selected as the College of Business Distinguished Teacher and D. Eric Boyd has been selected as the College of Business Madison Scholar.
Elias Semaan, assistant professor of finance and business law, teaches CoB courses such as principles of investments, financial risk management, advanced investments, and financial modeling. Semaan coauthored, "Deregulation and Risk," with Pamela Peterson Drake, which will be published in the journal of Financial Management. Currently, Semaan serves as an advisor to the Madison Investment Fund and was the former advisor to the Financial Management Association from 2007 until 2009. Elias Semaan earned a B.S. and MBA from the Lebanese American University and a PH.D. from George Washington University.
Eric Boyd, associate professor of marketing, has been within the Marketing Department in the College of Business at James Madison University (JMU) since 2003. His research interests focus on linking marketing strategy with financial performance, especially in the areas of innovation, strategic alliances and marketing leadership. Boyd's research has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Retailing, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Long Range Planning, Journal of Consumer Marketing, Journal of Professional Services Marketing, Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing and numerous AMA conference proceedings. Boyd's article entitled, "Internet Usage Within B2B Relationships And Its Impact On Value Creation: A Conceptual Model and Research Propositions" was named Outstanding Article of the Year Award 2004 by the Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing.
Boyd serves on the Editorial Review Board for the Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing and is an ad-hoc reviewer for the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science and the Journal of International Marketing. Boyd regularly teaches classes on new product development and marketing management at JMU and is a past recip ttps://www3.jmu.edu/WM2_preview/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js" type="text/javascript"> ient of the Innovation in Teaching Award from the College of Business. He also recently served as the Faculty-Member-in-Residence (FMIR) for the JMU Study Abroad Program in Salamanca, Spain. Boyd received a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.
Jan. 26, 2011
Rosser Earns SHEV Outstanding Faculty Award
Dr. J. Barkley Rosser Jr. is one of two JMU professors to earn the Outstanding Faculty Award given by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and Dominion Resources (SHEV). Rosser has been a professor at JMU since 1977, and holds the Kirby L. Cramer Jr. Chair of Business Administration.
Jan. 18, 2011
Venture Creation helps launch student businesses
The College of Business' Venture Creation course, a senior-level management class open to all James Madison University majors, offers students the opportunity to pursue an entrepreneurial interest from conception to replicable business model.
In Paula Polglase's article, "Creating AdVenture in the Classroom," co-creators of the class Carol Hamilton, management lecturer, and John Rothenberger, entrepreneur in residence, demonstrate how they push students to think outside the box. The course layers both real-world application and key business strategies to immerse students in the world of start-ups and transform an ideal into something tangible.
"I feel like what COB and Carol Hamilton are offering to students is an opportunity to be different and a great opportunity to contribute to be different and a great opportunity to contribute to the positive change this economy needs," says Rothernberger.
