“THE SECRET TO SUCCESS : FIND SOMETHING YOU LOVE TO DO SO MUCH, YOU CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SUN TO RISE TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN.”
– CHRIS GARDNER
Dear Friends,
This quote from Chris Gardner, the inspirational businessman and author of the book ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’, is on the walll in the Dean’s conference room. It constantly reminds us of what we do and why it matters. The College of Business Administration at the University of Missouri–St. Louis has a passionate team of faculty and staff to educate, support and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Many have asked me, “Why UMSL?” My answer has always been about our mission to transform lives. I firmly believe our strength is manifested in providing access to an excellent education, which results in significant transformation.
This mission resonates deeply with my commitment to student success. With just a short time at UMSL, I am already moved by the dedication of our staff and the real-world learning championed by our faculty to help shape innovative and engaging experiences. In early May, we graduated 362 business students whose success and competence will contribute significantly to our dynamic business environment.
It has been a pleasure to discover how the College of Business Administration passionately engages with the business community. Our partnerships produce unmatched talent for the workforce, deliver practical learning for all types of learners and generate impactful research to solve real-world problems.
UMSL Business educates St. Louis’ business workforce. Today, one out of six St. Louisans with a bachelor’s degree graduated from UMSL; many are business alums, and some also hold a graduate degree from UMSL Business. The success of our business graduates stands out as a beacon in St. Louis and beyond.
Independent accreditations and rankings affirm the success of our education. The college is among the top 5% of business schools in the world with dual accreditations for both business and accounting programs by AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). The CEO Magazine recognizes our Doctoral of Business Administration program among the world’s best for the seventh straight year.
UMSL celebrated its 60th anniversary throughout the 2023-24 academic year. The outstanding achievements of our people are a testament to the excellent education offered by UMSL Business. Together, we will build on the solid foundation of our success and continue to transform the lives of many. I look forward to working with our partners in the coming year and hope to see you on campus!
Sincerely,
Shu Schiller, PhD Dean and Professor of Information Systems College of Business Administration University of Missouri–St. Louis
UMSL’S
UMSL’S
part-time MBA program climbed 10 places from last year and has now risen 48 places on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Part-time MBA Programs list in the past two years to rank No. 11 in the country.
Fortune Media ranked us #3 for Best In-Person Master’s in Cybersecurity.
LATEST RANKINGS
Our Undergraduate International Business Program ranked in the
Top 20
on U.S. News and World Report's list of America’s Best Undergraduate International Business Programs.
This year, the National Security Agency re-designated the University of Missouri–St. Louis as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
The Supply Chain and Analytics Department’s Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management ranked #24 on TechGuide’s 2024 list of Best Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management Degree Programs.
As of 2024, our Doctor of Business Administration Program has been recognized by CEO Magazine among the top DBA providers for seven consecutive years.
Anisha Inaganti, MBA student with an emphasis in Finance
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
Senior Business Administration
major Jesse Frey placed second at the St. Louis Regional Entrepreneurship Educator Pitch Competition
While stationed in Southern California with the Coast Guard job, Jesse Frey was riding his motorcycle when he lost his favorite hat filled with memories. Frey sought to create a product to help with hat retention to save those memories. Motivation and innovativeness drove Frey to design his patent-pending “Headlok,” which has been a perfect real-life way to apply what hes’s learning at UMSL. As an intern with UMSL’s Anchor Accelerator program in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, he showcased his invention on April 8 at the St. Louis Regional Entrepreneurship Educator Poster Competition, held at the Cortex Innovation Community. The experience allowed Frey, who was named UMSL's 2024 Student Entrepreneur of the Year in November, to connect with local business professionals and expand his knowledge base.
Supply Chain PhD student Paula Penagos was selected as a fellow in the esteemed Eno Center for Transportation Leadership Development Conference
Paula Penagos, a PhD student in Supply Chain Analytics, made history as the first UMSL student selected for the Eno Leadership Development Conference in Washington, D.C. Alongside peers from prestigious institutions, Penagos engaged in intensive discussions and site visits with transportation industry leaders, including high-level officials at the U.S. Department
ANGELA
PAULA
of Transportation. The conference focused on fostering future transportation leaders through collaborative projects and policy insights. Penagos' participation not only showcased UMSL's emerging influence in transportation studies but also deepened her understanding of the intersection between academic research and practical policymaking in transportation and logistics.
Accounting student Angela Truesdale honored as a recipient of the prestigious Remington R. Williams Award
Angela Truesdale, a graduate accounting student at UMSL, has been deeply involved in campus life and has garnered numerous accolades for her leadership and academic achievements. From studying abroad at Oxford and in Germany to holding key roles in the Accounting Club and Dean’s Student Advisory Board, Truesdale has embraced every opportunity presented to her. She has excelled academically, graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and minors in information systems and international business. Recently awarded the prestigious Remington R. Williams Award for exceptional student leadership across the UM System, Truesdale continues to make a significant impact, interning at Boeing and preparing for a future in accounting and finance. Her dedication to helping fellow students succeed underscores her commitment to UMSL’s supportive community.
3 UMSL accounting students awarded $15,000 scholarships from Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
Accounting students Ashlee Wright, Ewune Cassandra Beryl and Jared Micke were selected as Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholars and will receive a scholarship in the amount of $15,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Since 2011, the PCAOB has administered a scholarship program for undergraduate and graduate accounting students enrolled in accredited U.S. colleges and universities. The PCAOB Scholars Program is mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and is funded through monetary penalties collected as part of PCAOB enforcement actions. The PCAOB Scholars Program seeks to benefit students who are likely to become auditors and to make a difference for students who might otherwise choose a different career path. Recipients are chosen through a nomination process.
UMSL
establishes National Association of Black Accountants chapter
After an extraordinary year of establishment, UMSL’s NABA Inc. Chapter has provided students with the opportunity to attend national conferences and secure scholarships, and was recognized at UMSL’s 2023 Student Leadership Awards ceremony as New Student Organization of the Year. NABA is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for Black business leaders in accounting, finance and entrepreneurship. The organization works to advance people, careers and the mission by providing education, resources and meaningful connections to professional and student members. The national organization officially chartered the UMSL chapter in April of 2023 and currently has 29 members, 25 of whom are registered with the national organization.
UMSL students compete in the Career Exploration Competition hosted by Finseca and Chapters of the Society of Financial Service Professionals
Finance majors Courtney Taylor and Carter Wiegman made up the 10th UMSL team in the past 11 years to advance to the finals of the Career Exploration Competition sponsored by Finseca and Chapters of the Society of Financial Service Professionals. All teams are prepared and mentored by Adjunct Professor Gary Flotron. The competition gives teams of college students from around the country the opportunity to explore potential financial service careers by interviewing practitioners, learning from those professionals’ experiences and gaining insider career advice to determine whether or not a specific career in financial service is for them. A select few teams of students, including Taylor and Wiegman, were chosen to compete in the finals while attending the Financial ConNEXTion Cruise Conference, which this year departed San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Feb. 24 and spent a week traveling throughout the Caribbean.
Sam Chevakula finds outlet for artistic side while pursuing a master’s in supply chain analytics
Sam Chevakula studied art and design as an undergraduate student in his homeland, India, but decided to shift career paths and get into the business world. After earning an MBA in India in 2019 and experiencing
DONthe effects of supply chain shortages while working for a dairy company in 2020, the experience pushed Chevakula to make supply chain the focus of his career and ultimately to pursue a master’s degree in supply chain analytics at the University of Missouri–St. Louis because of a desire and interest to understand the impact.
Don Jackson switches careers with help of UMSL’s supply chain program
After obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees in finance and working as a services representative at a financial consulting firm, Don Jackson took an interest in supply chain during the pandemic and decided to make a career change. After narrowing in on supply chain as his next move, he began researching universities and master’s programs. When he looked into UMSL’s supply chain and analytics offerings, they “jumped out” at him. He liked the approach of foundational knowledge and the emphasis on analytical skills, so he decided to enroll and has been excelling in his courses since. With supply chain being such a vast industry, the exact road Jackson will take is still up in the air, but he is allowing himself to find his way and leaning toward the work's analytical aspects. Wherever he lands, Jackson wants to make certain that it capitalizes on his natural enthusiasm.
STUDENT EVENTS
10th annual Women’s
Hackathon encourages innovation, supports women in tech
The 10th annual Women’s Hackathon was held at UMSL’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center on April 13. IST’s advisory board company, Reinsurance Group of America Inc., generously sponsored the event with $10,000. Six teams worked all day to develop safety and security applications reflecting the day’s theme, “Secure the Future.” The First-Place team was #HerSafeSpace, with Hamida Mohamed, Amyrah Syed, Tyra Jones-Williamson, Shawana Piece and Briaris Sayles.
Additionally, STL Hack held its annual Hackathon event April 26-28, with the theme “Fintech.” Nine teams competed for a chance to claim a portion of the $5,000 prize pool. The event received sponsorship from Slalom, Nelosys and Safety National and featured a career expo. Thanks to generous sponsors, this event was free for all participants.
15th annual
International Business Career Conference expands students’ understanding of global business
The International Business Career Conference is an ideal mix of learning and networking opportunities where participants interact with organization executives, career professionals and academic leaders who address the concerns of today’s students preparing to enter the international business workforce. The schedule includes a keynote speech, workshops and a panel discussion, all of which are led by business executives and career professionals who are experts in their field. The 15th annual conference featured the theme “Innovating for Longevity: Your Ticket to Global Success,” and the keynote address was given by UMSL alum Steve Hamilton, chairman and CEO of CSI Leasing. The event gained over 150 registrations.
College of Business Administration celebrated its long history of educating students at Dean’s Mixer
As part of a campus-wide celebration of the 60th anniversary of the University of Missouri–St. Louis last academic year, the College of Business Administration celebrated its long history of educating business students at a Dean’s Mixer event at Glen Echo Country Club in October 2023. Speakers included former Interim Dean of the College of Business Administration Michael Elliott; former deans Charles Hoffman, Robert Nauss, and Keith Womer; and Chancellor Emerita Blanche Touhill. Associate Dean Emeritus David R. Ganz gave remarks along with Chancellor Kristin Sobolik.
The International Business Institute hosted its 10th Annual International Case Competition
The 2024 CUIBE International Business Case Competition occurred from April 18-20. Led by Director of the International Business Institute Joseph Rottman and Program Manager Renita Miller, this event engaged 11 university teams, from Bryant University, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Illinois State University (two teams), San Diego State University, Temple University, Truman State University, University of Missouri–St. Louis, University of Tennessee, Washington State University and Washington University in St. Louis. Over a 3-day period, students put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test to solve a real-life business problem. The competing teams created a solution to answer the question for the sponsoring company, Hussmann. The case question was: As consumers across the globe embrace an omnichannel approach to acquiring groceries, how can Hussmann utilize its core competencies and position of market leadership to win in the new eGrocery modalities that are gaining traction for food at home?
UMSL welcomes Nanjing China Delegation
A team of government officials from the Nanjing Delegation group visited UMSL on April 21 to explore future partnerships with the university. The delegation met with Provost Steven Berberich, College of Business Administration Dean Shu Schiller, UMSL Global Executive Director Liane Constantine and Director of the International Business Institute Joseph Rottman. They also heard about experiences studying at the university from current MBA students and China native Xiaoyo Pan.
2024 Summer School Program in Bremen, Germany
Eleven business students engaged in a study abroad program in Bremen, Germany, led by Joseph Rottman. Last year, 25 UMSL Business students studied abroad in various countries in the summer. We look forward to learning about their new experiences this year!
GLOBAL EXCHANGE
Online MBA students visit Panama, complete consulting project with architecture and construction company
During Fall 2023, students participated in the UMSL Online MBA program’s first international consulting trip. From Oct. 1-7, 11 students traveled to Panama City, Panama, as part of a semester-long international consulting project for their MBA capstone course, Strategy Formulation and Implementation. The project is designed to allow students to work directly with a real foreign company on an actual project so students can demonstrate and practice what they have learned throughout the program. All students in the Online MBA program participate in the international consulting project, whether virtually or through the in-person international experience. This project allows for a truly global business experience and an enriching opportunity to learn about another culture. In Fall 2024, 18 students traveled to Costa Rica, for their cohort’s consulting project.
CAREER LAUNCH
Commencement
In the spring of 2024, our institution proudly celebrated the graduation of 366 students, including 191 undergraduates and 175 graduates. The commencement ceremony was highlighted by an inspiring speech from Warner Baxter, the retired chairman of Ameren Corp, who was honored with an honorary doctorate for his exceptional contributions to the industry. The event marked a significant milestone for our graduates, who are now poised to make their own impactful strides in their respective fields.
Internships
In the last academic year, UMSL Business had 76 students earn credit for their internships with an average reported pay of $21.02 per hour. Students interned at companies such as Anders CPA, The Boeing Company, World Wide Technology, Wells Fargo, KPMG, Emerson, Enterprise, Anheuser-Busch, PwC and more.
Some key statistics from our student outcome survey includes:
• 62% reported they were offered continuing employment.
• Over 85% of responses marked “agree” or “strongly agree” to receiving valuable exposure to the profession.
• Over 85% of responses marked “agree” or “strongly agree” to developing new skills and knowledge
• Over 85% of responses marked “agree” or “strongly agree” to being better prepared to enter the workforce.
• Almost 80% of responses marked “agree” or “strongly agree” to the experience helping clarify their career goals.
A snapshot of student comments included:
“Hands-on experience, being able to work on real-world examples.”
“I loved being exposed to multiple areas within the finance department.”
“It really showed me how many avenues are available to me with my degree.”
“I was exposed to new things such as email marketing sales enablement, networking and mentorship.”
“During my internship, I learned how to communicate and build relationships with the people I worked with.”
Implementation of the Pre-Registration Worksheet Process
In partnership with Shlynda Hudson, Carla Jordan and Da’Jah Barker, we have introduced a new pre-registration worksheet process. This initiative has already shown remarkable success. We have enrolled 74 students through this process, which continues to grow daily. This represents a significant increase compared to the 51 FTC (First Time College) students enrolled last year.This streamlined process simplifies enrollment and enhances the overall student experience by ensuring students are well-prepared for their academic journey.
In addition, and in collaboration with the New Student Programs Office, we have begun academic tours of the College of Business Administration every Monday and Wednesday. These tours aim to provide prospective business students with an overview of our campus and facilities, facilitate meetings with COBA faculty and staff and showcase the vibrant community and resources available within the college.
ACCOUNTING
PHOENIX MAY - Albert W. Haskell Memorial Accounting Scholarship
EWUNE BERYL - Anita Palmer Corbin Scholarship
AIDEN HEAD - Campbell Family Accounting Scholarship
BAILEE GALLION - Dale and Tanya Woods Annual Scholarship
ALEXIS SILTMANPromise and Opportunity Woods Accounting Scholarship
ASHLEE WRIGHTDavid R. Ganz Accounting Scholarship
ADAM SANTOS - David R. Ganz Accounting Scholarship
ALEXIS SILTMANDavid R. Ganz Accounting Scholarship
BAC TRAN - Donna Denner Scholarship
KRISTA AKERS - Ernst and Young LLP Accounting Scholarship
JACQUELINE ESPINOZAErnst and Young LLP Accounting Scholarship
CALLAWAY AKIHIROErnst and Young LLP Accounting Scholarship
ANDREW CALLAWAYJack Cox Accounting Scholarship
ANTHONY TAYLORJean Shelley VITA Scholarship
JOHN VO - Jean Shelley VITA Scholarship
SANELA ALIC - Jean Shelley VITA Scholarship
ALEXIS BEARD-HOLMESJean Shelley VITA Scholarship
JACKIE WILMESJean Shelley VITA Scholarship
LILIANNA NG - Mueller Prost Accounting Scholarship
PHOENIX MAY - Mueller Prost Accounting Scholarship
BAC TRAN - Mueller Prost Accounting Scholarship
MELISSA MANTZMueller Prost Accounting Scholarship
ANDREW CALLAWAYNorbert Terre Memorial Fund
ALEX WENGER - Paul and Sharon Martin Accounting Scholarship
EWUNE BERY l - PWC Endowed Scholarship in Accounting Scholarship
JOSEPH WYSOCKIPWC Endowed Scholarship in Accounting
ANDREW CALLAWAYRubin Brown Scholarship
PHOENIX MAY - STL International Tax Group Scholarship
AIDEN HEAD - STL International Tax Group Scholarship
PEYTON KOCH - Terry Killian Memorial Accounting Scholarship
MELISSA MANTZSwain O’Leary Family Accounting Scholarship
JAMEAH COLLINSSwain O’Leary Family Accounting Scholarship FINANCE
AMANDA COBBETT - NISA
CRYSTAL MARTINEthan A. H. Shepley, Jr. Community Banking Award
GOHAR SAEED - Ethan A. H. Shepley, Jr. Community Banking Award
GOHAR SAEED - Business Finance Scholar
AMANDA HERBSTBusiness Finance Scholar
BERKE KACAR - James and Mary Lou Krueger
CRYSTAL MARTINMindy Griffin Scholarship
GENERAL
ANGEL HRISTOVAnheuser-Busch Employees Scholarship
DURON JONESAnheuser-Busch Employees Scholarship
CONNER GAGENArmanino Accounting Scholarship
ELHADJI SY - Arthur Mayer, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
CARL BROWN - Asset Consulting Group Scholarship
SARAH HILL - Asset Consulting Group Scholarship
MADISON TILLMANCarol Crump Memorial Scholarship
MEKYLLA BICOChunn Family Scholarship
REEM ELABEDChunn Family Scholarship
RACHELLE HALLCOBA Alumni Association Scholarship
MOHAMED ABDICSI Leasing Scholarship
AKILAH ROBINSONDale and Tanya Woods Promise and Opportunity Scholarship
CELIMAR RENTASDilg Family Scholarship
TRYSTA FOSTERDonald H. Driemeier Business Scholarship
BRITTANY HAWKINSDonald H. Driemeier Business Scholarship
ASHLEY WELLS - Don and Mary Mueth Scholarship
DURON JONES - Dynalabs Scholarship Fund/Renewal
PHOENIX MAY - Edward Jones Alumni Scholarship
GABRIELA NEGRETERealista Haack Scholarship
DETERRION SIMSRealista Haack Scholarship
ELIJAH ROSS - Keith J. and Ruth Hollander Elliott Scholarship in Business Administration
ROBERT JONES - Emery C. Turner Business Scholarship
ALEXIS SILTMANEnterprise Opportunity
Driver Scholarship Class of Senior Driver Scholarship
AIDEN HEAD - Enterprise Opportunity Driver Scholarship Class of 2024 3+2
KI YA PORTER - Enterprise Opportunity Driver Scholarship Class of 2027 Freshman
MU STAFA MUTAREnterprise Opportunity
Driver Scholarship Class of 2024 Freshman
MARIAH BOLES -
Enterprise Opportunity
Driver Scholarship Class of 2027 Freshman
REEM ELABEDEnterprise Opportunity
Driver Scholarship Class of 2027 Freshman
TRINITY CLOUGHEnterprise Opportunity
Driver Scholarship Class of 2027 Freshman
KIERSYN TEGELEnterprise Opportunity
Driver Scholarship Class of 2027 Freshman
ELIZABETH CASSANIEnterprise Opportunity Driver Scholarship
SARAH HILL - Enterprise Opportunity Driver Scholarship
JALEAH CARRAWELLMDMC Undergraduate Scholarship in Marketing
DASIA WILLIAMSMDMC Undergraduate Scholarship in Marketing
SUPPLY CHAIN AND ANALYTICS
MICHELLE WRIGHTA.C. Ingersoll Memorial Fellowship in Transportation Studies (Logistics and Supply Chain)
KELLEY PRUITTAssociation of American Railroads Logistics Scholarship
TARA BASSHAMBoyer Millstein Scholarship (Logistics and Supply Chain)
JOHNITHAN DUERBoyer Millstein Scholarship (Logistics and Supply Chain)
DENNIS HARVEYLogistics and Supply Chain Management Scholarship
LESLIANN WILLIAMSDr. and Mrs. Robert Markland Scholarship
MICHELLE WRIGHTDr. and Mrs. Robert Markland Scholarship
JOY PAW - Dr. and Mrs. Robert Markland Scholarship
ABHISHEK SOLOMONRhonda Knehans Drake Scholarship
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS
EIC Demo Day
showcases entrepreneurs who have grown their businesses with Anchor Accelerator program
In early 2024, the UMSL Business incubator known as UMSL Accelerate underwent a rebrand to focus on transformative entrepreneurship. UMSL Accelerate became the UMSL Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EIC), keeping its three pillars: educate, innovate and collaborate. Under the direction of the center’s new director, Dr. Scott Morris, the EIC continued its Anchor Accelerator program, which is a first-of-its-kind program that puts local entrepreneurs at the center of a purpose-driven, university-led accelerator that begins with a non-dilutive $50,000 capital injection. The program began in 2020 and features instruction, mentorship and paid interns to support the participants. This year’s cycle garnered more than 300 applications from various startups in our region, but only five were selected. Each cycle includes a “Demo Day” event where cohort members showcase their innovative products, services and technology to a room of investors, students, faculty, staff and community partners. This year’s 2024 Demo Day hosted over 250 attendees.
PITCH DAY
The five members of the 2023-24 Anchor Accelerator cohort include
Bold Spoon Creamery
(Founder: Rachel Burns): A premium ice cream manufacturer.
Patty’s Cheesecake
(Founder: Pat Upchurch): A handcrafted dessert company that specializes in petite cheesecakes with traditional and nontraditional flavors.
Queritel “Figozo”
(Founder: Shani Bennett): A mobile application that helps solopreneurs manage appointments, payments, orders and more.
Real Document Solutions
(Founder: Denise Williams): RDS is a SaaS (Software as a Service) that solves for speed, accuracy and risks in key document management with a secure, end-to-end order and vendor management platform.
ThriveLink
(Founder: Kwamane Liddell): Powered by cutting-edge voice activation technology, ThriveLink is the bridge to vital resources that millions need. We make it effortless for individuals to access essential programs like health insurance, food assistance and more using just their voice.
This year also marked the evolution of the new Entrepreneurship Certificate program. The core curriculum, previously exclusive to a select few founders each year, is now accessible to the public through five new noncredit courses. The new program is a comprehensive hands-on course
Anchor Accelerator cohort two member and founder of Picky Eaterz, Paris Rollins
designed to equip business owners with financial acumen and strategic insights necessary to scale their company. The courses are fully open to the public and designed to build an investment-ready growth plan with feedback provided by real lenders and investors.
Ethics: A Foundation for Success, featuring Alumni Conversations
This five-part speaker series was founded in 2022 by UMSL alumnus Joseph Stieven, Chairman, President and CEO of Stieven Capital Advisors, L.P., and his wife, Mary. The series was inspired by Stieven’s relationship with his mentor, Elliot Stein, a St. Louis businessman he regarded as a pillar of ethics. Stieven discussed establishing the speaker series with Mary with the aim of inspiring students by showcasing real-world examples of ethical leadership. He stressed the profound impact of ethical conduct on business operations, citing the stringent ethical code at his firm as integral to its success. The series on ethics was developed to allow students to engage and
connect with successful UMSL graduates who have had an impact on the region. It aims to assist students in professional and personal development with ethical leadership practices and insights. The series features esteemed business alumni who recount anecdotes from their careers that highlight the importance of ethics in leadership and decisionmaking. There were more than 650 attendees throughout the series.
Orvin Kimbrough, Chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre
Sandra Van Trease, former BJC Healthcare Group president
Warner Baxter, former Executive Chairman of Ameren
Marcela Manjarrez, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Centene
Joe Stieven, Chairman, President and CEO of Stieven Capital Advisors, L.P
Midwest Digital Marketing Conference continued to build post-pandemic momentum with a 3-day event on UMSL’s campus
The 12th annual Midwest Digital Marketing Conference (MDMC), held at the University of Missouri–St. Louis drew a robust audience of 575 attendees over three days. This year's event hosted more than 75 speakers and presenters spread across 40 sessions, covering a wide array of topics essential to digital marketing professionals and enthusiasts alike. The conference featured keynote speakers Raashi Rosenberger, the head of the global brand for Meta Quest (formerly Oculus), and Stephanie Garcia, CEO of Lights, Camera, Live, while panel speakers included members from Carshield, Coolfire Studios, NestlePurina, LinkedIn, Robert Half, Salesforce and more.
MDMC is organized by Perry Drake (chair of UMSL’s Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship), and a dedicated team, including Mindy Choo (MDMC executive director) and Thomas O’Connell (production director) support the conference. The conference underscored the team’s commitment to knowledge dissemination and networking. The presence of youth groups from organizations like Girls, Inc. and the YES program at the St. Louis Science Center highlighted MDMC's outreach efforts to inspire the next generation of marketers and entrepreneurs. Reflecting on the event's growth and impact, Drake expressed optimism about MDMC's future, aiming to expand
carefully while maintaining its reputation for quality content and meaningful connections. Despite challenges, such as the transition to virtual formats during the COVID-19 pandemic, MDMC has remained resilient. As MDMC continues to evolve, its role in shaping the digital marketing landscape and fostering community engagement remains pivotal. The conference serves as a nexus for innovation, collaboration and professional growth, connecting academia with industry to propel marketing practices forward in an increasingly digital world.
UMSL Business establishes partnerships with Girls Inc. of St. Louis and First Bank of St. Louis for a
Business Leadership Academy
First Bank has committed to a three-year financial sponsorship of a new Entrepreneurship and Business Program launched by Girls Inc. of St. Louis in partnership with UMSL. This 6-week initiative targets rising eighth-grade girls selected by their school leaders for their potential in business. Modeled after Girls Inc.’s successful Eureka! program, which promotes STEM careers, this program focuses on empowering young women through hands-on learning, technology training, internships and college preparation workshops. The program’s inaugural session began in June and was supported by First Bank representatives who interacted with participants to encourage their entrepreneurial aspirations.
On June 10, 2024, the program officially launched with the collaborative teamwork of Associate Teaching Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship Perry Drake, Director of Undergraduate Business Programs Carla Jordan and Recruitment Coordinator Corlia Spears. The group of young women gained invaluable exposure to UMSL, the business world and our faculty and staff. Highlights of the program include hands-on experience in creating their own business pitches, opportunities to build meaningful connections with faculty and staff and an enriching introduction to the university environment and business concepts.
ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS DONELLA
ACCOUNTING ALUM DONELLA JOHNSON HAS EXPERIENCED SUCCESS AND FOUND PURPOSE AT BOEING
Donella Johnson took an interest in accounting while attending Ritenour High School in St. Louis. Her mother was battling an illness and she feared that someday she’d need to be able to take care of the finances. While in high school, Johnson participated in UMSL’s Bridge Program, which provides precollegiate programming for St. Louis-area high school students and parents. That experience piqued her interest in attending the university because she felt welcomed. As her time at UMSL progressed, Johnson secured an internship working as a financial analyst through Boeing’s FLITE – Future Leaders in Thought and Experience – Program, which partners with UMSL, Howard University, Saint Louis University and Truman State University, giving 12 diverse students a paid opportunity to work at the company over a summer and receive professional development. Johnson used that internship to get in the door at Boeing, which helped launch her career. Today, Johnson is leading a team comprised of engineering, operations, quality and finance professionals, who work out of one of three composite centers in the country, ensuring the production of a folded wingtip for the 777X aircraft. One of her team members is Paige Risenhoover, another UMSL graduate, who also participated in the FLITE Program. For anyone considering UMSL, Johnson wants them to understand that the university is far more than the buildings that make up the campus. Attending UMSL can be as transformational to others as it’s been for her.
MBA HELPS 2-TIME UMSL GRAD MAGGIE RAPPLEAN MAKE PARTNER AT MONETA GROUP
From Wells Fargo advisor to Moneta partner, one huge element of two-time UMSL alumni Maggie Rapplean’s path to partnership at Moneta – along with expanding both her client base and team, exceeding her clients’ financial expectations and passing other required metrics along the way – involved getting her MBA from UMSL’s College of Business Administration. She navigated challenges — including losing her mother — with resilience, all while maintaining a perfect GPA.
UMSL ALUM LAURA BURKEMPER HELPS OTHERS BUILD THEIR BRANDS AND SCALE THEIR BUSINESSES
As the CEO of Scaleblazer, Laura Burkemper uses her expertise to actively guide CEOs, entrepreneurs and corporate innovators in building their brands and scaling their businesses. Burkemper emphasizes the impact that the business program at UMSL had in helping to strengthen her analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling her to approach complex issues strategically. With her career success, Burkemper continues to help UMSL shine as a donor and volunteer, helping to ensure students and other alumni have access to resources that can impact their experience.
JOHN NICHOLS ENTERTAINS THROUGH MULTIPLE MEDIA OUTLETS AND WORKS TO DIVERSIFY GOLF
John Nichols, a 2008 BSBA with an emphasis in finance graduate, served as as the head of Yahoo!’s NBA social media platforms for three years before hosting multiple shows for Buckets, Wave Sports + Entertainment’s basketball vertical. He is now a co-host of the “Jenkins &
Jonez” podcast on Colin Cowherd’s The Volume network and the host of “One More Round” on ESPN. In addition to hosting and podcasting, Nichols is working to diversify the game of golf, having recently launched 12 on Mondays, a media brand offering diverse golf content, and All the Homies Playing Golf, an initiative to provide free group golf lessons. The aim is to lower the barrier to entry and create a supportive environment to learn the game.
JUSTYCE JEDLICKA COMBINES
SCIENCE AND BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE TO ADVOCATE FOR FOOD SAFETY AT MILLIPORESIGMA
After graduating with a BS in Chemistry from UMSL in 2009, Justyce Jedlicka took the advice from her colleague at MilliporeSigma to pursue an MBA from UMSL. She graduated from the program in 2018. Justyce credits the program for opening doors for her career.
MBA GRADUATE REBECCA BECHTEL
SWIMMING HEADFIRST INTO POST-UMSL CAREER WITH JOB AT DELOITTE
MBA graduate Rebecca Bechtel was a star UMSL swimmer and graduate assistant in assistant in the Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department. Recruited by the UMSL Swim Team’s head coach, Tony Hernandez, she relocated from Cologne, Germany, to St. Louis to start her UMSL career. Rebecca was a marketing major but found a better interest in numbers. After graduating this spring, she started her post-UMSL career as a Tax Consultant at Deloitte.
UMSL Salute to Business Achievement Awards
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION GRADUATE JALEN WALKER-WRIGHT HAS CREATED A LASTING LEGACY AT UMSL
Jalen Walker-Wright graduated this May with his BSBA and is currently pursuing his MBA at UMSL. Through his impactful undergraduate experience, he has left a legacy at UMSL. With his leadership in the Office of Student Involvement, WalkerWright has personally been involved with the planning, execution and marketing for 23 different campus events. He was also named UMSL’s Student Leader of the Year in 2023. He’s been active in the Student Government Association as a senator; he was asked to be a presenter at the annual Founders Celebration, which marked UMSL’s 60th anniversary; he was selected to represent UMSL at the Missouri Governor’s Leadership Forum, and much more. Walker-Wright has been on both the College of Business Administration Dean’s List and the Pierre Laclede Honors College Dean’s List since the spring of 2022.
MBA STUDENT LEO SOWA HAS MADE THE MOST OF HIS UMSL EXPERIENCE, ON THE PITCH AND IN THE CLASSROOM Leo Sowa, a former UMSL soccer player who recently earned his MBA from UMSL, came to the United States to pursue his passion for soccer and further his education. After completing his undergraduate degree in business administration at UMSL, Sowa continued to excel both on the soccer field and in the classroom. Despite facing challenges such as injuries and adjusting to life in a new country, Sowa remained focused on his goals and successfully completed his MBA. He credits his determination and the support he received from UMSL faculty and staff for his academic success.
Every spring, the UMSL Alumni Association and the UMSL Business Alumni Chapter present the Salute to Business Achievement Awards. The UMSL Salute to Business Achievement Awards recognizes College of Business Alumni who have contributed exceptionally to the university, their profession and the community.
• The 2024 Salute to Business event honored Jeanne Dee (Anders CPAs + Advisers), Billy Dickens (Moneta Group), Morgan Koenig (Enterprise Bank and Trust) and Janelle Stowers (Stowers Realty Group).
• The 2023 Salute to Business event honored Cathy Arshadi (Commerce Bank), Rebecca Boyer (SLR Executive Services), Patrick Chunn (Clinical Care Medical Centers), San Ganga (KPMG) and Sarajeni Hammond (Bayer Corporation).
WITH MARSFARM, UMSL ALUM
PETER WEBB MAKES AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY MORE ACCESSIBLE TO STUDENTS
Having developed an early interest in agriculture and entrepreneurship, alum Peter Webb sought to combine the two. Webb’s time studying business at UMSL has helped him develop and grow his company MARSfarm. The managerial accounting courses have helped with bookkeeping, and the coding he learned helped him develop the MARSfarm web app used to virtually track plant growth and adjust the environment in the greenhouses. Webb founded MARSfarm in 2019, four years after graduating with his BA in Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Systems. His
St. Louis-based company seeks to provide a cost-effective way for schools and teachers to give K-12 students hands-on experience in STEM and agricultural technology.
MBA GRADUATE SOPHIE FAULKNER
PREPARING TO WORK BEHIND THE SCENES IN THE GOLF BUSINESS
Sophie Faulkner, a recent MBA graduate, is embarking on a new career journey in the golf industry as an assistant club
professional at Bellerive Country Club. Despite facing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and wrist surgery, Faulkner thrived academically and athletically. Her passion for golf, nurtured since her teenage years in London, drove her to pursue opportunities in the United States, eventually leading her to join the UMSL women’s golf team after transferring from Rollins College. Faulkner’s experience at UMSL, including internships and graduate assistantships, and fond experiences with UMSL Business professors Perry Drake and Ekin Pellegrini, has prepared her for her new role, and she looks forward to contributing to the golf industry.
ANGELA
As MBA alum Angela Garland and her husband Scott prepare to open their eighth location of their drive-thru coffee shop Exit 11, Angela reflects on her time at UMSL that helped pave the way to her current life path. She especially remembers the lessons learned from Professor Emeritus Thomas Eyssell of the Finance and Legal Studies Department.
MBA ALUM ANGELA GARLAND GROWS THRIVING EXIT 11 COFFEE DRIVE-THRU BUSINESS
ALUM CHARLOTTE RICHARDS NAMED A FINALIST FOR 2023 NCAA WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Charlotte Richards, MS in Supply Chain graduate, was named one of nine finalists for the 2023 NCAA Woman of the Year award, marking a historic achievement for UMSL Athletics. Richards, hailing from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, had an impressive athletic career, earning multiple All-American honors and holding various records in NCAA Division II volleyball. Beyond the court, she excelled academically, earning accolades for her achievements in supply chain management and analytics, including academic All-America recognition and numerous Scholar-Athlete awards. Out of 619 nominees, she emerged as one of the Top 30 honorees.
BENJAMIN VANDENBRINK MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST UMSL RUNNER TO COMPETE IN NCAA DIVISION II CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP
Finance graduate Benjamin VandenBrink took a leap of faith in 2019 when he committed to joining the UMSL cross country team under Coach Steve Picucci, who was resurrecting a program dormant since 1983. Despite limited cross country experience in high school, VandenBrink’s dedication paid off, culminating in his qualification for the NCAA Division II Men’s Cross Country Championship as
the first UMSL runner to reach the national stage. He attributes his success to Picucci’s mentorship, balancing academics, work and marriage while maintaining a rigorous training schedule.
ALUM ALEXUS RUSSELL FLOURISHES AT WELLS FARGO AND HOPES TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES THRIVE
Alexus Russell grew up with parents who ran their own businesses. She witnessed how challenging it was to keep them afloat, particularly when it came to balancing the finances. She began helping out with the books and developed an aspiration to turn her burgeoning skills into a career. Her practical experience, coupled with the knowledge she gained by earning a degree in accounting at UMSL, primed Russell for her career in finance and her current role as a senior financial controls and oversight analyst at Wells Fargo. Russell is part of a team that ensures her company maintains financial and internal controls as mandated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Though her passion for being of service is strong, that vision may be far down the line.
UMSL 60 for 60 Acknowledgements
Observing what her parents have gone through running their own businesses and how grueling it can be, she’s in no rush to forgo the stability of corporate work. Her time at UMSL not only gave her the tools but also aided in strengthening her perspective on the significance of that work.
UMSL ALUM GEORGEANN MCLEMORE, FRESH OFF WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP, HEADING TO NORTHERN IRELAND ON PRESTIGIOUS FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP Georgeann McLemore recently graduated from UMSL with a degree in information systems and technology and has embarked on an exciting journey as a Fulbright Scholar at Ulster University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Inspired by her international experiences in South Korea and Europe, McLemore aims to develop a user-friendly app for Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers, a project motivated by her late grandmother. Her time as a White House intern in Washington, D.C., further honed her skills in digital strategy and design, contributing to projects like branding for President Biden’s State of the Union address. McLemore’s upcoming year in Belfast will focus on UX/UI design, marking the next step in her global pursuit of combining technology with meaningful social impact.
During the 2023-24 academic year, the University of Missouri–St. Louis celebrated 60 years of transforming lives and highlighted 60 alumni who apply one or more of UMSL’s core values in the world and help to make it a better place. The following are alumni from the College of Business Administration who were highlighted.
1 - Syed Ali, MBA 2019; 2 - Stan Anderson, BSBA 1978; 3 - Farah Babu, MS 2021; 4 - Veronique DiVoire, MBA 1994; 5 - Perry Drake, BS 1984, PhD 2017 (UMSL Business Professor); 6 - Nameera Fatima, MS 2022; 7 - Stan Freerks, MBA 1992; 8 - Tim Green, BSBA 1990; 9 - Martin Kardos, BSBA 2003, MBA 2005; 10 - Roxane May, BSBA 2002; 11 - Paul Matteucci, BSBA 1991; 12 - Annie Mbale, BSBA 2017, MBA 2019; 13 - Steve O’Loughlin , BSBA 1989; 14 - Terrence Rogers, BSBA 1996; 15 - Rick Stream, BSBA 1971; 16 - Mike Toohey, MS 2022; 17 - Luigi Wewege, BSBA 2009
Dean's Office 1 - Gerald Gao - Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Affairs and Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship; 2 - Ekin Pellegrini - Associate Dean of Graduate Business Programs, Founding Director, Doctor of Business Administration Program, and Associate Professor of Global Leadership and Management; 3 - Leeann Davenport - Business Manager; 4 - Sherry Fantroy-Ross - Operations Manager
5 - Eboni Valentine - Executive Assistant to the Dean / Marketing and Communications Coordinator;
6 - Kellye Tyler - Senior Office Support Assistant
Graduate Business Advising 16 - Francesca Ferrari - Administrative Director of Doctor of Business Administration and Director of Graduate Business Programs; 17 - Matt Becker - Program Manager, Doctor of Business Administration; 18 - Yuan Chen - Associate Director of Graduate Business Programs; 19 - Kaley Mills - Graduate Admission Coordinator; 20 - Sierra PhippsManager of Student Support Services; 21 - Grace Ray - Senior Office Assistant; 22 - Justin RubinSenior Academic Advisor
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center 23 - Scott Morris - Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center and Assistant Teaching Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship; 24 - Michael Butler - Director of Operations
International Business Institute 25 - Joe RottmanDirector of the International Business Institute and Professor of Information Systems and Technology; 26 - Renita Miller - Program Manager
Undergraduate Business Advising 7 - Carla Jordan - Director of Undergraduate Business Advising; 8- Da’Jah BarkerSenior Student Support Specialist; 9 - Layne BrownInternship Coordinator; 10- Monica Farrell - Manager of Undergraduate Business Advising; 11 - Shlynda Hudson - Academic Advisor; 12 - Ken Rapsilber - Senior Academic Advisor; 13 - Corlia SpearsRecruitment Coordinator; 14 - Zach St.Clair - Academic Advisor; 15 - Antionette Sterling - Senior Academic Advisor
Department Chair and Professor; 36 - David Beverly - Assistant Teaching Professor; 37 - Michael Costello - Teaching Professor; 38 - Tim Dombrowski - Assistant Professor; 39 - Hung-Gay Fung - Curators' Professor and Dr. YS Tsiang Endowed Professor in Chinese Studies; 40 - Meghan McInnes - Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of the Center for Excellence in Financial Counseling; 41 - Leo Pugachev - Assistant Professor; 42 - Yiuman Tse - Endowed Chair and Professor; 43 - Gaiyan Zhang - Curators' Distinguished Professor of Finance and Finance Board Scholar
- Nasser Arshadi
- Bindu
Information Systems and Technology 50 - Dinesh MirchandaniDepartment Chair and Professor; 51 - Vijay Anand - Associate Professor and Coordinator of Cybersecurity Programs; 52 - Jamillah Boyd - Associate Teaching Professor; 53 - Kailash JoshiProfessor; 54 - Shaji Khan - Associate Professor; 55 - Vivek Singh - Assistant Professor; 56 - Damon Walker - Assistant Teaching Professor
Supply Chain and Analytics 64 - Haitao Li - Department Chair and Professor; 65 - Temidayo Akenroye - Associate Professor; 66 - Jill Bernard Bracy - Associate Teaching Professor and Director of the Supply Chain Risk and Resilience Research Institute; 67 - Shakiba Enayati - Assistant Professor; 68 - Trilce EncarnaciÓnAssistant Professor; 69 - Matias Enz - Assistant Professor; 70 - Andrea HupmanAssociate Professor; 71 - Mitch Millstein - Assistant Teaching Professor; 72 - Zsidisin, George - John W. Barriger III Endowed Professor
JOINING US
1 - Siqiang Guo, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain and Analytics
Marketing and Entrepreneurship
57 - Perry Drake - Department Chair, Associate Teaching Professor and Director of UMSL Digital and MDMC; 58 - Frank Fu - Associate Professor; 59 - Tessa GarcÍa-CollartAssistant Professor; 60 - Dan Grossman - Assistant Professor; 61 - Min Ju - Associate Professor; 62 - Ho KimAssociate Professor; 63 - Lei (Jeremy) X - Assistant Professor
Siqiang (George) Guo earned his PhD degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Before his PhD, Guo worked as a Solutions Design Manager at DHL Supply Chain. Guo earned a bachelor’s degree in logistics engineering from Tongji University in China and a master’s degree in business logistics engineering from Ohio State University. He is interested in doing application-oriented research using analytics and optimization. His current research area is mainly in logistics and renewable energy.
2 - Necdet Gurkan, Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Technology
Necdet Gurkan is a PhD graduate from the School of Business at the Stevens Institute of Technology. His fascination lies at the intersection of human-machine cognition, collective intelligence and the transformative power of information technologies. Through rigorous research and application, he has mastered techniques like probabilistic modeling, Bayesian non-parametric modeling, deep neural network data fusion, cognitive-driven response processes and advanced psychometric modeling.
3 - Alice Lee-Yoon, Assistant Professor of Management
Alice Lee-Yoon is a 5th-year PhD candidate at the University of California, Los Angeles, Anderson School of Management. Her research explores how the resources of time and money impact people’s ability to thrive at work by investigating the psychological mechanisms towards the end of testing theoretically driven interventions. In her dissertation, she demonstrates that time-based rewards can enhance psychological well-being by fostering a sense of humanization in employees. Furthermore, she delves into the barriers those with limited time and money face and how to mitigate systematic inequality stemming from those resource constraints through interventions.
4 - Paul Ordyna, Assistant Professor of Accounting
For the past nine years, Paul Ordyna has taught accounting and taxation at the University of South Dakota, Utah Valley University and the University of Cincinnati. His research interests include financial accounting, taxation, capital markets, corporate disclosure and bankruptcy. Ordyna earned his PhD from Purdue University, J.D. and master’s degrees from Ole Miss, and bachelor’s from BYU. He is a CPA (Tennessee) and an inactive member of the Utah State Bar. Ordyna also worked for industry leaders such as PricewaterhouseCoopers and Comcast.
Sabbaticals
During Fall 2023, Gaiyan Zhang focused on her research project, “Do Banks Trade on Private Information? Evidence from the Credit Default Swap Market.” She also visited the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Sydney Business School.
During Spring 2025, Kailash Joshi will be on sabbatical and plans to work on research projects related to the influence of autistic tendencies and information technology mindfulness on individual interest in IT, the role of algorithmic biases in e-commerce platforms in fairness perceptions and user attitudes, and the fairness perceptions of commuters of surge pricing administered by algorithms and the likely effectiveness of possible strategies to mitigate user concerns and perceptions of unfair treatment.
Departures
James Campbell, professor of Supply Chain and Analytics; Michael Elliott, associate dean of Undergraduate Business Programs and associate professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship; James Hesford, associate professor of accounting; Janet Murray, professor of marketing and entrepreneurship; Jennifer Reynolds-Moehrle, professor of accounting
DEPARTMENT DISTINCTIONS
Chancellor's Award
CHANCELLOR’S AWARDS FOR STAFF EXCELLENCE-POSITIVE INFLUENCER – Awardees demonstrate integrity through respectful interactions, serving others, building goodwill, transparency and accountability. They influence by inspiring and empowering others to break through barriers, achieve their goals and succeed.
2024 COBA Recipient –Francesca Ferrari, Director of Graduate Business Programs
2023 COBA Recipient –Monica Farrell, Manager of Undergraduate Advising
C HANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE – Recognizes and honors outstanding academic, humanitarian or professional service.
2023 COBA Recipient –Johnna Murray, Associate Teaching Professor of Accounting
CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE IN ONLINE TEACHING – Recognizes and honors faculty for outstanding achievement in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate student levels.
2024 Recipient – Dan Grossman, Assistant Professor of Marketing
UMSL Hero Award
Each month, the chancellor will present up to three staff or faculty members with the UMSL Hero Award in recognition of their efforts to transform the lives of UMSL students and the communities we serve. COBA recipients over the past academic year include:
Marcia Countryman, Associate Teaching Professor of Accounting
Yuan Chen, Associate Director of Graduate Business Programs
Sherry Fantroy-Ross, Operations Manager
Shylnda Hudson, Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Jennifer Reynolds-Moehrle, Professor of Accounting
Teaching, Research and Service Awards
2024
FACULTY SERVICE
EXCELLENCE AWARD
Jennifer Reynolds-Moehrle, Professor of Accounting
STAFF SERVICE
EXCELLENCE AWARD
Francesca Ferrari, Director of Graduate Business Programs
FACULTY ADVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Bindu Arya, Chair of Global Leadership and Management
STAFF ADVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Ken Rapsilber, Advisor
2023
FACULTY SERVICE
EXCELLENCE AWARD
Shaji Khan, Associate Professor of Information Systems and Technology
STAFF SERVICE
EXCELLENCE AWARD
Kellye Tyler, Senior Office Support Assistant
FACULTY ADVISER OF THE YEAR AWARD
John Meriac, Associate Professor of Global Leadership and Management
STAFF ADVISER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Yuan Chen, Associate Director of Graduate Business Programs
2024 DOUGLAS E. DURAND AWARD FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
Andrea Hupman, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Analytics
Vivek Singh, Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Technology
2024 ANHEUSER-BUSCH TEACHING AWARD (UNDERGRADUATE TRACK)
Trilce Encarnación, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management and Analytics
2024 ANHEUSER-BUSCH TEACHING AWARD (GRADUATE TRACK)
Brian Lawton, Adjunct Instructor of Information Systems and Technology
2023 DOUGLAS E. DURAND AWARD FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
Dan Grossman, Assistant Professor of Marketing
2023 ACCOUNTING RESEARCH IMPACT AWARD
Stephen Moehrle, Professor of Accounting
2023 FINANCE AND LEGAL STUDIES RESEARCH IMPACT AWARD
Gaiyan Zhang, Professor of Finance
2023 GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH IMPACT AWARD
Emily Lane, Assistant Teaching Professor, Global Leadership and Management
2023 INFORMATIONAL SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH IMPACT AWARD
Vivek Singh, Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Technology
2023 MARKETING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP RESEARCH IMPACT
AWARD
Ho Kim, Associate Professor of Marketing
2023 SUPPLY CHAIN AND ANALYTICS RESEARCH IMPACT AWARD
Andrea Hupman, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Analytics
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS
Vivek Singh celebrates success as a recognized inventor
Vivek Singh, holder of two U.S. patents, was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors and the UMSL NAI Chapter at the UMSL Research and Innovation Reception on April 19. One patent: a new cloud computing security system and one covering technology designed to improve processes such as medical triage - was completed during his time as a doctoral student at the University of South Florida.
Jennifer Reynolds-Moehrle takes over as chair of Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants
Jennifer Reynolds-Moehrle, a seasoned educator at UMSL, was appointed chair of the executive committee at the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants. With over 25 years at UMSL and deep involvement in MOCPA since 2016, Reynolds-Moehrle brings a wealth of experience to navigate current challenges in the accounting industry, including evolving licensure requirements and workforce demographics. She emphasizes the vital link between academia and professional practice in shaping future CPAs. Reynolds-Moehrle’s leadership promises to address critical issues while fostering educational excellence and community impact in St. Louis.
Ekin Pellegrini elected president of the Executive DBA Council
Associate Dean of Graduate Business Programs and Founding Director of the UMSL DBA Program Ekin Pellegrini began her appointment as president of the Executive Doctor of Business Administration Council on July 1. Pellegrini, who has a been a member of the EDBAC board since 2019, began her career as a human resources professional in her native country of Turkey working for global organizations, including Accenture, Pfizer and AstraZeneca. She then transitioned into academia and received her PhD in business administration at the University of Miami Herbert Business School in 2006 before joining the UMSL faculty that same year. As her career continued to grow, she went on to launch the DBA program in 2017. It remains Missouri’s first and only AACSB-accredited DBA program offering research concentrations in all areas of business administration.
Lei Xu’s research explores the conditions that can foster entrepreneurship and innovation in entrepreneurial ecosystems
Assistant Professor Lei (Jeremy) Xu, a member of the faculty in the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and his collaborators, Shu Yang, Yu Liu, Scott Newbert and Kimberly Boal, published their findings in a December article titled “Seeing the Forest and the Trees: Exploring the Impact of Inter- and IntraEntrepreneurial Ecosystem Embeddedness on New Venture Creation,” in the Academy of Management Journal. The group examined a longitudinal sample of regional data from the United States between 1994 and 2016.
Lifelong learner: Finance Professor Yiuman Tse earns master’s degree in computer science
Yiuman Tse wanted to add to his knowledge and enhance his teaching with his new degree, which he completed nearly 30 years after earning his PhD. In the spring of 2020, Tse found himself confronting a sense of inadequacy while teaching a graduate course in financial technology to a cohort of working professionals enrolled as MBA students in UMSL’s College of Business Administration. He decided he needed to learn more about programming language and enrolled in a course in computer science. One class became two and then another, and he suddenly joined the master’s program in the Department of Computer Science and graduated last December. Tse is a true life-long learner.
UMSL Business Launches New Program for Early and Mid-Career Professionals
UMSL Business now offers an additional program designed to help St. Louis residents get ahead in their careers and to help more individuals in the St. Louis community become the successful leaders they were meant to be. The Leadership Launchpad is a one-of-a-kind offering open to all early and mid-career professionals from throughout the region who want to be effective leaders in their organizations and have balance with their family and personal lives. This program offers bite-sized chunks of learning, with essential management skills and oneon-one coaching to help new and upcoming leaders thrive. Participants also have the opportunity to build more robust and supportive professional networks. The inaugural six-week course started and finished this fall.
Department
of Supply Chain and Analytics partners with Cass Information Systems to bolster research, experiential learning
The Department of Supply Chain and Analytics will be tapping into the business intelligence expertise of Cass Information Systems to bolster research and enhance teaching as part of a new collaboration that will also benefit Cass by strengthening product development. The pandemic showed everyone the importance of reliable supply chains, and any research that can help strengthen them and make them more resilient has the potential to have a significant societal impact. Department Chair and Professor Haitao Li and his colleagues believe in
IN THE COMMUNITY
the value of experiential learning and have intentionally worked it into the curriculum, particularly for supply chain analytics program students. Li sees potential for creating case studies and tailored class projects in collaboration with Cass to expose students to the way the industry operates.
A collaborative partnership between FinLocker and UMSL enriches research and provides students with real-world experience
FinLocker is constantly looking for ways to enhance the features and performance of its products by incorporating the latest technology. However, with a lean full-time team, the company sought an external technology research collaboration and found one in Vivek Singh, assistant professor in the Department of Information Systems and Technology. FinLocker Chief Technology Officer Bryan Garcia and Machine Learning Engineer Princewill Okorie, have been able to explore emerging AI technologies with Singh and discover ways
to apply them to the company’s platform. This supports Singh’s research into applications of automated machine learning and generative artificial intelligence and has also opened opportunities for two of Singh’s graduate research assistants –Kenichi Segawa and James Tao – who participated in internships with FinLocker.
Haitao Li part of a team of researchers developing sensors to detect and mitigate contamination in the chicken supply chain
Department Chair and Professor of Supply Chain Analytics Haitao Li was joined by colleagues at the University of Missouri–Columbia, Lincoln University, University of Notre Dame and Auburn University in developing a sensor to detect salmonella contamination using a laser and fiber optic cables to sense minute concentrations of the bacteria. Ideally, the sensor would be used in different stages of chicken processing, including washing, de-feathering, cutting, packaging, transportation and storage. Down the line, the sensors could also potentially reduce some food waste.
2023 selected significant journal publications
College of Business Administration faculty actively engage in research that informs practice and extends knowledge in our disciplines. In the past five years, our faculty generated more than 500 intellectual contributions in peer-reviewed journal articles, books, book chapters, conference proceedings, teaching scholarships, patents, grants and business cases. The following are some recent academic journal articles.
AUTHOR TITLE
Co-worker relationship quality:
Bindu Arya
JOURNAL NAME
European Journal
The role of commitment and trust in China of International Management
James Campbell Facility location decisions for drone delivery: a literature review
Timothy Dombrowski
The feasibility of MBSs as decentralized autonomous organizations
Impacts of extreme weather events on mortgage
Timothy Dombrowski risks and their evolution under climate change
Curbing the opioid crisis: Optimal dynamic policies
Shakiba Enayati for preventive and mitigating interventions
Uncovering heterogeneous inequities induced by COVID-19
Shakiba Enayati interventions: Evidence from three states in the US
Trilce Encarnacion
Understanding delivery drivers parking behavior in urban areas
The impact of digital technology deployment on
Matias Enz mitigating supply chain disruptions
Strategic procurement management of railroad rolling stock
John Patrick Meriac assessor training effectiveness and practice
Gendered competencies and gender composition:
European Journal of Operational Research
Real Estate Finance
European Journal of Operational Research
Decision Analysis
Socio-Economic Planning Sciences
Transportation Research
Part A: Policy and Practice
Journal of Purchasing and
Supply Management
Central European Management Journal
Journal of Product & Brand Management
Psychology & Marketing
Motivation and Emotion
Risk Analysis
Journal of Global Information
Technology Management
Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing
Journal of Business Venturing
Journal of Media Economics
Transportation Science
Journal of the Operational Research Society
Industrial and Organizational
Psychology: Perspectives on Science
International Journal of Selection
Stephanie Marie Merritt An AI v. human evaluator comparison and Assessment
Evolution, trends, and recent developments in international accounting studies: A synthesis of evidence published in
Journal of International Accounting, Stephen R. Moehrle “Research in Accounting Regulation"
Cross-asset time series momentum: Crude oil
Yiuman Tse volatility and global stock markets
Yiuman Tse
Auditing and Taxation
Journal of Banking and Finance
International Review of Economics
Hedging Covid-19 risk with ESG disclosure and Finance
Breaking barriers or maintaining status quo? Female capital firms representation in decision-making group of venture and the funding Journal of Business Venturing
Lei Xu of woman-led businesses
Hot markets, sociocognitive cues, and new market
Lei Xu entry in the U.S. venture capital industry
Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
Gaiyan Zhang Financial regulatory arbitrage and the financialization of commodities Journal of Futures Markets
Supply chain resilience strategies facing a Black-Swan Event:
George Zsidisin A comparison of US, French, and Polish Companies
International Journal of Logistics Management
UMSL Business is an empowering and inclusive community of problem-solvers known as a force for transformation in the St. Louis region and beyond.
