16 minute read
Jones College All-Stars
ALLYSON BAUGH
GRADUATE BUSINESS ADVISOR
When Allyson Baugh meets with prospective graduate students in person, there seems to be a moment where it clicks that they can get their M.B.A. degrees while working full time or by staying a few more semesters, and they “light up.”
A graduate academic advisor for MTSU’s Jones College of Business, Baugh has played a crucial role in almost 300% enrollment growth in the Flex M.B.A. program last year. A former elementary school teacher, she still enjoys helping and seeing students succeed.
"I definitely love working with students," Baugh said. "I work with a range of ages, from students right out of undergrad to those who are mid career. I even have some who are utilizing their 65-and over waiver.
“And with that, there’s a range of different life experiences those students are going through, from becoming parents or getting married, to starting their careers or earning promotions, to having children going to college while they’re going to college. "
While the pandemic made many reflect on life goals and/or provided extra time they previously spent commuting, the M.B.A. program further benefited from Jones College’s new partnership with an external marketing firm and a promotional campaign by the College of Graduate Studies. Baugh noted. Along with affordability and flexibility, the M.B.A. also is accessible to students with nonbusiness degrees.
Allyson Baugh
MTSU’s double AACSB international accreditation for both the College of Business and in Accounting is another significant factor. One graduate student chose MTSU over Vanderbilt, whose accounting program isn’t accredited additionally by AACSB.
“Students can take classes online; they can take classes on campus; and they can switch back and forth between the two from course to course and by each term,” Baugh said. “Also, we don’t require them to take a certain number of classes each semester.”
Associate Dean Kim Sokoya, the M.B.A. program director, calls Baugh a “tremendous asset.” Graduates of the program always mention her in exit surveys as a part of their positive experiences.
“The truth be known, she has been the ‘heavy lifter’ in the background as we experience the increase in enrollment for our M.B.A. program,” Sokoya said. “She is always willing to step up for additional duties to make sure that our students have a good experience from the application process through graduation.”
Baugh, who also took some business courses in college, earned a Sociology degree and a master’s in Teacher Education before leaving teaching for a better work-life balance.
She joined MTSU in 2015 and previously assisted with the master’s in Management, the IGNITE professional development program for students, and the annual BEST Career Fair.
In her current position since 2017, she helps plan events including mixers where online students can meet in person. Baugh was the 2019 E.W. “Wink” Midgett Outstanding Staff Member award recipient and completed the 2018 Dale Carnegie Immersion course.
“I am still able to work in education and with students and help them,” she said. “But it’s in a different capacity than I initially imagined.”
But now she has more time for life outside work, which includes her cat, an interest in cooking, and visiting national parks with her husband, Frank Baugh (’06).
“So far Glacier National Park has been our favorite. I wanted to go to Yosemite out in California last summer—maybe this summer.”
SHAMSUDDEEN ATTAHIRU NASSARAWA (’19)
ECONOMICS PH.D. CANDIDATE, PERI RESEARCH FELLOW
Shamsuddeen Attahiru Nassarawa serves as an external funds manager in the Reserve Management Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The bank chose to invest in Nassarawa and granted him a leave to earn an M.S. in Finance at MTSU. After graduating in 2019, he took the next step and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics and serving as a research fellow with MTSU’s Political Economy Research Institute (PERI).
Nassarawa has over 14 years of working experience in the Nigerian financial services industry as an operator and a regulator. Professionally, he is a chartered financial analyst and an associate chartered accountant.
“It takes courage to take a career break and come back to school. Though I studied for some professional programs, I had been in a steady career since my bachelor’s in 2005,” he said.
The bank granted the leave with the expectation that Nassarawa will return upon graduation and use the acquired knowledge and skills to further Nigeria’s economic development.
“Coming to MTSU for my M.S. in Finance and Ph.D. is one of the best decisions I have ever made,” Nassarawa said. “It started with a recommendation from an MTSU alumnus. I researched programs and found out that the Jennings A. Jones College of Business would offer me the hands-on knowledge I needed to be a better central banker.
Shamsuddeen Attahiru Nassarawa
“For example, the Financial Analysis Center in the BAS prepares students for a real-world career, ranging from Bloomberg terminals, financial markets ticker display, online real-life trading, and investment simulation to econometric and statistical packages. MTSU has created an environment where professors offer supports to students beyond classrooms.”
Nassarawa is a recipient of the PERI Ph.D. Summer Fellowship award as well as the full Ph.D. Fellowship.
In this capacity, he renders research assistance to faculty members and writes publishable academic journal articles.
“I am currently working on a paper on the pension reforms in Nigeria,” Nassarawa said. “I am also providing research support to Dr. Daniel Smith on three papers he’s writing on pensions.”
Nassarawa’s role as a graduate assistant also includes teaching assistance and tutoring. His professional experience has given him an edge over students who haven’t yet been in the job market. This is shown in the high number of students who attend his tutoring sessions where he teaches from real-life experience. Suddenly, complex concepts that were previously abstract are transformed into practical applications.
Nassarawa’s wife and three children had remained in Nigeria due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, he has stayed hopeful they would soon be able to join him in Murfreesboro for the duration of his doctoral program.
After completing his doctorate, Nassarawa says, he will return to Nigeria to continue his career with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“I believe that if I combine my experience with my academic and professional knowledge of economics, accounting, finance, and investment, I will conduct research that would help find policy solutions to some of the problems in the Nigerian pension and financial services industries,” he said. “I want to empirically investigate the roles pension assets play in increasing the Nigerian financial markets’ efficiency and robustness. I am interested in finding out how growth in the derivatives market can promote the development of Nigeria’s financial institutions.”
With a Ph.D. in economics, he will move to the economic policy directorate of the bank, “where I would contribute toward formulating policies for a better Nigeria,” Nassarawa added. “I also look forward to playing a vital role in the Nigerian pension industry and probably will pursue a career in politics some years later.”
CAROLYN TUMBLESON (‘18)
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
As an alumna of Jones College, Carolyn Tumbleson knows the value of an MTSU business education. She earned an M.S. in Management from Jones College, a program recently ranked nationally as the 21st-best Management master’s degree. She is well equipped to be one of the most passionate advocates for the MTSU College of Business. Without her fundraising efforts, many of the programs, scholarships, and events offered to students wouldn’t be possible.
In addition to serving as development director for the Jones College of Business, Tumbleson teaches the Dale Carnegie Course at MTSU for business students.
“I know how hard our students work,” she said. “Seeing our students break through barriers with confidence as they enter the workforce is thrilling to me.”
Tumbleson works to build relationships with individuals who love Jones College as much as she does and who are interested in creating life-changing opportunities for students.
“Most of our alumni worked while in college, or maybe they were the first in their families to attend college, so they know the challenges students continue to face. Donors to scholarships and emergency funds provide resources that help students complete their degrees on time,” she said. “Learning labs, collaborative study spaces, additional faculty positions, and student events could not enhance learning without private donations that give us the competitive edge necessary to maintain a commitment to academic quality.”
Carolyn Tumbleson
Prior to her time at MTSU, Tumbleson worked in professional sales. Those skills often translate to connecting with people who have a passion for solving a problem. It takes curiosity, flexibility, and the ability to distill information to identify a donor’s passions and interests, she says. And, together, she and donors work to think strategically about what it would take to solve a given problem.
When most people think of development officers, they only consider the fundraising aspect. Still, Tumbleson equally sees her role as curating opportunities for students, whether that is by supporting events or connecting students with alumni who wish to give back through mentorship and job opportunities.
“Our alumni are caring people who lead interesting lives. It means a great deal to our students, today and later in their lives, to hear from experienced professionals who have successfully traveled the path students are on today,” she said.
“I’m passionate about removing barriers to a worldclass business education at Jones College,” she added. “I want our students and faculty to have every resource to build programs that transform lives. Our students develop outstanding technical skills from our double-accredited college. They also attain human relation skills through programs such as the Dale Carnegie Course, Tom and Martha Boyd Ethical Leadership Week, study abroad, and the IGNITE professional development program. I see our students’ work ethics, and I know companies want to hire from Jones College.”
She is excited about what is yet to come for the college. “I believe in Jones College’s leadership. Dean David Urban has brought Jones College to the verge of greatness, and I am proud to work to provide resources that fuel Jones College’s vision.”
Urban had equally glowing remarks about the immense value Tumbleson brings to the Jones College team. “Carolyn has been one of my best hires during the time I have been Jones College dean,” he said. “Her energy, engaging personality, professionalism, and indefatigable enthusiasm make her an ideal ambassador for Jones College and MTSU.”
If Tumbleson could tell every graduate, friend of the college, and faculty or staff member one thing, she says it would be: “Because of you, Jones College of Business is creating life-changing experiences for our students that can transform them into excellent graduates who enhance the workforce and the communities in which they live. Thank you.”
SANDY BENSON
BUSINESS LAW PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING
It’s an unexpected name: I’m In! Accounting Success Lab. For students, it’s a place for mastering a challenging subject. For Sandra Benson, a business law professor whose donation in memory of her husband helped fund the lab, it’s a reminder that an enthusiastic spirit is important in overcoming life’s challenges.
While she isn’t an alumna, Benson grew up with MTSU as a significant part of her life. Her aunt, Judy Smith, served as the dean of women and advisor to the Panhellenic Council and MTSU cheerleaders. Growing up, Benson often saw students at her aunt’s home seeking guidance long after graduation.
When Benson’s husband had a professional opportunity in the region, Smith encouraged her to apply to MTSU.
True Blue runs even more deeply in the family. Benson’s older daughter, Kate Hayes, completed her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at MTSU, and husband James Hayes is an alum. Younger daughter Kelley Boland and husband Kevin Boland met as business students at MTSU, where they both earned undergraduate and M.B.A. degrees.
Benson, who also is president of the Beta Gamma Sigma chapter at Jones College of Business, has a passion for living a positive life with a dedication to helping others: “My approach to life is to be resilient and grateful. Life throws us curveballs. Flexibility helps me adapt to ever-changing circumstances. Gratitude helps me be aware of my blessings and focus on the positive.”
Sandy Benson
Her attitude of gratitude is reflected in her enthusiasm for teaching. Her philosophy as an educator includes setting high standards, expecting success, understanding diverse learning styles, inspiring students to become lifelong learners, encouraging connection, and helping students recognize and overcome obstacles to success.
Benson had just completed the first year of her tenure track work when her husband, James Michael Benson, died at age 51.
“The phrase ‘I’m in!’ describes the enthusiasm that Jim portrayed throughout his life,” Benson said. “Jim was an includer, connector, and achiever. He would be the first to say, ‘I’m in,’ when asked to solve a problem at work, join a group of friends for golf or tennis, or help a family member.
“He made all feel welcome with his smile and encouragement. He inspired others to achieve their potential. As an IT director for a large health care system, he was known as a master problemsolver and insightful leader who could bring people together across the many divisions to find creative solutions.”
When Benson noticed that many spaces in the Business and Aerospace Building were being updated, she reached out to Jeannie Harrington, Department of Accounting chair, and Carolyn Tumbleson, Jones College development director, to see how she might honor her husband. Her contribution closed the gap to finish and furnish the accounting lab.
The tutoring space has been christened the I’m In! Accounting Success Lab. By using this name, Benson hopes to encourage all Jones College students with the same spirit.
“Every time I walk by, I love seeing students gathering together, connecting with each other, working on homework, tutoring Principles of Accounting students, or just hanging out,” she said. “I would have loved to have a space like this as an undergraduate. With new technology in the space, students can easily collaborate to work in teams to practice presentations. I wanted the lab to be updated and welcoming.
“Accounting is a challenging subject for many students. I wanted students to feel, ‘I’m in! I can do this.’”
THOM COATS
PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE, DIRECTOR OF IGA PROFESSIONAL SALES PROGRAM
“Shhh,” Thom Coats says, please don’t tell anyone that he now gets paid to coach future sales professionals at MTSU after nearly 25 years of working in new business development.
First invited to speak during Ethical Leadership Week several years ago, Coats not only continued participating in other University events but also earned his M.B.A. in order to teach at the college level. He now imparts wisdom from his career experiences as a new professor of practice and director of the Insurance Group of America (IGA) Professional Sales Program at MTSU.
“This is the greatest thing for a storyteller in the world,” Coats said. “I get to tell the same stories to new victims every semester.”
A jocular, bow-tie guy who will dress up as Santa Claus for the four young grandchildren he’ll have this Christmas, Coats is a third-generation entrepreneur who brings a world of contacts to the program.
“The advantage I have is that I have lived it,” he said. “You could talk about things from a textbook all day long, but when you actually can relay the story into a real-life scenario, the students will lean into it.”
For instance, he passes along advice from former Century II CEO Tena Mayberry, a previous boss, who told him that a true business professional: 1) works to be or is the best in their industry; 2) is involved in an organization that promotes or shapes their industry; and 3) participates in a community nonprofit.
Thom Coats
When a student needed a pen for an exercise in Coats’ first Professional Selling class last fall, Coats noted that a sales professional without a pen would see their family go hungry. That student showed up at the door of the Advanced Selling class in spring, showing off his pen and “says he’s never been without a pen since.”
Each student watches “game film” with Coats to review sales practice events recorded in the IGA Professional Sales lab, which simulates a client’s office.
“The fact that we have a sales lab puts us head and shoulders above everybody else,” Coats said. “There’s no comparison to what we’re able to do here that no other university in the state of Tennessee can do.”
In addition to MTSU’s proximity to the international commerce center of Nashville, the program gives students hands-on experiences by teaching a basic sales process through role-playing and implementing customer relationship management software.
For the Professional Selling class, different partners rotate in a progressive scenario of selling Enterprise fleet management services to the University. Top students ultimately compete for a prize with a pitch to an Enterprise representative. In the advanced course, Coats had students pitching Lee Co. and other firms to their own company representatives.
Coats has co-written an Amazon bestseller with a group he convened to hold Unstuck, a TEDx-style business conference, at Bridgestone Arena. He has worked in sales leadership with technology and human resource compliance law for such corporations as Paychex and the National Federation of Independent Business.
His wide network of contacts in middle Tennessee not only connects MTSU to some companies perhaps previously unattainable, but he also has linked students with leaders in their chosen industries. One who wanted to move to New York City and work with music publications chatted with Peter Cronin, former Billboard editor who relocated to Nashville from the Big Apple. An inspiring clothier was introduced to Dean Wegner, founder and CEO of the Authentically American national brand, and now has a summer job.
Coats believes MTSU’s having many first-generation college students makes the sales program a game changer.
“You should make a higher-than-average income just because you have the discipline that you need to earn your degree,” Coats said. “But if I could teach these students the process of working a sale, then I could take that earning potential and possibly double or triple it and change family trees.”
