Haslam MAGAZINE
WINTER 2016
AT THE
TOPGOLF Rises to Success with CEO Ken May
HASLAM MAGAZINE is The alumni PUBLICATION of the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
VALUES. MISSION. VISION. We are a community that serves the citizens and businesses of Tennessee and beyond. We support learning through the creation and sharing of knowledge. We succeed when our work, and that of our students and partners, generates nationally and internationally recognized outcomes that improve the world.
TRANSFORM SUC VISION SUPPO IMPACT INTEGRITY SS INCLUSION SUCC INSPIRE IMPACT SER ESS INSIGHT INTEGR SUPPORT TRANSF haslam.utk.edu
CONTENTS
WINTER 2016
14
TOPGOLF Topgolf’s combination of convenience, world-class cuisine, and a festive atmosphere is drawing individual customers and corporate groups for repeat visits.
EVENTS | 6
40th annual Accounting Day celebrates tradition.
19
JEWELRY TV Knoxville’s own Jewelry Television has thrived through innovating its own business model to suit the changing times. The results have been simply glittering.
PEOPLE | 24 Brad Blackwell looks toward a new horizon.
DEPARTMENT NEWS
3
STUDENT NEWS
24
29
GIVING REPORT
ALUMNI NEWS
39
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
PEOPLE
SOURCES & USES
EVENTS
4 Haslam College of
24 Brad Blackwell balances music and his MBA.
30 Numbers of donors
39 2015 Alumni Awards
Business faculty are cited and featured by industry news sources.
PEOPLE
26 The University of
Tennessee golf team finds talent in Haslam freshman Allison Herring.
6 Accounting Day’s history of excellence.
NEWS
8 Anne D. Smith leads the Department of Management.
Haslam College of Business are achieving great things near and far.
NEW FACULTY 10 New hires join the Haslam vision.
RESEARCH 12 Qualitative analysis of
Tennessee Promise’s success.
25 The students at the
#HASLAMWORLD 25–28 Photograph yourself wearing Haslam gear
wherever you are in the world, and share it on social media using the tag #HaslamWorld!
continue to increase.
Gala draws more than 400 attendees.
PEOPLE
PEOPLE
29 Development and Giving Report
40 Pictured and profiled: alumni award winners.
31 Professorship named for Townsend. 32 Greg and Lisa Smith
give experience to Global Leadership Scholars.
42 News 43–44 In Memoriam
34 PEMBA fellowship named for Stahl. 36 Ralph and Janet Heath bridge business and engineering.
15%
6% 6%
9%
Distinguished Alum Sharon Pryse
Haslam
FROM THE DEAN
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Haslam Magazine is the alumni publication of the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
There are many ingredients to a
successful career. Formal education provides a firm foundation and the fire to remain a lifelong learner. Somewhere in the journey, a professional passion is uncovered, often by first finding what you don’t want to become before discovering what you dream of becoming. While many will attribute to good fortune or dumb luck that which launched them, we know that focused, purposeful effort is often really behind both. In this issue, you’ll find alumni and students melding their love and discipline of sports with their business careers. Ken May is taking his interest in golf to the next level as CEO of Topgolf, a lighter approach to the sport that blends entertainment and food with the traditional game. Relatedly, some of our current students also are creatively combining their interests in sports and music to the benefit of our college golf teams and the local night life scene. Also in this issue, at Jewelry Television, several Haslam College of Business alumni have used their own determination and their Haslam College education and network to traverse the economic downturn and emerge with a revamped organization and thriving business model.
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It’s inspiring to learn about and celebrate the ongoing accomplishments of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. At Haslam, much of what we do focuses on improving the world around us—whether that be through research that supports our land grant and flagship university mission, support for the education and programs offered at Haslam, or co- and extracurricular engagement in our broader communities. Our alumni, particularly, deserve a round of applause for their belief in what we do here. The university recently wrapped up its annual Big Orange Give online giving campaign. Alumni and friends helped the university reach its goal by giving $1,466,207 in one week. We’re proud that friends and alumni of Haslam helped us well exceed our college goal by more than 60 percent! We appreciate all that you do to help us educate and inspire those whose determination and innovation improve the world around us. It was wonderful seeing so many of you at this year’s Alumni Gala in early November. We recognized the accomplishments of specific alumni and we officially embarked on our “Investing in the Journey to the Top 25 Campaign” to raise $175 million dollars in additional support of our journey toward being a Top 25 public university. We are making great progress toward our Top 25 vision thanks to everyone in the Volunteer family. As Volunteers, we are never alone. Our network of University of Tennessee family and friends spans the globe. We hope you’ll join us as we move onward and upward. With gratitude always,
Haslam College of Business Executive Leadership Stephen L. Mangum Dean
annette L. Ranft
Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
BRUCE K. BEHN
Associate Dean for Graduate and Executive Education
DOUGLAS Hawks
Assistant Dean for Financial Administration
Michael “Lane” Morris
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Student Affairs
HASLAM MAGAZINE Tanya G. Brown
Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations | Editor
William R. “Chip” Bryant
Executive Director of Development and Alumni Affairs
Meredith Hulette
Development Coordinator
Jessica Leigh Brown Writer
Jill Knight
Design and Production
CHARLES Brooks Photographer
Haslam Magazine is published twice a year by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business. Printed by University Printing & Mail.
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Stephen L. Mangum Dean and Stokely Foundation Leadership Chair Haslam College of Business
Haslam College of Business instagram.com/ haslamut twitter.com/ haslamut
News from the faculty, departments, centers, and programs of the Haslam College of Business.
department & faculty NEWS U.S. News and World Report once again ranked Haslam’s supply chain program in the top five and our overall undergrad program rose to thirtieth among public institutions. PrincetonReview. com also included Haslam in its 2016 Best Business School rankings.
In its second year, the
Haslam Summer Scholars research program recognized eleven faculty members, more than doubling the recipients from last year. They are:
James Chyz Jeff & Janet Davis Faculty Research Fellow; assistant professor; Department of Accounting and Information Management
Wendy Tate Charlie & Caroline Newcomer Faculty Research Fellow; associate professor; Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management Christian Vossler Nancy & David McKinney Faculty Research Fellow; associate professor; Department of Economics
Russell Crook Roy & Audrey Fancher Faculty Research Fellow; associate professor, Department of Management
Marianne Wanamaker Kinney Family Faculty Research Fellow; assistant professor; Department of Economics
Tim Munyon Ray & Joan Myatt Faculty Research Fellow; assistant professor, Department of Management
David Williams Stanley Bowden Faculty Research Fellow; assistant professor, Department of Management
Andy Puckett Kinney Family Faculty Research Fellow; associate professor and Massingale Scholar, Department of Finance
Tracie Woidtke Charles & Dorothy Duggan Faculty Research Fellow; David E. Sharp/Home Federal Bank of Tennessee Professor in Banking and Finance; Department of Finance
Georg Schaur Stewart Bartley Family Faculty Research Fellow; associate professor, Department of Economics
The undergraduate accounting program was included in the 2015 Best Accounting School Super Ranking. Haslam’s accounting program was ranked twenty-second by Accounting Degree Review, a resource website for current and prospective accounting and finance students.
COLLEGE WIDE
Chad Autry Kinney Family Faculty Research Fellow; William J. Taylor Professor of Supply Chain Management; Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management
Accounting and Information Management
Keith Stanga retired as the Anderson Professor of Accounting on June 30 after forty-one years as a full-time accounting educator. He was head of the department for ten years.
LeAnn Luna was promoted from associate professor to professor.
Charles Sims organized and hosted a conference entitled, “Thresholds, Tipping Points, and Random Events in Dynamic Economic Systems.” The conference papers will be published in a special issue of the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization with Sims serving as the lead guest editor.
ECONOMICS Christian Vossler was the keynote speaker at the joint annual conference of the Northeast Agricultural and Resource Economics Association (NAREA) and the Canadian Agricultural Economics Society (CAES) in Newport, Rhode Island. Scott Gilpatric published a paper entitled, “Information Value Under Demand Uncertainty and Endogenous Market Leadership.”
Georg Schaur spent a month this summer as a guest researcher at the Center for Economic Studies (CES) in Munich, Germany.
Christian Vossler was promoted from associate professor to professor.
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”
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thought
LEADERSHIP
The proposed language is very different than what is currently there. Accepting the proposal would be backtracking in the United States on a fuller disclosure approach the rest of the world required.”
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Joe Carcello, accounting and information management department head, EY and Business Alumni Professor, and executive director of the Neel Corporate Governance Center, on the SEC’s proposal on materiality disclosures
Kate Vitasek, on west coast port labor issues
—Forbes, Feb. 23, 2015
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Joe Carcello, accounting and information management department head, EY and Business Alumni Professor, and executive director of the Neel Corporate Governance Center, on the SEC’s search to replace audit regulator James Doty
—Wall Street Journal, Sept. 9, 2015
”
Jim Doty has shown both courage and vision in the projects he has championed at the PCAOB. Investors have no better friend.”
At many companies, sales generation activities have become disconnected from the operational activities required to fulfill that demand—resulting in conflicting objectives and foregone business opportunities. Bringing the supply and demand sides of an enterprise together can represent a significant opportunity for efficiency and value creation.” Wendy Tate, associate professor of supply chain management; Diane Mollenkopf, McCormick Associate Professor of Logistics; and Ted Stank, Bruce Chair of Excellence in Business, on demand and supply integration
The uninsured rate had held steady at around 9 or 10 percent, and then all of a sudden we had a 2.4 percentage point drop in 2014.” LeAnn Luna, associate professor of accounting, on the Affordable Care Act’s effect in Tennessee
—Bloomberg Politics, July 1, 2015
By bringing all the data into memory, it’s possible to discover patterns that are not apparent if the claims are viewed in isolation.” Ken Gilbert, professor emeritus in business analytics, on identifying fraudulent healthcare claims through data
—Information Week, June 24, 2015
—Sloan Management Review, June 15, 2015
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”
—The Tennessean, Aug. 25, 2015
—Fortune, Aug. 27, 2015
—CNBC, May 18, 2015
” ”
Bill Fox, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research, Chancellor’s Professor, and William B. Stokely Distinguished Professor of Business, on market volatility
Shay Scott, managing director of the Global Supply Chain Institute, on outsourcing in China
Andy Puckett, associate professor of finance, finance PhD program director, and Massingale Scholar, on how CEOs golf schedules affect stock performance
—MarketWatch, Oct. 19, 2015
At this point, we don’t see any reason to believe that what’s happened in the equity markets, a lot of volatility, signals any negatives for the real economy.”
If you rewind 15 or 20 years, companies were using the low labor cost to make what we have always argued were oversimplified business cases. I think companies are learning from experience that there are a number of other factors that are a bit harder to quantify.”
”
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The West Coast port negotiation process is an epic failure on all sides and unless the parties commit to establish a foundation for a strong and trusting working relationship, history is sure to repeat itself in the future.”
While some golf rounds may clearly serve a valid business purpose, it is unlikely that the amount of golf played by the most frequent golfers is necessary for a CEO to support her firm.”
It’s easy to understand why Millennials and Generation X-ers have different opinions about leadership, because they were exposed to dramatically different family experiences.” Tim Munyon, assistant professor of management, on millennials’ leadership in the workplace
—Mainstreet.com, Aug. 18, 2015
Companies with a long-term perspective on economic performance know that offshoring production to a factory full of safety hazards isn’t a path to profit. On the contrary, it creates unnecessary business risk.” Chad Autry, William J. Taylor Professor of Supply Chain Management, on sweatshops in the supply chain
—Wall Street Journal, Aug. 17, 2015
Companies of almost any national origin and size make common, basic errors when they try to grow their international business. These mistakes are time-consuming and expensive, and they usually stem from a combination of inexperience, ignorance, and/or ignorance.” John Anderson, senior lecturer of management, on business failures
—Global Trade, Aug. 19, 2015
department & faculty NEWS Graduate and Executive Education
Hamparsum Bozdogan was invited to speak at the eighth Conference of Eastern Mediterranean Region International Biometric Society in Cappadocia, Turkey; served on the Scientific Program Committee of European Conference on Data Analysis (ECDA) at the University of Essex, Colchester, UK; and is on the Scientific Program Committee of the ninth International Statistics Congress, Kemer-Antalya, Turkey.
international influence Business Analytics and Statistics
MILLION Wenjun Zhou received a $4.9 million grant from the USDA to combat obesity in older adolescents. Zhou works with Sarah Colby of the Department of Nutrition on the project, supervising data management, statistical modeling, and analytics.
DataScienceCentral.com hosted a blog by Department Head Chuck Noon entitled “7 Traits of Highly Successful Business Analytics Professionals.”
Julie Ferrara, a lecturer and assistant department head in business analytics, was recently presented the Graduate & Executive Education Staff Excellence Award for Outstanding Innovation.
Missie Bowers received the Richard Sanders Award for outstanding leadership in graduate and executive education. Hamparsum Bozdogan, Toby McKenzie Professor in Business, published a paper in the book Data Science, Learning by Latent Structures, and Knowledge Discovery and another in the academic journal Machine Learning. Paolo Letizia was appointed chair of the environmental operations track at the Production and Operations Management Society’s international conference to be held on May 6-9, 2016, in Orlando, Florida.
United States Rep. Marsha Blackburn visited the Haslam College of Business Aerospace & Defense Business Institute (ADBI) and the Howard H. Baker Center for Public Policy as part of a speaking engagement on May 27.
ValueColleges.com named the Haslam MBA program one of the best values in the country. It was ranked twenty-ninth. The Honorable Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the US Air Force, invited Andy White, director of the Aerospace & Defense Business Institute, to participate in the service’s National Security Scholars Conference. White joined other invited participants to discuss expanding the national aerospace conversation. Executive, professional, and full-time MBA graduates held their first joint alumni gathering on April 30. The event, held at Club LeConte in Knoxville, drew more than twentyfive alumni representing twenty years of MBA graduates.
Ken Gilbert, business analytics professor emeritus, spoke to nearly fifty aviation industry professionals at the Memphis Jet and Engine Trading Society (JETS). Gilbert spoke to the group about lessons described in the new book he co-wrote with Mandyam “Srini” Srinivasan and Melissa “Missie” Bowers, entitled, Lean for MRO—Changing the Way You Do Business.
A new faculty fellowship has been named in the Physician Executive MBA program honoring founding director Mike Stahl. At the time of the announcement, alumni, students, and staff had contributed $150,000 toward the endowment.
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Strength in Community
HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 6
department & faculty NEWS
On October 10, 2015, the
Department of Accounting and Information Management sponsored the 40th annual Warren Slagle Accounting Day at the Knoxville Marriott, an annual event that draws alumni and students alike. Hosted by the Beta Alpha Psi honor society, this year’s gathering featured guest speaker Holly Warlick, head coach of the Lady Vols basketball team, who shared the challenges and joys of her job.
Evans knows, because he’s been coming to Accounting Day for more than two decades. “I went to my first one in 1993, I believe,” he says. “That was the year I interned with the firm I eventually joined, and I’ve been to every Accounting Day since.” For Evans and others, the highlight of each year’s event is the social hour for catching up with faculty, fellow alumni, and current students. “It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends,” he says. “I’m the lead recruiting partner at UT for our firm, so I run into people I’ve interviewed over the years and have the chance to hear about their careers.” The community aspect of Accounting Day is its strength, according to Beta Alpha Psi faculty advisor Izabela Vandeest. “It’s an opportunity for alumni and students to bond, to bring forth the volunteer spirit, and to get together over a Saturday morning breakfast right before a big Tennessee football game,” says Vandeest. “It keeps people connected.” Early in the event’s history, AIM faculty offered Accounting Day to Beta Alpha Psi as a fundraising opportunity. An honor society specifically for accounting students, the group took the reins and continues to host each year. “This is our premiere alumni event of the year for the department and for us as a chapter,” Vandeest says. “It gives us a chance to meet former members who are now out in the field.” Accounting Day has remained one of Beta Alpha Psi’s top fundraising events. “We use the funds for professional meetings, to host visiting firms, to travel as a group to New York to visit the Stock
The 40th Annual Warren Slagle Accounting Day “Our number one priority is to make sure these women get degrees,” Warlick said. “We want to make sure they leave with character, respect, and discipline.” Warlick, who graduated from the Haslam College of Business with a marketing degree in 1981, joked that while she originally chose accounting as her major, she realized it wasn’t a good fit. “We had to balance books and I was one penny short,” said Warlick, “so I got out of accounting and into marketing.” AIM hosts a different speaker for each year’s gathering, inviting discussions on a wide variety of topics. “There have been some fantastic speakers over the years, from University of Tennessee presidents to political figures to sports coaches,” says David Evans, regional managing partner at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP. “It’s always a great event.”
Exchange and other institutions, and to attend regional and national meetings every year,” says Vandeest. “These trips are important to our students. Each year, I meet alumni who hold fond memories of what those experiences, such as the New York trip or the national and regional meetings, afforded them.” Installed in 1951, the UT chapter of Beta Alpha Psi maintains a membership of between fifty-five and sixty students annually. At Accounting Day, Beta Alpha Psi officers can be found at the welcome desk, helping guests find their nametags and navigate the Marriott’s event space. “We’ve had less practical involvement over the years because the event has evolved so much,” says Vandeest. “The department sponsors it now, and attendance numbers have risen.” This year, more than 300 alumni and faculty came to Accounting Day. Among regional and even national universities, it’s rare for an alumni event to be so well attended. “This is a unique event for UT,” Vandeest says. “Our alumni base attendance always makes this successful for us and very special to our chapter.” At this year’s gathering, AIM Department Head Joe Carcello gave a report on the state of the department and named the 2015 Distinguished Accounting Alum Award honoree, David P. Jones. He also announced a new distinguished professorship in honor of beloved professor emeritus Dick Townsend. “Accounting Day is the largest departmental alumni event at UT,” Carcello said. “It has clearly stood the test of time.”
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Anne D. Smith FACULTY FOCUS
IMAGES OF CHANGE
Images communicate in ways that words cannot. Anne D. Smith, head of the Department of Management at the Haslam College of Business, sees photography as a way to observe management styles. “I’m very interested in how to use images in the field, getting organizational members to take pictures and talk about them,” says Smith. “For three years, I taught a first-year studies course about photography and making sense of transition. I enjoyed that more than almost anything else I’ve done.” Smith’s freshman students used photography to explore their transition to campus life. “We looked at finding comfort, missing home, becoming involved, and ultimately adjusting to the college routine,” Smith explains. To help students develop their photography skills and find angles to express their thoughts, Smith led them on a behind-thescenes tour of campus. “I took them to all the out of the way places
8 | HASLAM MAGAZINE
around campus,” she says. “We went inside the old library, the alumni house, McClung Museum, and to the top floor of the law school, where there’s a collection of platinum records on display.” While Smith’s chief enjoyment of the class came from connecting with students, she had a secondary purpose. “It’s a research project,” she says. “I am interested in images and what they say, and I want to see if what happened in the first semester set the path for those students.” Every fall, she talks to past students to track their progress. About 80 percent of her last class chose to participate in follow-up interviews. “It’s a meaningful project for me. It’s important because it ties into the metrics of the university and our ability to retain students.” Smith has published more than twenty papers in academic journals. While she prefers fieldwork, stories and images to surveys and archival databases, Smith stresses that qualitative research is tricky. “Europeans and Canadians tend
to do more qualitative research as compared to American management scholars,” she says. “Qualitative is seen as a risky research strategy because of the investment in fieldwork and the substantial time figuring out the story and theoretical contributions. Publishing qualitative studies in top journals usually takes many, many years. ” When she’s not finding new ways to connect and research, Smith serves as associate editor of qualitative submissions of Organizational Methods Journal and chair of the Strategizing Activities and Practices Interest Group in the Academy of Management. In 2015, she was named department head when former department head Terry Leap returned to teaching. “I’ve never aspired to administration,” she confesses. “I’m here because I think I’m the right person at the right time. For me, it’s about the department. I’m just here to orchestrate it.”
department & faculty NEWS
Associate professor of supply chain management John Bell spoke at SCMR’s Supply Chain Outlook Summit about sustainability’s impact on the future of supply chain. “Firms need to recognize that global trends such as urbanization, population growth, economic leveling, and climate change are impacting how supply chains operate.
“
JOHN BELL AT THE SUPPLY CHAIN — OUTLOOK SUMMIT, NOVEMBER 2015
supply chain sustainability Randy Bradley was featured in a book entitled Paying it Forward. The book outlines the growth and success of the PhD Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of doctoral candidates from underrepresented ethnicities.
Neel Corporate Governance Center Jason M. Hill, chief financial officer of Gibson Brands, Inc., spoke as part of the Neel CGC Speaker Series in October. Hill is a Haslam alum (BS, MAcc).
Mike Gallagher, managing partner of assurance quality for PwC, spoke October 9, as part of the Neel CGC Speaker Series.
Chad Autry, William J. Taylor Supply Chain Professor, presented on a panel at Ryder’s supply chain conference in Chicago.
Marketing and Supply Chain Management Bindu Agrawal, a visiting professor from Manav Rachna College of Engineering in Haryana, India, and Ernie Cadotte presented their students’ collaborative project Clean Cycle to an audience of twenty from Africa, China, Brazil, and Tennessee. Shay Scott, Mike Burnette, Paul Dittmann, Ted Stank, and Chad Autry authored the white paper “Supply Chain Talent, Our Greatest Resource,” that was featured in Supply Chain Brain and Supply Chain Quarterly.
Chad Autry was presented with the Bank of America faculty award at commencement in May 2015. Neeraj Bharadwaj was granted tenure and promoted from assistant to associate professor.
John Bell was named the 2015–2016 fellow for the Center for Transportation Research in UT’s College of Engineering. This is the second year that a member of the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management at Haslam has received the fellowship. Last year, Mary Holcomb received the award. Bell also was granted tenure and promoted from assistant to associate professor.
Mark Collins was promoted to UT distinguished lecturer after holding that same title within the college for a number of years. Mary Holcomb was promoted from associate professor to professor.
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NEW FACULTY
10 | HASLAM MAGAZINE
Clockwise from top left: Jama Summers, Chris Craighead, David Masler, Stephanie Eckerd, Mark Farley, Matthew Serfling, Sean Willems, and Paolo Letizia.
The passion and effort to create value for all of Haslam’s stakeholders is both impressive and infectious.”
department & faculty NEWS The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Haslam College of Business welcomes eight new faculty members this fall in the departments of accounting and information management, marketing and supply chain management, business analytics and statistics, and finance. The new hires join Haslam from institutions as far flung as Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands and the University of Arizona. The positions filled include a chair, a named professorship, several assistant professorships, and a lecturer. The new faculty members cited the camaraderie and trajectory at Haslam as key factors that attracted them to the college. “Everyone talks about how they want to take an already strong institution and make it stronger,” said David A. Maslar, a new assistant professor of finance. “Not only is the desire to improve apparent, but everyone I spoke with also stressed the steps that are in place to achieve those goals. I could feel the excitement and knew I wanted to be a part of that process.” Chris Craighead, who comes to Haslam from the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University, had a similar impression. “The culture here at Haslam is top-notch!” he said. “The passion and effort to create value for all of Haslam’s stakeholders is both impressive and infectious.” Stephanie Eckerd said that she observed and appreciated the collegiality among Haslam’s supply chain faculty for years before joining the group this fall. “Perhaps even more important [than the faculty’s rank and reputation] is the fact that they are a great group of individuals who collaborate together, respect one another and genuinely enjoy working together.”
Chris Craighead is the Dove Professor of Supply Chain Management. He holds an MBA from East Tennessee State University and a PhD in operations management from Clemson University. His primary research interests involve strategic sourcing and supply management, with a focus on global supply chain disruptions and resilience. He serves as an associate editor of the Journal of Operations Management, Decision Sciences, Journal of Supply Chain Management, and Journal of Business Logistics, as well as on several editorial review boards. Stephanie Eckerd is an assistant
professor in supply chain management. Eckerd’s research uses survey and experiment methodologies to investigate how social and psychological variables affect buyer-supplier relationships. She received her doctorate degree at The Ohio State University and was an assistant professor at the University of Maryland prior to joining Haslam. Mark Farley joined the Department of
Accounting and Information Management as a lecturer in January 2015. He received his MBA with a focus in management information systems and a bachelor’s in human resource management from Tennessee Technological University. Farley spent thirteen years in the US Air Force and Air National Guard serving in fields from cyber security operations to satellite communications and as an ROTC instructor at UT from 2010 to 2013. Paolo Letizia is an assistant professor
of business analytics and operations management. His research interests lie in the areas of sustainable operations, closed loop supply chain management, supply chain channel design, and role of information in a supply chain. Letizia holds a master’s degree in supply chain management from Bordeaux Business School and a doctorate with dual degrees in operations research and business administration from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business. Before joining UT, Letizia was a faculty member at Erasmus University’s Rotterdam School of Management. David Maslar is an assistant professor in
finance. He joins Haslam after working as a visiting assistant professor of finance at the
University of Missouri, where he obtained his doctorate and master’s degrees in finance, applied mathematics and economics respectively. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in economic analysis from Binghamton University. His research interests include investments and empirical asset pricing, with a particular emphasis in fixed income and bond mutual funds. Matthew Serfling is an assistant professor in finance. He received his doctorate in finance from the University of Arizona and undergraduate degree in finance with a minor in mathematics from North Dakota State University. His current research interests include how corporate financial policy decisions relate to labor market frictions, product market competition, laws and regulations, nonfinancial stakeholders, and a firm’s governance environment. Jama Summers is an assistant professor in accounting and information management. She received her doctorate in business administration (information systems) from the University of Oklahoma, her master’s in management information systems (MIS) from the University of Arkansas, and her bachelor’s in MIS from Arkansas State University. Her research examines large group collaboration through technology in contexts such as social media, online communities, and crowdfunding platforms. Sean Willems is the Haslam Chair in
Supply Chain Analytics. In 2000, Willems co-founded Optiant, a pioneer of multiechelon inventory optimization tools. His work with companies such as Hewlett Packard and P&G has led to finalist selections for the Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences in 2003 and 2010 and the Daniel H. Wagner Prize for Excellence in Operations Research Practice in 2006, 2008, and 2012. His work on inventory placement under non-stationary demand won the Wagner Prize in 2008. He received his bachelor’s degree in decision sciences from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and his master’s in operations research and doctorate in operations management from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
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RESEARCH
Tennessee Promise Fulfilling its Potential Tennessee Promise, the governor’s program to increase college attendance in our state, has received national media attention over the last year. President Obama references it as the basis for his initiative to provide free community college to all citizens. But whether it has truly been successful, and which aspects of the program make the most impact, has been hotly debated. Thanks to Haslam College of Business Assistant Professor of Economics Celeste Carruthers, there is now hard data to back up the hype. Carruthers conducted a study to be published in the Economics Education Review next spring measuring the effectiveness of Knox Achieves, the original, non-profit incarnation of Tennessee Promise. From 2009–2011 any high school student in Knox County who participated in Knox Achieves could attend community college for free. The aim was to increase the population of college-educated workers by providing all applicants mentors and financial support regardless of academic achievement or financial need. Knox Achieves expanded across the state to become tnAchieves, now a pillar of Tennessee Promise, with 90 percent of the state’s high school seniors taking part. Despite its rapid growth, no data proved that it resulted in greater college enrollment or collegiate success, until now. Carruthers’ study shows Knox Achieves had an overwhelming impact on not only college enrollment, but also academic achievement in high school and beyond. “Students who participated in Knox Achieves were 24 percent more likely to directly enroll in a college,” says Carruthers. “They were almost 30 percent more likely to graduate high school and earned six to seven more college
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credits during their first two years.” Critics of Tennessee Promise have argued that it will divert students from traditional universities to community colleges. Carruthers’ study confirms that participants are less likely to attend a four-year institution, but she warns against attributing the program with undo influence. “Part of this data reflects the students the program targets,” she says. “They are more likely to delay college or attend community college as opposed to a four-year institution.” Even factoring the students displaced from four-year universities, the program is achieving its goal. “Results here imply that there were two to five students induced to enroll in college for every one student swayed from starting at a four-year university.” However, the most surprising aspect of the study is not that the program is working, but why—it doesn’t appear to be about money. “Half of all participants received no financial aid,” Carruthers explains. As a ‘last dollar’ scholarship, funding from Knox Achieves only kicked in if there was a gap between the cost of tuition and federal funding. Lower-income students received full scholarships from the federal government, and yet Carruthers’s study found they benefitted from the program the most. “The fact that the treatment effect estimates are larger for these students implies that non-financial hurdles are critical,” Carruthers says. Krissy DeAlejandro, executive director of tnAchieves, believes that this is because 65 percent of participants are first-generation college students. “The support system and the mentoring aspect is key for them,” she says. “If they hit a
department & faculty NEWS
24% 30%
Students who participated in Knox Achieves were
And were almost
MANAGEMENT more likely to directly enroll in college
Anne D. Smith was named head of the Department of Management. She succeeds Terry Leap, who served as head of the department for four and a half years.
more likely to graduate high school
Center Center for for Business Business and and Economic Economic Research Research
According to research completed by Celeste Carruthers
Cheryl Barksdale, Tom Graves, and Kathy Wood were promoted from lecturer to senior lecturer.
FINANCE roadblock it’s really easy for these students to give up. They don’t have an encourager or someone who can be a backbone in the beginning of the process.” Mentors help students be more aware of how to obtain financial support and remind students of deadlines, but they also provide insight and guidance regarding the working world. “The majority of our mentors come from business,” says DeAlejandro. “We want business and community leaders.” DeAlejandro found at least one of those leaders at the Haslam College of Business. Glenn Swift, a lecturer in the management department, became a mentor during the program’s pilot year after leading an MBA class project on Knox Achieves. “Four students studied the program for a semester and provided some best practices for their website and mentor relationships,” says Swift. The project was part of a class on entrepreneurship called Innovation in Practice, where teams of students pick a non-profit organization to work with over the course of a semester. It is now the first year capstone class for all full-time MBA students. “I got involved from the class perspective, and I become so fascinated with what they were doing that I signed up as a mentor in Claiborne county in 2008,” Swift explains. “I’ve mentored twenty-two students since then.” Swift’s class conducted two additional projects with Knox Achieves/tnAchieves, in 2011 and 2015. As a mentor, he is continually surprised by his students and believes that with a tertiary education they’ll make a large impact on the state. “What has surprised me is that most of them have a pretty good concept of what they want to do, just not how to get there,” says Swift. “I don’t see students who want to make it big and get rich. They want to do good for the world. To me, they are an amazing validation of the millennial generation.”
John Wachowicz is one of the six subject matter experts for the Wiley CMAexcel Learning System Exam Review 2016: Parts 1 and 2. Suzan Murphy was promoted from senior lecturer to UT distinguished lecturer. Andy Puckett published two papers in premier business journals this summer.
Tracie Woidtke was invited to present her paper on the relationship between shareholderproposal activism by state and municipal pension funds and shareholder value at the Manhattan Institute’s Proxy Monitor 2015. Woidtke also was promoted from associate professor to professor.
Staff and Support Kimberly Hood, communications coordinator of the Anderson Center of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, cheered on Team USA at this year’s Women’s World Cup soccer final. Michelle Molter, administrative specialist in the Department of Management, visited the Today show in New York this summer and showed off her Haslam pride. Glenda Hurst recently celebrated forty years of working in the Haslam College of Business. She spent twenty-five years in undergraduate advising before moving to the management department.
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14 | HASLAM MAGAZINE
AT THE
Topgolf Rises to Success with CEO Ken May At Topgolf, relaxation is part of the atmosphere. Golfers trade long walks in unpredictable conditions for easygoing drives in an inviting environment. Cool drinks, great food, computerized scores in private bays, and good-natured competition are turning the prestige of golfing into pure fun accessible to anyone with a couple of hours to spare.
THE guest experience at Topgolf
combines the competition of traditional golf with the convenience of easy accessibility. Groups of players assemble in private bays where golf clubs and balls are available for selection. Each ball is equipped with a microchip that reports its location to the computer system in the bay. Guests can choose from several game variations, and unlike traditional golf that can take four hours or more to complete, guests can choose how long they want to play. While playing one of seven different point-scoring games, guests can order from a top-notch restaurant menu and have food delivered directly to their bay. Topgolf’s combination of convenience, world-class cuisine, and a convivial atmosphere is drawing individual customers and corporate groups in for repeat visits. The company, which originated in the United Kingdom, came to the United States in 2005 and has since opened nineteen locations across the country, with ten more in the works for 2016. The company’s current CEO, Ken May (HCB Executive MBA, ’94), says the concept impressed him so much that he wanted to be a part of it. “I went to play Topgolf and fell in love with it just as a guest experiencing the great product we have,” May says. “The CEO at the time sent me financial information and I saw what potential this brand has to grow.”
An Experienced Driver A career executive who spent twenty-five years with FedEx, May credits his Haslam degree with helping move his career into overdrive. “I was working for FedEx in the Caribbean when I realized I lacked the skills to move up,” May says. “If I hadn’t gone back to school, I don’t think I’d have ever gotten out of middle management at FedEx. The executive MBA program broadened my knowledge base by exposing me to cutting-edge ideas and completely changed the
trajectory of my career.” May’s dedication to his education paid off. He continued to receive promotions and became CEO of FedEx/Kinko’s. “I moved around the organization and learned as much as I could,” he says. “When I left in 2007 and thought I was going to retire and be done, I subsequently went back to work at Krispy Kreme as their president.” After his stint at Krispy Kreme, May receded again into retirement only to receive a phone call from the thenCEO of Topgolf. “When the former CEO moved on to
a different position about six months later, Topgolf called to see if I’d be open to taking the job,” says May. “It’s been an unbelievable opportunity.”
A Clear Shot at Success Topgolf’s success rests on several unique advantages that play well to corporate groups and families alike. There are a total of one hundred two bays at a typical location, each with the ability to host up to six players. “Every bay is sheltered from rain and sun, and we have heaters for the cold
Top to bottom (at Topgolf’s Alpharetta, Georgia location): One of May’s menu favorites—“Mushi”—incorporates cilantro sticky rice, drunken beans, spiced chicken, and cheddar cheese neatly rolled in a jalapeño tortilla; Outdoor seating for relaxing, gnoshing, and enjoying live music once the sun goes down; Topgolf boasts multiple venues for viewing sports and socializing; Three tiers of bays from which to play any of Topgolf’s many golf games.
days,” says May. “When it’s hot, we have fans and misters to cool you down. We make it very comfortable even in the summer or winter.” The food is another page of Topgolf’s success story. On-location restaurants serve up a wide variety of dishes, from top-quality steaks at private events to eggs benedict at brunch on the weekends. “We have great food and beverages, so people don’t mind waiting if there’s not a bay available when they arrive,” May notes. “Sometimes people come to Topgolf just to eat, not to play golf.”
Many locations offer additional attractions like live music to draw guests who wouldn’t normally be interested in hanging out on a golf course. The combination of amenities makes Topgolf attractive to a wide range of people. “I’m amazed at the demographics as I walk around at different times of the day,” says May. “In the mornings it’s usually serious golfers who are practicing. In the afternoon, we have corporate events and families, and at night it turns into a party atmosphere.” While the traditional golfing community may fear that the sport is
declining in popularity, especially among younger people, May says millennials are coming to Topgolf in droves. “It appeals to all demographics, but our target market is that 18-34 group who have a household income of $100,000 per year,” he says. “We’re attracting people who don’t know how to play golf or even know how to hold a club. They come here, play, and enjoy.”
A Corporate Haven Corporate events generate roughly one-third of Topgolf’s annual revenue. Companies often host team-
building events at Topgolf instead of in a hotel conference room. “It’s a great way to socialize,” says May. “If they went to the golf course, they’d only be talking to the three people they’re playing with, but here they can move from bay to bay and interact with everyone at the event.” Platinum Member Curt Pool is convinced that Topgolf is a great place for everyday business meetings and corporate gatherings. He was so impressed the first time he visited a Texas location that he purchased the Platinum Membership and began to use it for business meetings. HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 17
There’s a clear link between
golf and business, especially on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville golf teams. Six of the eight men’s team members are Haslam College of Business students, and five out of eight women’s team members also are pursuing business degrees. “Lots of relationships are built on the golf course, and being able to accept an invitation to play from a boss or co-worker can be invaluable in advancing one’s career,” says Judi Pavon, head coach of the UT women’s golf team. Pavon also heads up Grads for Golf, a program for female MBA students who want to learn the sport. “I provide the lessons, and they also learn golf terms, etiquette, and how golf can play a part in their careers,” Pavon says. Three years ago, Janet McKinley (HCB ’80) reached out to Amy Cathey, an executive director in Haslam’s Graduate and Executive Education area, and Grads for Golf was born. “We’re working on making it a national program.” One of Pavon’s undergraduate team members, Lucia Polo, is a junior in marketing with a dual concentration in international business. She’s been playing golf since she was five years old. “My grandfather used to be a professional golfer, and my goal has 18 | HASLAM MAGAZINE
always been to follow in his footsteps,” Polo says. “I plan to play qualifying school after I graduate and continue to develop as a player to accomplish my dream of becoming an LPGA member.” While Polo’s aspirations focus on the professional golfing world, she acknowledges the role of business education in pursuing her goals. “Attending the Haslam College of Business is providing me with the credentials necessary to open the door to new endeavors,” she says. “It’s giving me the right tools to embrace my future career.” A senior in marketing and a member of the UT men’s golf team, Michael Nagy became serious about golf when he was twelve years old. “My older brother got me into it,” says Nagy. “During the summertime, he’d take me with him to the course, and I started to love it.” Nagy sees golf as a source of enjoyment for people from all backgrounds and abilities. “People enjoy it even if they’re not good at it,” he says. “It’s also a social sport, because you have a lot of extra time to talk with people you’re golfing with, and you’re having fun together. Because of that relaxed atmosphere, a lot of business can happen on the golf course.”
“Instead of going to a breakfast meeting at some other place, I met people at Topgolf,” Pool says. “I also used it for events. Roughly nineteen companies I deal with saw the value in it and became Platinum Members themselves.” When Pool accepted a new position as solutions manager at Advance Connections, Inc., an integrator for low-voltage cabling security and AV, he convinced the company to purchase a corporate membership at Topgolf. “I made that part of my negotiation,” he says. “We now plan three or four events a year there.” Nonprofit organizations also have discovered the value of hosting events at Topgolf. Tara Storch is co-founder of Taylor’s Gift Foundation, an organization that focuses on increasing organ donor registrations and helps to support donor families in times of loss. “We use the phrase ‘Outlive yourself’ to help spread our mission,” Storch says. “Organ donation can be a beautiful way to do just that.” When a neighbor told Storch about Topgolf a few years ago, she decided to give it a shot as a fundraising venue. “It was the most successful event we’d ever had,” she says. “We doubled what we’d raised at previous golf events and received incredible feedback from sponsors and participants.” Since that event, Storch has formed a solid partnership with Topgolf. “They have benefited the foundation by bringing
If they went to the golf course, they’d only be talking to the three people they’re playing with, but here they can move from bay to bay and interact with everyone at the event.” us a very unique way to raise funds,” she says. “They’ve been very supportive of our mission and are very helpful in creating an incredible event that our participants want to come back to year after year. The staff there is just fantastic.” Serving up fun for guests is at the heart of Topgolf’s mission as a company, according to May. “Fun is the most important thing here, even at the corporate level,” he says. “It’s all about having fun working here as well as creating an enjoyable atmosphere for our guests. That’s the secret sauce. The Dallas Morning News recently recognized us as one of the top 100 places to work, based on a survey of our associates. We’re proud of that.” May hopes to leave a mark on the company by passing on what he’s learned. “I think leadership is the most important thing that I can contribute here,” he says. “FedEx was a great training ground, as was going back to get my MBA at Haslam. Those both helped me gain the skills to mold this company and develop new leaders.”
Left to right: Charlie Wagner, vice chairman of the board, Bob Hall, co-founder of Jewelry Television and chairman of the board, and Crawford Wagner, chief financial officer. All are Haslam graduates.
Jewelry TV’s Rock-Solid Approach to Business
Clockwise: On set with Sharon Scott and one of JTV’s expert guest hosts, visible is a monitor that the broadcasters use to gauge sales, moment to moment; Row upon row of merchandise is housed on site. There are more than 75,000 unique SKUs; Bins of small cut and uncut gems line a portion of the warehouse, available to independent jewelry designers for bulk purchase; Jewelry Television signage on site.
A TELEVISION HOST Learning explains the origin A television to Sparkle and specs of the host sparkling gemstone in his hand. The cameras switch to a close-up view. Sitting in front of her television at home, a customer picks up the phone or her computer to place an order, setting a chain of events into motion at Jewelry Television headquarters. The order is received in the call center either by phone or the electronic automated ordering system. Once the order is processed, an employee in JTV’s fulfillment center receives a digital request. The purchased item is retrieved, packaged, and mailed in one large room using a series of conveyor belts, sorting machines, and printers. From television studios to product fulfillment, JTV houses its entire enterprise inside a sizeable building in Knoxville, Tennessee. The network originated in Greeneville in the early 1990s as America’s Collectibles Network, brainchild of co-founders Bob Hall (HCB ’75, MBA Accounting ’79) and Jerry Sisk, who previously worked for the Shop at Home network. Bob was the entrepreneur and Jerry was the on-air personality. Even in the early days, steering JTV was a monumental task. “We look like a jewelry store, a call center, and logistics transportation, and we produce 168 hours of live entertainment per week,” Hall explains. “In this type of business, it can be a challenge to figure out what works and what doesn’t.”
By the mid-1990s, Hall connected with jeweler Bill Kouns, who had just returned to Knoxville from a medical research job in Switzerland. “Both Jerry and Bill were brilliant,” says Hall. “They were very experienced in the jewelry business, so we naturally evolved into something we knew a lot about.” Hall also leaned on his friend and attorney Charlie Wagner (HCB ’66) for a capital investment and for mobilizing investors who could bring needed skills to the business. The investors included Greg West (HCB ’83), who designed JTV’s Internet site, and Tim Matthews, who was ultimately tapped as JTV’s CEO. After several years of selling a variety of items, the leadership decided to focus on gemstones and jewelry. In 2004, JTV was born. With Hall as CEO, sales grew from $5 million in 1997 to more than $500 million in 2007. Meanwhile, JTV’s leaders sought sound advice for the company’s future. Hall’s wife, Vicki, worked for Warren Neel, then dean of the Haslam College of Business. Neel took an interest in the fledgling company. “I was in Sacramento running a cable system there, and Vicki set up a lunch with Warren,” Hall says. “From there, he became involved as an advisor and eventually served on the board.” Neel relishes his time with JTV. “I’ve served on nine different company
boards, including Saks Fifth Avenue, but I’ve been very impressed with what JTV has done and continues to do,” says Neel. “They’ve been through a lot of changes given the economy and have become extremely sophisticated and much more efficient. They do a superb job of adapting to the needs of their customers and the economy.”
Enduring the Downturn
In 2008, the United STATES
economy took a nosedive. Like many companies across the nation, JTV suffered the consequences, coupled with a software implementation failure. “Until then, we were greatly advancing sales through getting new cable television markets with new people watching us,” says Charlie Wagner, who currently serves as vice chairman of the board. “Then things changed. We had a really tough time as we shifted our focus from new markets to operational efficiency and organic growth.” Forced to downsize due to the economic situation, JTV soldiered on, seeking new ideas from fresh information technology advisors. Neel had introduced the JTV leadership to Professor Chuck Noon, now head of the Department of Business Analytics and Statistics at Haslam. “Noon helped develop our business processes,” Charlie says. “He worked with us full time HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 21
Clockwise: Jewelry Television’s master gemstone cutter, Joseph Rocha; Graduates of The Haslam College of Business gather in the fulfillment warehouse; Jewels are measured and processed; Custom servers in the company’s data center.
We measure our margin every 10 seconds. —STEVE WALSH, SENIOR VP OPERATIONS
JTV employs over 100 UT graduates, and over 25 of those are HCB graduates. for a year and assisted us tremendously.” Due in part to Noon’s influence, data analytics became a vital factor in JTV’s success. Administrators monitor fluctuations in sales throughout each television segment, making it easy to see which sales strategies are successful. JTV also collects and analyzes customer data such as demographics, location, and buying habits to better focus their marketing initiatives. In doing this, JTV’s technology team has had to overcome the 2008 software implementation failure. “We’re very quantitative,” explains Crawford Wagner (HCB ’96, MAcc ’97), Charlie Wagner’s son and JTV’s chief financial officer. “In achieving organic growth, we’ve become a data-focused business, and a lot of that focus and expertise originated with our UT relationships.” JTV’s regrouping efforts during the recession resulted in rebuilding the software necessary to increase operating efficiency, a trend that continues today. “During that transition, we pursued a lot of technological advancements in our warehouse and call center, and we’ve had big efficiency improvements because of improved technology,” Crawford says. “We have an automated fulfillment process now that we’re going to further expand in the next year. It’s state of the art.” Step by step, JTV
climbed out of the economic recession to resume its role as a major player in the television shopping industry. Bob Hall shifted from CEO to chairman of the board, while Tim Matthews stepped in as CEO. Construction has recently begun on a 70,000-square-foot expansion to the current building. The added space will house the new automated fulfillment processing center, a new call center, and additional IT infrastructure. Adapting the company to keep up with rapid changes in technology has proven to be one of the main keys to JTV’s continued success. “We’ve gone from an analog world to a digital world,” says Charlie Wagner. “We went from an average of fifty cable channels to 500 or 600, making our network harder to find. We had to figure out how to deal with that.” The solution wasn’t simple. JTV leaders had to find new ways of catching customers’ attention. IT developers created software that allowed the company to regain customers lost during the recession and gave the sales team new tools. There was also focus on improving the website, and today, over 30 percent of JTV’s revenue comes from online sales. Catering to mobile users was another important step. Currently, about 50 percent of JTV’s online sales comes
from mobile devices. “There will always be lots of people watching television, but obviously the Internet has expanded,” says Charlie. “That whole shift from just TV to internet to mobile devices has required lots of approach and technological changes that we’ve had to address.”
Solid as a Rock
Despite many changes
to their sales tactics, JTV has never wavered in its approach to customer service. Customer Richard Hellman visited JTV headquarters in 2011 for the first Gem Lovers’ Conference, which he’d heard about while channel surfing. “I’m retired from the National Park Service, and I’ve always had an interest in gemstones,” says Hellman. “When I heard about the conference, I decided to come, and I was totally impressed. It’s a two-day event with leading gemstone experts from around the world. They treated me like a personal friend, and I was amazed by their efforts to educate customers.” Since then, Hellman has purchased a number of items from JTV and attended three more conferences. “Their integrity, customer service, and customer education have really impressed me.” Creating a positive and caring culture for employees
is one of JTV’s strengths, and part of the legacy they’re building. Recent additions to the Knoxville headquarters include a gym, medical clinic, and park for employees and their families to use. “I don’t see anyone there who just shows up to a job and goes home, because their work environment is, in part, an extension of their lifestyle,” says Penny Berg, executive vice president of Prime Art & Jewel, Inc., one of JTV’s vendors. “That is rare in a company as large as JTV. They are top-quality people who care about each other and strive to give back at all levels, both in house and to their community.” JTV also shows its true colors through generous charitable donations. Based on customer preferences, the company has supported a variety of local and national nonprofit organizations through the years, including the American Heart Association, Beads of Courage at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and the Knoxville ALS Walk in the Park. Charlie says all of this is part of following the blueprint by which they run the organization. “Between our Knoxville staff and employees overseas, we touch about 6,500 families internationally, and our greatest responsibility is to them,” says Charlie. “We’re a Christian-based company and always try to operate with those principles in mind.” HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 23
Student PROFILE
The Business of Music
BRAD BLACKWELL No one in Brad Blackwell’s family
plays music, so he was surprised when, on a whim, his parents gave him a guitar for Christmas when he was eighteen. “I believed in it and was motivated to pursue it,” he says. “I’d play a lot, hit a ceiling in my learning, and take a guitar lesson to get through that wall.” A year later, Blackwell played his first gig as a freshman at the Haslam College of Business. “It became my college job, and it was great,” Blackwell says. “By the time I was a senior, I was performing three or four nights a week. I was really going at it hard.” As his musical talent progressed, Blackwell developed a knack for songwriting. “I love to perform, but the creative writing process is my favorite,” he says. “I also realized that I love the marketing side of music.” After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in advertising, Blackwell moved to Nashville to pursue music full-time. “I started out with an acoustic style similar to Jack Johnson,” he says. “But in Nashville, you need a category or you confuse people.” He settled on country. “Over the next two years, I recorded an album, wrote a lot of songs, and opened for Darius Rucker, Lee Brice,
24 | HASLAM MAGAZINE
and Hootie and the Blowfish.” Today, Blackwell is back at Haslam pursuing his MBA. His foray in Music City was successful, but it also served as a valuable link in his career. “I really enjoyed the business side of what I was doing,” he says. “I realized I liked that as much or more than the music itself. That’s what was firing me up–that I was building my brand.” Ultimately, the realities of the touring musician’s life didn’t appeal to Blackwell, who now aspires to a career in healthcare management, but his love for music and the creativity of songwriting survives. “My time in Nashville means a lot to me just because it was a cool part of my life,” he says. “I’m very excited about where I am now. I’m in the right space. I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep a following, but I’ll always write songs.”
To share your news with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business community, submit it along with any relevant images to Haslam@utk.edu. Please use “Student News” in the subject line.
STUDENT NEWS SENIOR IMPACT Business students
in the class of 2015 donated more than $19,000 to the college during this year’s Senior Impact campaign. A record 40 percent of the class’s 537 students made a gift of $5 or more.
COLLEGE WIDE
The Office of Diversity & Community Relations sponsored eighteen undergraduate students to attend the annual National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Southern Region Conference, held September 24-26 in Atlanta. Students had the opportunity to attend professional development workshops, network with Fortune 500 company executives, and attend a career expo that garnered interviews for four attending students. Alpha Kappa PsiZeta Lambda, the college’s business fraternity chapter, hosted their first networking fair on April 16.
Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Jake Rheude (a secondyear MBA student concentrating in supply chain and entrepreneurship and innovation), Dustin Giltnane (a second-year dual MBA-MS nuclear engineering student), and John Born (a secondyear MBA student concentrating in finance with international business)—who created the company GuruSkins. com, a 2015 Boyd Venture Challenge winner—finished third in the Southeastern Conference Symposium’s entrepreneurial pitch contest and second in the national Davidson College competition. The ACEI recently awarded $8,800 to fund eleven research proposals submitted by faculty and doctoral students.
James McDowell, ECONOMICS a senior in finance and economics, attended the Communicating Capitalism seminar in Clemson, South Carolina, on a full scholarship. McDowell received the scholarship after submitting a short essay to the Foundation for Economic Education on the financial impact of corporate ethics.
Nearly forty middle and high school students visited Haslam this summer to gain exposure to college life. Haslam’s Office of Diversity and Community Relations partnered with Goodwill’s GoodGuides and the Knoxville Area Urban League’s Project Ready to connect with these area youth.
The Economics Club hosted a charity volleyball tournament with more than two dozen Haslam students participating. The winning team was able to donate all proceeds to the charity of their choice: East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
The college held a new orientation schedule for more than 900 incoming students over the summer. During the thirteen sessions, numerous companies welcomed the students and challenged them to start becoming competitive for internships/co-ops and employment upon graduation.
FINANCE
Nate Massey (HCB ’15) was presented with the Bank of America student award at spring commencement.
#HaslamWorld Twenty-nine high school students from across the Southeast met with corporate executives and professors from Haslam during the eighth annual Business Education for Talented Students (BETS) session. The program introduces first generation college students and ethnicities that are underrepresented at the college level to the business world.
Undergraduate students visited The Guardian’s headquarters in London this summer.
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Student PROFILE
Fairway to Success
ALLISON HERRING
Allison Herring was a junior in high school when she heard she was accepted to play in a summer golf tournament in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. “I’d been traveling to tournaments and meeting with college coaches,” says Herring, “so I decided to contact Coach Judi Pavon, the women’s golf coach at UT.” Pavon agreed to meet with Herring and to watch her play. “I can still picture the first time I saw Coach Judi at the tournament,” says Herring. “She saw my potential as a player and offered me a spot on the team. She wanted to help me achieve my aspirations as a golfer and a student.” When choosing a university, Herring wanted a balance between high-quality academics and competitive athletics. Just as Pavon had seen potential in her, Herring saw potential in the Haslam College of Business. “Haslam provides its students a lot of great opportunities–wellrespected staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and case study analysis,” she says. She majored in marketing because she’s seen the opportunities the career path has offered her parents. Growing up in New Jersey, Herring’s interest in golf developed alongside her interest in business. “I played a lot of 26 | HASLAM MAGAZINE
sports, from softball to fencing,” she says. “When I was a freshman in high school, I wanted to do something different.” Golf caught her attention. “My grandfather played until he was eighty-six, and both my parents enhanced their careers through golf,” she says. Herring fell in love with the game. As a freshman at UT, she’s one of eight women’s golf team members. “Working with the team and learning from our coaches has been a great experience,” Herring says. “This year, I’ve competed in tournaments and seen improvement in my game.” When she’s not golfing, Herring loves to travel, spend time with her family, and ride horses. “One dream of mine is to play golf professionally,” she says. “But I’m equally interested in getting my MBA and pursuing a leadership position in the business world.” No matter where her career path leads, Herring recognizes the connections between golf and business. “Building relationships is one of the key elements of success in business, and when you’re playing golf, you learn a lot about a person’s character and ability to overcome adversity,” she says. “Teamwork and a positive attitude are critical in the business world and on the golf course.”
STUDENT NEWS
Haslam’s graduate programs welcomed the most diverse and well-prepared classes ever this fall. The average GMAT score of incoming MBA students rose nearly ten points, and the average years of work experience increased nearly a full year. The new MAcc class is the largest ever, increasing from about sixty-five students last year to more than 100 students. In the Masters of Science in Human Resource Management program, approximately 33 percent of the incoming cohort is international and more than 50 percent have already started internships. Forty-one percent of the Masters of Science in Business Analytics students are from out of state and 11 percent are international.
The 2015 Master of Accountancy class raised $28,800 to support future accounting students. More than 71 percent of the students pursuing a MAcc at the college participated. Carly Sain (MA ’15) chaired the “1, 2, 3 for Tennessee” campaign with support from classmates Thomas Allen, Nick Baxter, John Belenfant, Tara Davis, Jack Robertson, and Molly Thessin.
#HaslamWorld EMBA for Global Supply Chain students visited the Yangshan Port (the biggest port in the world) in China during their most recent residency period.
A group of doctoral directors and students has begun to organize the Haslam College of Business Doctoral Student Association (HCBDSA), the college’s first formal organization for students pursuing their doctorate. Haslam’s team members were finalists in the recent FCA National Black MBA case competition.
On October 4-7, 108 MAcc students travelled to Washington DC. The trip’s itinerary included visits to the office of Senator Corker, where the students met with the senator’s chief of staff, Todd Womack; the US Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB); and the Internal Revenue Service’s National Taxpayer Advocacy Services Group.
Haslam MBA students participated in the third annual SEC Case Competition at the University of South Carolina on April 10. Haslam’s team consisted of John Born, Marcus Jeter, Brock Lambert, and Samara Sadrin. They were given the name of a company to research before the event then presented with a case question once they arrived for the competition.
Alycia White received the Joseph Goddard Scholarship in Human Resource Management at the State Society of Human Resource Management Conference.
Graduate and Executive Education Nearly a dozen students from the ADMBA class of 2016 remained in Knoxville an extra day after their residency period to participate in an optional learning opportunity with Oak Ridge National Lab. Students and participating faculty visited ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) and National Transportation Research Center (NTRC), both managed by ORNL. The group learned from program directors about public-private partnering initiatives in the area of technology development and initiatives to rapidly transition new technologies to market. Forty students and faculty members from the Aerospace & Defense MBA (ADMBA) program spent the last week of June in Seattle learning about key business challenges and opportunities in the industry. The group met with leaders at nearly a dozen aerospace and defense organizations, including Boeing Commercial Aircraft company and three of its key suppliers, Honeywell, Aerojet Rocketdyne, the FAA, Seattle-Tacoma Port Authority, Delta Air Lines, and the US Navy’s Puget Sound Naval Station and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 27
#HaslamWorld Students visit the University of the Sunshine Coast with the Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management’s summer session in Australia.
Lucia Polo Named SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year In May 2015, the SEC announced the results of its annual Women’s
Golf Awards. Lucia Polo was one of just two female golfers named SEC Scholar-Athletes of the year. A junior in marketing at the Haslam College of Business and a member of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville women’s golf team, Polo’s dedication to excellence has made an impression on head coach Judi Pavon. “She’s just about the ideal student athlete,” says Pavon. “She is very dedicated to golf and committed to working hard and getting better every day. When the team travels, she uses every free minute to study for her academic courses to make sure she reaches her own high standards.” While Polo’s dream is to play golf professionally, she sees the value of her studies at Haslam. “Golf and school have always been my priorities,” she says. “I try to put in the time and effort necessary to succeed at both.”
academic accolades MARKETING AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Wilson Waller, Katie Ruan, Manami Murphy, Jason Hinkle, and Harmeet Batth, all 2015 business majors, developed a project called Clean Cycle to help dispose of trash along India’s roadways. The project is a partnership with Manav Rachna College of Engineering in Haryana, India, and the Foundation for Liberal and Management Education (FLAME) School of Business in Pune, India. Haslam’s team was the runner up in the annual Intermodal Association of North America’s Logistics and Supply Chain Management Case Competition on April 15. This year’s Haslam team members included seniors Ethan McCullough, Matthew Nolte, Andrew Reed, and sophomore Grant Taylor. Ten students and a faculty member from Maharashtra Institute of Technology in Pune, India, visited Knoxville to partner with Haslam students on improving drinking water quality in India. The high point of the visit was a demonstration on October 7 where students used packets provided by P&G to cleanse Tennessee River water for safe consumption.
28 | HASLAM MAGAZINE
Accounting and Information Management Haslam’s chapter of the Beta Alpha Psi accounting, finance, and information systems honors fraternity was recognized as an internationally superior chapter by its parent organization. Haslam’s student chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants received a Chapter of the Year award from its parent organization in June. The award was presented during the NABA National Convention and Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was accepted by faculty advisor Randy V. Bradley, assistant professor of information systems and supply chain management, as well as four Haslam students: Gabrielle Yates (president-elect), Ashleigh Williams (vice president-elect), Cherish Hughes (outgoing membership development chair) and doctoral student Michelle Harding. Spencer Story, a third-year accounting major, was selected by the NABA Southern Region Scholarship Committee to receive a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by KPMG.
The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) recognized its affiliate at Haslam with an Outstanding Student Chapter Award for the fourth year. Chapter officers include Kenan Smith (senior, human resources), Tyler Lampley (junior, human resources), Brittney Parker (senior, human resources), Carlee Pritchard (senior, marketing), and Lauren Troutman (junior, management). The Management Society started its semester off with an interactive session on leadership lead by Anne D. Smith on September 1.
MANAGEMENT
Haslam students won the regional Society for Human Resource Management case competition for the third time in the last five years. Twenty-two schools competed during the event, which was held April 23-24 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team included McCall Beckler, Sarah Norris, Catherine Hawkins, Evan Corlew and Shea Lowe, all human resource majors.
DEVELOPMENT & GIVING REPORT Listed on the following pages
are those individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations whose gifts of $250 or more were received by the Haslam College of Business in fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015). Each and every gift, regardless of amount, is sincerely appreciated. The generosity of our alumni and friends allows the college to provide the best possible educational opportunities for our students. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of our list of contributors, we acknowledge that the following list may contain inadvertent errors; please contact us with any corrections.
OVER $500,000 Anderson Family Haslam Family
$250,000-$499,999 Dennis & Jennie L. Hendrix
$100,000-$249,999 BB&T John Harrigan Boll Randy & Jenny Boyd John & Cindy Compton Ralph & Janet Heath Jerry & Kay Henry Christopher & Donna Kinney Ray & Joan Myatt Jr. Gerald Thomas Niedert Regal Foundation William B. Stokely Jr. Foundation Timothy W. Williams
$50,000-$99,999 James B. Baker Thomas & Jennifer Bell Jr. James B. Clayton Farm Bureau Insurance Companies of TN Home Federal Bank of Tennessee Jean Harrington Miller
Norfolk Southern Foundation Joseph & Barbara O’Donnell King & Judy Rogers III Gregory & Lisa Smith SouthEast Bank Robert Andrew Taylor
$25,000-$49,999 Joseph & Carole Ayres R. Stanley Bowden II Larry & Vivian Carroll Consumer Credit Union L. Michael & Carolyn Cuddy Deloitte Foundation Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP G. Mack & Nancy Dove Charles W. Duggan Ernst & Young LLP Foundation L. Barry & Karen Goss Elizabeth A. Ingalls Jerald & Kimberly Nine Jr. Family Foundation Mason & Emily Jones David & Jeanne Claire Jones A. David & Sandra Martin Jeffrey & Caroline McCamy George & Margaret Melton John R. Moore F. Perry & Elaine J. Ozburn Jr. Pershing Yoakley & Associates PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP David & Sharon Ramsey Dane & Meg Scism William & Kay Stokely III Arthur & Hasseline Thompson Jr. Mark L. Venrick Michael & Tiffiny West
$10,000-$24,999 Alcoa Inc American Marketing Association Knoxville Chapter Amerisure Insurance Apple Inc. Kelvin & Sheryl Ault James & Patricia Bernal Bill & Melba Blevins Martin & Ann Brown Aubrey R. Burleson Ernest & Bonnie Cadotte Capital One Services Inc. Joseph & Terri Carcello Citizens Bank Tri-Cities Foundation Ltd Michael & Anna Coggin Cornerstone Foundation of Knoxville James & Mira Craine John & Brenda Dittmann ExxonMobil Foundation Fidelity Investments FirstExpress Inc. Brian & Heather Foley John & Sharon Hajjar Douglas & Carla G. Harris Tom & Constance Hawkins Jr.
Philip & Margo Jacobs Dean & Laurie Jones Bob & Molly Joy KLA Tencor Corporation Michael & Pamela Koban Jr. Russell Lyle Lamb Lowe’s Companies Inc Stephen & Troba Mangum Ralph Masengill Jr. Cheryl S. Massingale John & Kathy McLeod Dan & Amy Miles Knaster Charitable Trust Jim & Kathy Newsome III Mary Lucretia Parks Kiran & Jocimara Patel Richard & Deborah Perry Joseph & Sharon Pryse Will J. & Genetta Pugh Martin & Carol Robinson Saks Incorporated Foundation Scripps Networks Interactive Richard & Ann Smith State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance Co. David & Deborah Stevens William L. Vallett Jr.
$5,000-$9,999 John & Donna Adams Jr. Rodney & Molly Adams James & Jennifer Banner Belk Stores Services Inc Leonard & Laura Berlik Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Tennessee Mark & Karen Bowling James & Diedra Brogan David A. Brown II Steven & Jill Brown Anthony & Patricia Bryant James & Celeste Butler Charles & Dorothy Butler Samuel & Sharon Carter Jr. David H. Clark Coca-Cola Foundation Corey & Allison Coggin Edward J. Diamond Michael D. Easterly Timothy & Karen Ellis David Myers Evans Alan Fan First Tennessee Bank Michael M. Flanary Emerson & Catherine Fly James & Marcia Foxworthy Kostyantyn & Karmen Grabovskyy Paul & Patricia Green Allen Pillow Halliday William P. Halliday III Hanesbrands Inc. James L. Harlan II John & Renee Hawkins Ted & Nancy Helms Tonya G. Hinch Douglas & Brenda Horne Robert & Sharon Huette IBM International Foundation
J. A. Fielden Co. Inc. Robert & Beverly Johnson James & Penny Keras Jr. KPMG Foundation Jon & Toni Lawler Michael K. Littlejohn Alfred & Rebecca Lumsdaine Frank & Mary McGregor Jack & Patricia Mills Charles & Carolyn Pearson III Pepsi Bottling Group Knoxville Pinnacle National Bank John & Mitzi Platillero Brett W. Rousch William & Jane Salter Scott & Kathryn Selbach Silgan Containers Taylor & Jean Simonton Jeffrey & Carol Stratton SunTrust Foundation R. Marshall & Anne Taylor Sharon Mullinax Taylor Normand Denis Turgeon Unum Group Inc. VACO LLC Thomas & Traci Van Dorselaer Charles & Nancy Wagner III Jan & Elaine Williams John Robert Willis III
$2,500-$4,999 James H. Atchley Bank of America Foundation Adam John Bean Allen & Karen Bell Gary & Julia Bentley Michael & Nancy Berry Douglas & Lori Blalock Boeing Company Foundation Andrew N. Burns Marion D. Campbell Jr. David L. Cannon Capital Bank David & Penny Carver Clayton Bank & Trust Gary & Marsha Clayton Randall W. Clayton CNS Y-12 Peter & Doris Coode E. Terry & Juanita Cowles Jefferson & Jennifer Cross Scott & Stephanie Daniel Marcus & Kelli Davenport Jeffery & Janet Davis Kerry & Martha Dodd John & Melissa Doster Jr. David & Kathleen Ecklund Mark & Conchi Emkes Terry & Kathy Evans Don & Sandra Fancher Mark Scott Fleiner Ronald David Ford Nan M. Given Michael & Elizabeth Greene Samuel & Leslie Grigsby Jr. Charles K. Hendrix Hershey Foods Corporation W. Logan & Johnnie Hickman Jr.
HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 29
25% 9%
Sources and Uses of Funds
FY 2015 Source of Funds
17%
State Allocation and Standard Tuition Differential Tuitions Executive Education Private Monies Grants & Contracts
Total revenue flow to the college increased
approximately 5 percent from fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2015, reaching $64.8 million. Higher than average percentage increases were recorded in differential tuitions, executive education, and private philanthropy. This year’s increase in executive education revenues reversed two consecutive years of revenue decreases. Revenues from external grants and contracts declined for a second straight year. Increases in differential tuition revenues reflect rising demand for business education. Within the state allocation and standard tuition share category, increased reliance on student tuition revenue relative to state funding continues to be the trend. Salary and benefits also remain the largest expense category, reflecting the importance of human capability in delivering on our organizational mission. At the close of fiscal year 2015, the market value of the college’s endowment reached $116.8 million. Gifts to the endowment during the fiscal year totaled $28.2 million. Concurrently, the college also witnessed a 20 percent increase in the total number of donors.
39%
11% 9% 15%
FY 2015 Use of Funds Salaries & Benefits Executive Education Student Support Program Infrastructure Reinvestment
6% 6%
65%
2006
FY ’09
FY ’08
2259
Number of Donors 2025
2012
—Dean Stephen L. Mangum
2787
2013
3068
2101
$ 116,771,240 $ 98,782,233 $ 84,342,500 $ 74,081,913 $ 74,246,647 $ 60,762,937 $ 54,168,535 $ 73,415,806 $ 80,293,747 $ 66,881,222 $ 59,013,279
2581
2005
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
2277
2014
FY Value
It is no secret that financial gifts are vital to our college. Private funds lend support to academic programming, faculty, student scholarships, facilities, and nearly every aspect of our mission.”
2571
2015
3701
Market Value of Endowment
2011 2007
2008
2009
2010 FY ’15
30 | HASLAM MAGAZINE
FY ’14
FY ’13
FY ’12
FY ’11
FY ’10
FY ’07
DEVELOPMENT & GIVING REPORT Giles David Hollins David & Deborah Ingram Michelle C. Keasler Francois Nader Edward & Karen Pershing Jeffrey J. Powell Thomas & Kimberly Quillen Howard & Agatha Ray Richard & Jane Ray Jr. Regions Bank Jon & Mintha Roach Brad & Christine Rolland Gary & Donna Rose Eugene & Elizabeth Seymour Ann T. Siewert Barrett & Betsy Simonis David M. Snapp Aaron Joseph Snyder David & Beverly Stacey Benjamin & Christy Stanga Steiner & Ellis PLLC Randolph B. Stephenson Matthew D. Stone SunTrust Bank Atlanta Foundation Michael & Rebecca Sutton Sr. Herman & Karen Tallman Tennessee Valley Human Resource Association Judi Vogt Tompkins Willie O. Turner Jr. US Bank James & Connie Vavalides Jerry W. Walker Watson Foundation Inc. Wells Fargo Foundation Milburn & Sandra White
$1,000-$2,499 Edward Sanford Albers Jr. Ronald & Jean Alexander Howard & Wendy Allenberg Ameriprise Financial Inc. Kenneth & Ellen Anderson Theodore E. Arnold IV Phil & Kathy Baggett John & Leeann Bailes Jonathan C. Bailey Richard Maurice Barker Rhonda Wilson Barton Bruce & Julianne Behn John & Tyra Behrens Lewis Rogers Belote III Robert G. Berry Hal & Sheron Bibee David W. Blackwell Christy April Blalock Boeing Company Matthew & Sarah Brichetto Berta Maria Briones Paul & Shirley Pih Broadbery Michael L. Brookshire Andy Bruner Chip & Kym Bryant James & Betty Lou Burnett III Sharon L. Busse Richard & Nancy Cardin Charles & Brenda Carpenter Jr. Martin & Linda Carrico Holly Davis John & Carol Childress II Charlie & Dorothy Chitwood Robert E. Christopher James Anthony Chyz Kevin E. Clark Robert L. Clark Steve Clendenen Charles H. Coffin Michael & Kimberly Copperthite
Thomas & Mindy Coulter Stephen & Patty Coulter Sr. Scott & Jill Craig Scott & Lisa Craighead Timothy & Fia Cronin Michael & Helen Crotty Crowe Horwath LLC David & Linda Crumpton Drew Christopher Dahl Clay & Anita Davis Jr. Eugene & Holly Davis Mark Wagner Davis DeVry Education Group Deana L. Drewry Jeffery S. Drummonds Randall & Kelly Durham Donald & Mary Edmands Jr. James & Sharon Edwards Cato Ellis Jr. Todd & Valerie Ellis Enterprise Holdings Foundation Elizabeth S. Etheredge Expeditors International of Washington Gordon & Cynthia Ferguson Kevin & Tracy Ferguson Mike Finn Fitch Ratings Steven G. Fleenor Rebecca I. Flick Shirley A. Flynn Robert & Catherine Ford Duncan & Karol Fort III William & Deborah Fox Paul & Elizabeth Frankenberg IV David Scott Freeman William & Lynn Freeman II J. Lee & Connie Fry III Lyle & Judith Gardner General Electric Foundation General Shale Brick Inc. Genesco Inc. Gregory & Kimberly Gheen G. Gregory Gilbert Susan Golicic Herman & Shirley Gray Ronald & Barbara Grubbs Jr. Christopher M. Hadorn Gary & Vicki Hall Steven & Jane Harb John & Harriett Harty Peter Gerard Hedger Jr. Ronald A. Hees Rosalyn L. Hess William C. Hilleary John George Hoffman III Ronald S. Holcomb Jennifer L. Holder Steven G. Horn David R. Howard Stanley & Teresa Hurt Christopher R. Inklebarger Don W. Jett Kimberly A. Johnson Patricia Pinckley Johnson Hendon Russell Johnston Jr. Bart & Nicole Jones Thomas Joseph Jenneen Marie Kaufman James & Ruth Keally III Mark & Lindy Kinser Herbert Sheldon Kishbaugh Robert & Karen Ladd Barney Lewis Lane William & Lisa Salmons Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain PC Tillman L. Lay Terry Lee Leap Scott Parks LeTellier Richard J. Levenson David & Terri Lindsay
HONORING A LEGACY
Richard L. Townsend Distinguished Accounting Professorship From 1969–2010, accounting professor Dick Townsend
served the Department of Accounting and Information Management with selfless and whole-hearted devotion. To honor his legacy, AIM has established the Richard L. Townsend Distinguished Accounting Professorship. When department head Joe Carcello approached the administration about raising funds for the endowment, the outcome was uncertain. “We didn’t have an anchor donor, but we decided to try,” Carcello says. “As of early October, we’re at $1.2 million. It’s been a tremendous success.” The successful fundraising is inextricably linked to Townsend’s legacy. Thousands of former students remember his dedication, enthusiasm, wit, and care for others. “His sense of humor, impeccable character, and personal investment in the success of his students made an impact on many,” says campaign co-chair David Evans. “This professorship will honor Dr. Townsend by continuing to make an impact in his name.” Townsend’s dedication to his students produced a vibrant group of accounting alumni, says co-chair Bob Hensley. “Our alumni group is unsurpassed by any other,” Hensley says. “Dick’s passion for our MAcc program is just another example of his leadership that will positively affect our students’ careers for years to come.” The inaugural holder of the Richard L. Townsend Distinguished Accounting Professorship is Terry Neal. If you’d like to contribute to the endowment fund, please contact Chip Bryant at cbryant@utfi.org or call (865) 974-2919. HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 31
GIVERS of EXPERIENCE
Leaders in Philanthropy Greg and Lisa Smith
Leaders in Philanthropy
Greg Smith (HCB ’85) is a wealth of
experiential knowledge about global supply chain management. As senior vice president of global operations for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Greg is responsible for purchasing, manufacturing, and supply chain management. “We have offices in Brussels, Belgium; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Shanghai, China; and factories around the world,” says Greg. “I go to Asia, Europe, or Latin America just about every month.” Greg, a Germantown, Tennessee, native, enjoys sharing his insights and experiences with Haslam students and faculty through a number of leadership roles and commitments. His impressive career began with his first role at Quaker Oats in Jackson, Tennessee, where he met his wife, Lisa, a graduate of Purdue University. The couple soon married and started a family. “We have four children,” says Greg. “The oldest two are currently in college and our twins are seniors in high school, considering UT.” After several years in the industrial engineering field, Lisa chose to become a full-time mom. Meanwhile, Greg’s career took the family on a series of moves. He transitioned from Quaker Oats to several other companies, including private equities, before joining ConAgra Foods more than a decade later. “I was with ConAgra for eleven years, serving as executive vice president of supply chain and president of the grocery foods division,” he says. “In 2011, I came to Goodyear, and we moved again, this time to Ohio.” Although they never lost touch with their alma maters, Greg and Lisa have become increasingly connected to the Haslam College of Business and Lisa’s college at Purdue over the past ten years. “First, we started taking our children down for ball games,” says Greg. “Then, about eight years ago, I became part of the Global Supply Chain Institute.” Through his role on the
The caliber of the GLS students is outstanding. They carry an exceptional understanding of moral and ethical responsibilities along with business practices.” forty-member panel, Greg shares expertise and advice with Haslam faculty. The Smiths took a further supportive step four years ago when they began supporting the Global Leadership Scholars program. “At the time, GLS was an area they were trying to bolster,” says Greg. “We got a lot of information and decided it would be a good fit for our support.” Since then, Greg has delved further into the program, interacting with students and offering expertise and advice. “This year, I spent a few days speaking to a couple of GLS classes, giving advice and counsel, sharing my personal experience, and spending time with students one-on-one,” he says. “The caliber of the GLS students is outstanding. They carry an exceptional understanding of moral and ethical responsibilities along with business practices.” In 2015, Greg was invited to join the Dean’s Advisory Council, bringing him to Tennessee a few additional times each year. “We always enjoy our time at Haslam and in Tennessee,” says Greg. “We appreciate being able to talk with the students and areas we support and seeing how our efforts are making a difference.”
Left: Gameday brings the Smiths together with GLS students who have benefited from their scholarship support (Clockwise from top left): Adam Impellizzieri, Greg Smith, Steven Powlis, Piper Davis, Lisa Smith, Brennan Galbraith, and Sarah Hudson.
HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 33
Dr. Michael J. Stahl PEMBA Faculty Fellowship Established to Honor PEMBA Founder A new faculty fellowship has been named in the Physician Executive MBA program at the Haslam College of Business honoring founding Director Mike Stahl. Alumni, students, and staff announced the fellowship to Stahl during the program’s alumni symposium in the spring of 2015. At that time they had contributed $150,000 during the effort’s eight-month quiet phase. “It just blew my mind that none of them said anything,” Stahl said. “I know all of these alums. We’ve recruited together at conferences.” Contributors wished to recognize Stahl’s efforts over the last eighteen years in establishing and developing the PEMBA program. “Mike has been there since the beginning,” said Associate Dean for Graduate and Executive Education Bruce Behn. “He helped get PEMBA off the ground, got it through some tough times, and then grew PEMBA to make it one of UT’s premier programs. This fellowship just shows how much Mike has meant to our PEMBA alums.” Stahl was caught off guard by the presentation and by the efforts of staff and alumni. “I can’t recall the last time I’ve been that surprised,” he said. “I was truly humbled and honored. For them to recognize what we’ve accomplished at PEMBA over the years was a true honor.” Stahl also serves as a recruiter to the program, travelling to various physician and medical conferences with his wife, Barbara, who assists with his efforts. The Dr. Michael J. Stahl PEMBA Faculty Fellowship will be awarded for the first time in the fall of 2015 to those teaching in the PEMBA program who demonstrate a commitment to leadership and service through teaching and research. Fundraising for the endowment is ongoing, with a goal of $250,000. Anyone interested in contributing to this endowment should contact Chip Bryant in the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs at cbryant@utfi.org. 34 | HASLAM MAGAZINE
Michael & Tina Lobel William & Brenda Locke W. Gage & Shelley Logan III Jeffrey D. Longmire Beverly A. Lynch Mudit M. Maheshwari Bob & LeaAnn Marshall Martin & Company P J & Danielle Martin Francis Anthony Marzoni Jr. Steven & Annette McBrayer David N. McClung Joseph & Penny McDonald Robert & Judy McMahan Anthony Robert Menzies Carl & Shelley Merideth William & Lynda Middlemas Harry & Suzanne Miller Jr. Mark A. Moon Chad A. Moore Michael & Phyllis Moore Thomas Moore Charles & Sherry Morgan Rock & Linda Morphis Melvin G. Moseley Jr. Mud LLC Michael E. Norwood ORNL Federal Credit Union Scott Parish Mark Ward Partin Lamar & Dedra Partridge PEMBA Class 2014 R. Paul & Barbara Perutelli Phillips and Jordan Incorporated William Garrison Pittman Pat D. Postma Donald & Kimberly Pounders Patricia G. Pratt J. Daniel & Allison Pressley Donald & Nancy Preston John & Gail Prugh W. James & Angela Pugh Jr. Michael J. Reeves Regal Homes Inc. Rhonda K. Reger Piland Michael & Amanda Respeto Louis & Victoria Riddle Jr. Timothy & Barbara Rizer Ronald & Marta Roberts Rose W. Russell Eric M. Saul M. James & Susan Sayrs Louis & Sherlene Schumacher David & Jane Schumann James A. Schwab Clayton & Sarah Scott Gregory M. Sekelsky Timothy & Peggy L. Seneker Margaret Sharp Laurie R. Shimp Mike Sisk Dean & Ann Skadberg William Randall Sluder Joseph Dempster Smallman James Forest Smith Jr. Rebecca F. Thompson Henry & Margaret Smith Mandyam & Kanchana Srinivasan Keith & Josie Stanga Ted Stank & Lori Nash Aaron James Steiner C. Lee Steinhouse III H. Virgil & Clara Stephens Temple Crain Stevenson Dustin J. Stratton Michael T. Strickland Ron & Teresa Suedekum Richard & Martha Tabor
Melanie Demotts Taosuwan Edward Lee Taylor Samuel H. Taylor Sr. Joe & Sheryl Teague The Trust Company T. Matthew & Laura Thigpen Mark Thomas Joseph & Rebecca Thompson III Dan & Sandra Tindall Melvin & Hedy Tobias Neal & Cathy Townsend R.L. & Irene Townsend Douglas & Catherine Traver Donald Joseph Tyndall Ulbrich Stainless Steel & Special Metals David Carroll Verble Crawford & Cynthia Wagner Paul Andrew Warren Jeff H. Watkins D. Brent Wilder Kevin Scott Wilder Al Leonard Williams Kenneth & Shari Wills Priscilla W. Wisner Tracie Mcalpin Woidtke Loluis & Lillie Wright Joseph T. Wyrick Russell Lee Zaretzki
$500-$999 AT&T Inc. Foundation Abbott Laboratories Edward A. Adams Jr. Christopher Patrick Anderson David Lee Anderson Chris Andrews Gregory Antoine Apple Inc. Jean D. Arrants Derick & Ashley Aye Thomas & Midge Ayres Robert K. Baylor Francis & Sandy Bedard Michael & Lisa Marie Berry Dawn E. Bertsche William Bible Kimberly Keightley Black Charles James Blalock Andrew Nelson Blevins Nathaniel & Virginia Borghi Stewart & Melissa Bowers Bill F. Breeding Jr. Kent & Stacey Bristow Anita L. Brooks Linda Marie Brzuchalski Laura K. Burgin Jane E. Campbell J. A. Campen Patricia Campen A. Steven & Claudia Carmichael Robert & Amy Cathey Jr. Thomas Cervone & Susan Creswell Stanley Chervin & Barbara Richards Linda Mewis Christmann David & Molly Clark II Consolidated Nuclear Security LLC Benjamin Ernst Cook Kevin Bernhard Cook Brian Cook Sharon Cooper & Mark Collins Tammra Mitchell Credit David & Barbara Crippen John & Lisa Cunningham Lauren Marie Cunningham Phillip & Bonney Daves Charles Edward Davis
DEVELOPMENT & GIVING REPORT Molly Beth Davis T. Dick & Loretta Denson Shawn W. Devine Michael & Mindy Dixon Candice Michelle Doolan Thomas J. Dorich John & Diana Doss III Daniel H. Dougherty William & Janyce Dudney William T. Durkin Jr. Jason H. Echols Susan Pedigo Edwards Michael & Sallie Ehrhardt Joseph Kirby Ellis Wesley A. Emison EnPro Industries William Joseph Farrell Aaron T. Fausz Neil & Suzanne Fischer Daniel J. Flint Marshall & Ashley Franklin Jeffrey A. Freyer Fulghum Macindoe & Associates Inc. Tina M. Galloway Donald E. Garretson Scott & Decindria Gibson Robert J. Goodman Lynn Gottke W. Alec Grant III Thomas & Florence Graves Les Daryl Gray Richard Michael Grover Alyssa Hallick John & Pat Harper Charles & Janice Harrison Kevin & Susan Harrman Jared James Hausfeld Graham Hickling & Diane Mollenkopf J. Robert Hill Christopher & Jennifer Hillenmeyer Jay & Meredith Hollomon Geoffrey & Leigha Hornstra Elaine Hostetter & Larry Felts Mark Edward Igou International Paper Company Tyler & Kara Jacobs Mel & Cynthia Jacobson Jacob & Adrian Jay John Deere Foundation Kyle William Johns Drew Jones Jeffrey & Lisa Keeble John V. Keenan Keurig Green Mountain Mark & Ann Kington Joseph & Rebecca Krumdieck Kurt Alan Krushenski Reuben Kyle III Amy Jo LeCroy John & LeAnn Luna Robin & Val Manley Michael Robert Marks Peter & Nancy Maynard James & Lynn D. McCallie McDonald’s Corporation Todd E. McElhatton Michael D. McIntyre James R. Merrill Karen J. Moore Bobby & Victoria Moore Stephanie Morela R. Jane Moser Daniel & Suzan Murphy Matthew N. Murray Michael & Becky Neill William Stuart Neilson Randy E. Nichols Charles Henry Noble IV
Angel A. Norman & Kim Cameron Meredith R. Norris Steven & Margarette Nussbaumer Peter E. Papageorge Brent K. Park Megan Parker-Peters Celeste Patterson Brainard L. Patton Jr. Samuel Jason Perry Roger & T. G. Peterson Bradley D. Petty Phillips Jones Wealth Management Brian & Elizabeth Phillips Randal H. Pierce William & Pamela Pinkston William Steve Pittman Thomas & Anne Power Wesley Gray Ragsdale Gregory & Nancy Ramsey Victor & Annette Ranft Christie L. Reeves Joel & Melissa Reeves Jr. Refreshments Inc. David Andrew Reynolds Tim Gordon Rhodes Darryl M. Richards Jack & Anne Robbins Paul Marion Robinson Colin Hunter Schneeweiss Shay D. Scott Gregory Allen Separk William D. Sharp John Richard Sharpe Shell Oil Company Foundation Jeffrey & Mary Siegrist Barry T. Silver Stephen & Susan Silvers William Douglas Singer J. Frank & Deanna Slagle III Robert C. Sledd Charles B. Smith Darren A. Smith Nancy C. Stalcup Brenda Steakley Emily Blair Steakley Christopher Todd Stephens Katherine M. Stevens Robert & Dorothy Stewart Kristin O. Stone Wade Russell Stonebrook Benton Thomas Stott Arthur B. Stowers Harry & Elizabeth Stowers Jr. Justin C. Stringfield Diane K. Stumph Michael L. Taber Alvaro Gonzalo Taboada B. Lance Taylor Jacob Michael Taylor Jane C. Taylor Norman & Wendy Templeton Tennessee Technology Development Corp David R. Thomas William & Lori Tice Jr. Terry & Linda Tyler Jamie R. Underwood VMware Inc. Grainger Inc. John M. Wachowicz Dale N. Walker Brian & Christina Waller Raymond W. Walsh William Ronald Walton Brian Douglas Wantling John J. Waskom Jack & Rhonda Wiley David Warren Williams
Mark E. Willoughby Kendra Mccall Wills Wanda L. Wisecarver Kevin & Leigh Ann Witt Yeak-Chong Wong Walter Mark Work Douglas & Sara Yoakley Gillen & Michele Young Wenjun Zhou William Zotti
$250-$499 James Adams Robert Joe Adams II Cory Alexander Amy Goforth Austin Michael W. Ayres Donna W. Bailey Carl & Ann Bales Thomas & Diane Ballard David & Janine Barber Cheryl Barksdale William & Courtney Barlar Jeff & Denise Barlow Robert & Phylis Baron Benjamin & Margaret Bates Thomas & Janet Baudry Robert H. Bebber John Edward Bell John J. Billingsley Mark & Susan Black Stephen & Gayla Boling Patrick Colin Bolinger John & Mary Bolton Anna Marie Boring A. Wayne Branam Larry G. Bray Denny & Carolyn Brewer Jr. Sean & Jenny Brewer Joseph & Carmelita Brown Jr. James & Diane Brown Jr. C. Daniel & Linda Brown Donald & Jennifer Bruce Rudolph A. Buckley Daniel & Stephanie Buckner Thomas J. Burke Brian Edward Burr Kelly A. Carden Matthew & Kerry Carden Tom & Julie Carpenter Willard L. Carr David & Mary Carringer Ashley Carter Stephen & Belinda Carter Jonathan B. Case Kathy D. Cate Larry Curtis Catlett Christopher S. Chandler Joel M. Chusid Kristen Kaye Clark James Hershel Clement Jody Cochran James Ruble Cody Marvin Avery Cofer Laura Seery Cole Michael & Stacey Corley Kathy Courtney Woody & Judy Cozart Tony & Leah Cross Bradley & Lorri Crye David & Marilyn Dagley Matthew Donald Dallas Jarrod Yates Davis Phillip Allen Davis Stephen Leroy Davis Susan Clark Debold
Newly Established Endowments Molly & Rodney Adams GLS Travel Endowment Dr. Ed Boling Business Faculty Endowment Martin D. & Ann R. Brown MAcc Scholarship Endowment Jim Crossman Endowed Business Scholarship Evans Family Endowed Business Scholarship Haslam College of Business Tennessee Undergraduate Business Scholarship Endowment Jonathan & Alana Harris Family Endowed Finance Scholarship C. Kennon Hendrix Endowed Business Scholarship Elizabeth Ingalls Endowed MBA Fellowship Earl R. Leinart Business Scholarship Endowment Nelson & Natalie Pratt Endowed Business Scholarship Leslie & Marilyn Schreiber Faculty Research Award Endowment Selbach Family Endowed Scholarship for Entrepreneurship Howard W. (Bud) & Barbara Sherrod MBA Fellowship Endowment Richard Townsend Accounting Professorship Endowment
HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 35
BRIDGING THE GAP
Leaders in Philanthropy Ralph and Janet Heath
Leaders in Philanthropy
Left to right: Russell Zaretzki, Janet and Ralph Heath, and Rupy Sawhney.
The academic gap between engineering and business at the University of Tennessee is narrowing, thanks to the efforts of Ralph and Janet Heath. A graduate of the College of Engineering, Ralph Heath also holds an MBA from the Haslam College of Business. During his thirty-seven years in the aerospace industry at Lockheed Martin, Ralph gained a deep appreciation for the intricate connections between the technical and business worlds. Now he wants to share that understanding with current UT students. “It became clear to me that integration across these disciplines is essential to the success of any company,” he says. “Companies figured out some years ago that improving the way key functional areas work together is essential to achieving greater performance and increasing the competitiveness of the organization. I wanted to see if we could establish that kind of integration at the university level.” In 2013, Ralph had a brainstorming session with Haslam College of Business Dean and Stokely Foundation Leadership Chair, Stephen L. Mangum, and College of Engineering Dean Wayne Davis. From that conversation, the Heath Faculty Fellows Program emerged. “The two faculty fellows (one from each college) have joint responsibilities to find the connection points that can be leveraged to differentiate UT and its students from the competition,” Ralph says. “I think things are really gaining momentum and the deans’ vision is going to become a reality.” The two Heath Fellows are Rupy Sawhney at the College of Engineering and Russell Zaretzki at Haslam. “UT has the opportunity to make a huge impact on industry by producing students that have depth in their functional areas and an understanding of the broader goals of the organization,” Zaretzki says. “Instilling this perspective is one of the key goals of the Heath Fellows program.” The new entrepreneurship minor at Haslam provided the first point of practical intersection between the two colleges, according to Zaretzki. “The program was developed by faculty at the Anderson Center in collaboration with other professors from around the university,” he says. “We expect the next points of integration to come from the Departments of Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics on the Haslam side and the Departments of Industrial Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science on the College of Engineering side.” Early efforts
The two faculty fellows (one from each college) have joint responsibilities to find the connection points that can be leveraged to differentiate UT and its students from the competition.” will focus on pulling together business and engineering students for joint coursework and collaborative projects. Zaretzki appreciates the Heaths’ support as he and Sawhney work together to build bridges between their two colleges. “Ralph and Janet are really great people and very much embody the volunteer spirit,” he says. “Ralph is a unique resource for the college, a man that understands the engineering and business problems that need to be addressed in modern industry at both a technical and strategic level.” The Heaths envision a bright future for the collaboration. “We want graduates to emerge with better business acumen and with an understanding of complex systems,” Ralph says. “We also want to build connections with both public and private organizations, develop a deeper understanding of the challenges they face, and work together on mentoring, outreach, and interaction. We expect that the involvement and expertise of other alumni will also add another dimension to this effort.” Janet, also a UT alum, shares Ralph’s vision for the program and love for the university. “Ralph and I have been involved for many years with the colleges,” she says. “I’m a great supporter of both, and I love what we’re doing now with the two.” Although the Heaths live in Texas, they often return to their alma mater. “We have two grown daughters and two grandchildren here in Texas, but we love to head back to the hills of Tennessee,” says Janet. HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 37
DEVELOPMENT AND GIVING REPORT
INVESTING IN THE JOURNEY TO THE TOP 25 CAMPAIGN In 2010, the UNIVERSITY of Tennessee,
Knoxville, embarked on a mission: to rise up the ranks to become one of the Top 25 public academic institutions in the United States. Since then, the Haslam College of Business has sought to support the university-wide goal. The Investing in the Journey to the Top 25 Campaign focuses on attracting and retaining respected faculty members and top-quality students from around the world. The college’s $175 million fundraising goal aims to tie these two objectives together through its third main initiative—creating and maintaining innovative academic programs. “The Haslam College of Business is on a strong trajectory among business schools,” says Dean and Stokely Foundation Leadership Chair, Stephen L. Mangum. “Success with our current campaign seeks to strengthen that trajectory and expand our abilities along all of these dimensions.” Chip Bryant, executive director of development and alumni affairs at Haslam, sees the campaign as a precursor to future achievements and a chance for alumni to get involved. “The Investing in the Journey to the Top 25 Campaign will not only transform the college, but change the lives of our students and faculty,” Bryant says. “The tremendous generosity of Haslam College of Business alumni and friends is truly the foundation for our success and the inspiration for this historic campaign.” 38 | HASLAM MAGAZINE
James Walter Deitrick John Ernest Dekalb Jr. Dennis & Kim Denton Gina Maria Deutsch Sean & Katie DeWitt Stephen Dietz & Kina Mallard Nancy Sue DiFrancia. Gary Douglas William August Dueker Jr. James G. Dugger Jr. Walter W. Duncan Lawrence C. Eaton Michael J. Ebuna Brian Edmonds Cortney R. Edmondson Christopher K. Edwards Marjorie Orr Elden Paul Ketron Emert Jr. Geraldine S. Emmert Mark & Gena Evans Kenneth & Gina Evans Jr. Douglas M. Ewell Michael Joseph Faris Lindsay Byers Farnsworth Kelsey Nicole Fautsch Dave M. Fentress Patricia Yvonne Flowers Robert & Linda Foster Mark Paul Fournier Mark A. Fowler Ronald R. Franklin Rachel A. Frey & William Kelso Monty & Denise Fritts Brian S. Fugate Rowland & Margaret Funk Ronald Garrick Mark W. Garvey & Kathryn Jackson J. Michael Gibbs Kenneth & Peggy Gilbert David & Martha Gordon Joseph & Sandra Grant William & Edwina Greer Laura Beth Grim Gregory Michael Gross Harry & Laura Gross Jr. Ted R. Habermann W. Thomas Hackney III Tom & Terri Hale Daniel & Kathy Hamilton Eugene Sylvester Hampton II John Justice Hancock Michael David Hanna Heather Gibbons Hartman Michael T. Haworth HDR Management Corp. William & Stacy Head Bradley R. Headrick Ronald & Mary Helmhout Raymond & Patricia Helsley Jr. John Henry J. Scott & Mary Ellen Herbert Kelly Sue Hewett Derick Hobby Tanya M. Hockett Stephen A. Hodge Brady & Mary Holcomb David & Kathy Holt Robert & Gloria Holt Travis & Michelle Honeycutt Benjamin D. Horn Matthew W. Horton Logan Andrew Hughes Marilyn A. Hughes Lance P. Hull Chris A. Hunt Judith R. Hunt Alton L. Hunter Jr. Jairy C. Hunter III
Hudson Ireland Jerald Edwin Jenkins Jr. Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies David Lynn Johnson Kyle Sherburne Johnson David & Sherry Johnson Melissa Jane Keller Joseph V. Kelly III David J. Kendall Bruce & Susan Kingshill David & Donna Knapp Jeffrey D. Kudisch Kent D. Kurkiewicz Edward Augustine Langan III Lauren N. Lange Morton T. Larmore Ronald & Ann Layne Thomas & Wallene Leek David Frank Leuze Betty Ann Lewis Yuan Li Thomas Leonard Little Charles & Kim Locke David & Susan Long Jeffrey A. Lovelace Bryan Jackson Lundquist Sarah M. Mallicote Jeffrey & Kimberly Maples Frances Rickard Marbury Bethany Blankenship Marks Mike & Leigh Ann Marks Jordan & Julie Marshall Kevin John Martin Monte W. Masten Kenichi & Yuki Matsuno Teresa M. McCarthy Byrne Joshua & Katie McCullough John F. McGuffin David & Nancy McKinney Clay McManus Medtronic Foundation Stephen J. Merrill Metro Knoxville HMA-ME Charles & Sue Milazzo Robin M. Farmer Jeffrey Martin Mills L. Virgil Mincy Benita Harris Moore TJ & Rebekah Moore Charles & Leanne Morgan Whitney Grant Morgan Robert Bradley Morris Anthony Ray Mubarak Leonard Mucciaro Michael Vincent Mulloy Eric Munoz George & Sue Munson Caroline Jane Murphy Alan J. Natowitz Thomas & Betty Neal Jr. George Charles Newcomer Jr. Marjorie Lang Niemann W. Scott Nix Stephanie Michelle Noble Caitlin Mary O’Connell Thomas & Lorrie O’Donovan Jr. Oracle Corporation William Andrew Owen Jessica H. Ownby Marty M. Ozburn William Edwin Palmer Brandon & Laura Parks Dennis W. Parton Jr. Elizabeth Brooke Paulk John & Lori Pearce David Paul Perrot LeEllen Nicole Phillips
Phillip & Kathy Jo Piper Henry M. Poss Jr. Gary Michael Pratt Jacob G. Pratt Gregory Preston Pugh CPAs Cornell & Janet Radford Jeffrey A. Ramsey Roger & Patty Ramsey R.S. & Larisa Rathinasamy Brian & Martha Rauch Diane G. Ray S. Seth Reagan Amy Fischer Reavis Andrew M. Rector Jr. Charles Douglas Reineke Mark Rennich & Vicki Mayfield John P. Reynolds Russell B. Richards Kyle Eric Ring Scott Michael Robbins James Travis Roberts Dick Rockenstein Thomas D. Rohlfs Mark S. Rutherford Katherine J. Savage Patrick & Alicia Schaad David Dempster Schmid Katherine Schonert Carol F. Schwenke Scripps Howard Foundation Richard W. Shepard Gary & Caroline Shockley Ronald & Anita Shuffield Kenneth Wayne Small Jr. Forbes B. Smallwood Robert Milton Smiddy Anne D. Smith Bruce B. Smith Patrick Andrew Smith W. Frank Smith III Peter Kam-Wah So J. Ryan Sowell Haskel L. Stanback P. Brent Starnes Matthew & Katie Steier James & Karen Stripling Derrick R. Sturm Glenn Swift Wendy Lea Tate John Thomas Tester Rodney & Stephanie Thomas II John Dee Thompson Jr. S. Herman & Peggy Thompson Franklin & Sue Thompson Thrivent Financial Foundation John & Jeannie Tobias Jr. Ron K. Todd Tami Touchstone Charles Hamilton Trivette Richard E. Tumblin Robert L. Turney W. Chase Underwood Daniel & Erina Van Horn Lance Blanton Wade Marianne Hinds Wanamaker Bruce A. Wankel Gary J. Ward Jared & Nicole West Benjamin C. Willey Jannie Carter Williams Kelly Byrd Wilson Thomas Lee Windler Charles & Kathryn Wood Kelly Marie Woodruff Dave Young David Kenneth Youngblood Douglas R. Zink
ALUMNI NEWS 2015 ALUMNI
GALA The University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, Haslam College of Business recognized the accomplishments of three alumni and one corporation during its seventh annual Alumni Awards Gala Nov. 6. (For more on the winners, see pages 40-41.) The college also formally announced its Investing in the Journey to the Top 25 Campaign to raise $175 million in support of UT becoming a Top 25 public research institution. (For more on the campaign, see opposite page.) Approximately 400 alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the college attended the gala, which included a reception, silent auction, dinner, and awards presentation. Proceeds from the sponsorships and silent auction benefited the College Fund for Haslam Business, which allows Haslam administrators to allocate dollars toward areas of greatest need, including student and faculty support.
PHOTOS BY SHAWN MILLSAPS PHOTOGRAPHY
To share your news with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business community, submit it along with any relevant images to Haslam@utk.edu. Please use “Alumni News” in the subject line.
HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 39
Below (left to right): 2015 Alumni Award recipients SouthEast Bank Chairman John Arnold, Outstanding Young Alum Marshall Taylor, Distinguished Alum Sharon Pryse, and Entrepreneur of the Year Dr. John Hajjar.
Marshall Taylor Outstanding Young Alum Marshall Taylor was
born into the Tennessee Volunteer tradition. Many of his family members, including his parents, are UT alumni. “UT has always felt like home to me,” says Taylor. “It was a natural decision to attend.” During high school in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, Taylor took an accounting course and enjoyed it. “It just made sense to me, so when I came to UT it was an easy decision to major in accounting.” While completing a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s in accountancy, Taylor participated in the summer internship program managed by the accounting department. “It was an incredible program that teamed with employers, giving undergraduates the opportunity to get real world experience,” Taylor says. “I was able to intern at two of the Big Five accounting firms, and it was during one of those internships that I was introduced to financial accounting due diligence. I knew at that point what I wanted to do and focused on that goal.” Taylor credits the success in his career to the tireless support of his wife and family, as well as the lessons solidified at the Haslam College of Business. “The instructors and professors gave me the right mix of support and personal The instructors responsibility,” Taylor says. and professors “The environment was just gave me nurturing enough, but still required self-motivation. UT the right mix is where I put together all the of support tools for success I’d received and personal from family, teachers, and responsibility.” friends while growing up.” Taylor first worked with Arthur Andersen’s audit practice in Nashville and later with EY. He transitioned to EY’s transaction advisory practice, where he spent the next five years. Today, he’s a managing director in Alvarez & Marsal’s Transaction Advisory Group. Taylor’s wife, Anne, is also a Haslam College of Business alumnus. They faithfully support the college through financial gifts and enjoy every opportunity to return to campus. For his career achievements and dedication to supporting his alma mater, the Haslam College of Business is proud to name Marshall Taylor the Outstanding Young Alum for 2015.
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SouthEast Bank Outstanding Corporate Partner SouthEast Bank is no stranger to generous giving on behalf of education. For years, the University of Tennessee has benefited from the company’s financial support in both athletic and academic realms. “Over the past six years, we have been responsible for $18 million in scholarships statewide,” said John Arnold, chairman of SouthEast Bank. “Working with global initiatives at the Haslam College of Business has expanded that commitment.” A few years ago, the Haslam College of Business asked SouthEast Bank to consider supporting its growing Global Leadership Scholars program. “I’m a graduate of Haslam, but we clearly had nothing like this type of program when I was in school,” says Arnold. “It was intriguing to me for that reason. The world is rapidly becoming a smaller place, and we thought this was a timely endeavor by the business school.” After interviewing GLS students and faculty, Arnold and his colleagues came away impressed. “We were sold on it as something we wanted to support. It gave us a connection to some of the top business students at the university,” he says. “Today, we sponsor six scholarships for GLS students.”
Arnold says the program’s setup impressed him—but the quality of the GLS students left him in awe. “You hear folks say that the younger generation is lacking in various ways, but these students immediately disprove that idea,” he says. “They’re brilliant.” In addition to supporting the GLS program, SouthEast Bank also gives regularly to benefit UT Athletics. “We actually fund the SouthEast Bank Renewing Academic Commitment program, which covers the cost of education for athletes who have left the university prior to graduation,” Arnold says. “It offers financial aid for books and fees to help them finish their degrees.” Giving back to the university embodies one of SouthEast Bank’s core goals–promoting education. “Our whole company mission is focused around education, so we put 100 percent of our donations toward education in our state,” says Arnold. “We feel that the Haslam College of Business is a great institution and we’re proud to support them as best we can.” The Haslam College of Business is grateful for the ongoing support, and proudly names SouthEast Bank the Outstanding Corporate Partner for 2015.
ALUMNI NEWS
2015 ALUMNI AWARDS Alumni are making a difference. The seventh annual Alumni Awards Gala for the Haslam College of Business was held in November to honor four worthy recipients who have made outstanding contributions to the college, their chosen professions, and their communities. Help us congratulate John Arnold, Dr. John Hajjar, Sharon Pryse, and Marshall Taylor. Dr. John Hajjar Entrepreneur of the Year At age five, JohN Hajjar knew he was destined to become a doctor. “I wanted to help people,” says Dr. Hajjar. “That’s still my passion.” After completing specialist training in urology, Dr. Hajjar set up a practice in New Jersey in 1987. Five years later, seeing an unmet need, he opened an ambulatory surgery center. “I had some experience at New York University with ambulatory cases, and decided I wanted to bring that experience to New Jersey,” Dr. Hajjar says. It was a profitable decision. “That facility grew into three top-rated operating rooms, and I started developing another surgery center.” By 1999, Dr. Hajjar owned and managed three surgery centers and dealt with a myriad of insurance carriers. That’s when he decided to pursue a Physicians Executive MBA at the Haslam College of Business. “I needed a program to train me in how to look at financial statements, profit and loss, and spreadsheets,” Dr. Hajjar explains. “I also wanted to learn how to negotiate with insurance carriers. That’s what a value the PEMBA program has been to me.” Using skills he gained through the program, Dr. Hajjar wrote up a business plan and continued to develop surgery centers. “Today, we have fifteen on the east coast and five more in the pipeline,” he says. “In 2005, we branched out and started a multi-specialty physician group called Sovereign Medical Group, which includes sixty-nine physicians across multiple board certified specialties.” Sovereign Medical Group encompasses specialists in a variety of medical fields, including primary care physicians, urologists, cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, gastroenterologists, colon and rectal surgeons and radiation oncologists. “We are adding to our robust pipeline of doctors in various specialties,” Dr. Hajjar says. “We’ve also started a company that manages our surgery centers and practices and developed our own electronic medical records software product called MD Vision.” According to Dr. Hajjar, the medical field is changing. “We believe that five years from now, physicians are going to be paid based on outcomes,” he says. “I want to run a business that will ensure physicians will be leaders in the healthcare delivery system in our country instead of working for the government or a huge hospital organization. I want physicians to continue being entrepreneurial—because ultimately, we’re the ones who care about our patients.” For his extraordinary entrepreneurial success, the Haslam College of Business is proud to name Dr. John Hajjar the Entrepreneur of the Year for 2015.
Sharon Pryse Distinguished Alum As an undergraduate student
in the early 1970s, Sharon Pryse found a welcoming atmosphere at the Haslam College of Business. “At that time, I was one of a few females in my business classes, but that didn’t make any difference to staff and fellow students,” Pryse says. “They treated me like any other student with the same expectations.” Pryse says the college’s atmosphere of equality and rigorous educational requirements prepared her for the road ahead. After graduating in 1972 with a degree in finance, Pryse remained in Knoxville, working as a life insurance agent and then as a clerk at a local bank. After moving into a management position at the bank, she decided to start her own business in 1986. From the start, The Trust Company was marked by Pryse’s lifelong desire to help people. “We work with individuals to discover what their long-term financial goals are and help them meet those goals,” Pryse explains. “Our business grew out of the way we took care of people.” Pryse and her team focused on retirement account management for the first several years, but The Trust Company’s scope has expanded to include a number of additional services. “Today, we handle wealth management for individuals and families, endowments, 401Ks, and profit sharing plans,” Pryse says. “We’re starting to get into the more traditional trust business.” Despite the growth of the company, which now manages nearly $3 billion in assets and employs sixty staff members between its three regional offices, Pryse’s approach to business is still relationship-based. “Some families we work with call me their fairygodmother,” she says. “We’ve always tried to do the right thing and to take care of people the way we’d want to be.” Through the years, Pryse has stayed in touch with the Haslam College of Business, serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council and the Department of Finance Advisory Board. She also currently serves on the UT Board of Trustees. For her contribution to the Knoxville business scene and her ongoing dedication to the university, the Haslam College of Business proudly names Sharon Pryse the Distinguished Alum for 2015.
Our business grew out of the way we took care of people.”
HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 41
ALUMNI NEWS This update reflects information known as of October 23, 2015, and is listed first by decade, then alphabetically by graduation year.
’70s David Stevens (HCB ’75) was selected to represent UT as a judge in the first student business pitch competition during the annual SEC Symposium on September 21. Stevens was one of twelve, each an alumnus of a different school from the SEC.
President and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority Jim Newsome (HCB ’76) was named one of Ten People Who Made a Difference by Southern Business & Development.
’80s LBMC, one of the Southeast’s largest accounting and business consulting firms, named Jeffery S. Drummonds (HCB ’85, MAcc ’86) as its new managing partner.
CFO of Team Health David Jones (HCB ’89) received the 2015 AIM Outstanding Alumni award.
’90s Ken Evans (HCB ’91) accepted a new position with Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas, as the chief logistics officer.
Don Gaston Jr. (EMBA ’95) became the president and CEO of Prairie States Generating Company.
’00s Betsy (Williams) Ewart, (HCB ’00) and her husband John Ewart (UT ’99), spoke to the Management Society on September 15. Betsy is a VP with Cummings Sign and John is the executive director of the Tennova Health and Fitness Center.
The New York City Immigration Coalition recognized Ram Raju (PEMBA ’00), president and CEO of New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), for his career as head of the nation’s largest municipal healthcare system.
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Mario Ebanks (EMBA ’02) retired as the director of labour and pensions in the Cayman Islands Government and is now the chief human resources officer at the Cayman Islands Airports Authority.
Sean Healy (EMBA ’02) was promoted to senior vice president, Strategic Planning & Engineering at FedEx Freight.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas announced May 19 that Robert Morrow (PEMBA ’02) is now president of its Houston and Southeast Texas market.
Andrew Moskowitz (EMBA ’03) celebrated his thirtieth anniversary at the Boeing Company. He is a senior strategy specialist for Boeing’s defense, space, and security business in Seattle, Washington.
Chuck Parke (EMBA ’03) is now senior vice president of operations at Dura-Line.
John Matthews (EMBA ’04) was promoted to senior director, western zone service, with Siemens Healthcare in El Dorado Hills, California. He leads a team of 200 engineers and managers. Andrea Kelton (PhD ’06) and Ya-wen Yang (PhD ’03) received the 2015 Accounting Information Systems Notable Contributions to the Literature Award.
Frank Knafelz (EMBA ’07) is now senior vice president of operations for Hyundai America Shipping Agency. On June 25, Setul G. Patel (PEMBA ’07), CEO of Neighbors Emergency Center, won the 2015 EY Health Care Entrepreneur of the Year, Gulf Coast Region. The Boston Road Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, appointed Hector Reyes (PEMBA ’07) its chief financial officer.
Symply Entertainment, founded by Ron Senkowski (EMBA ’07), is producing Ports of Call, a new movie by Oscar-winning director Danis Tanovic. Tim Spires (EMBA ’07) was elected to serve as the board vice chair of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.
Troy Walker (EMBA ’07) is now the general manager for APAC Customer Services.
Brian Cain (EMBA ’08) was promoted to assistant vice president at ASC-USI.
Juliana Lindsey (PEMBA ’08) assumed a post as the national medical director for hospital-based physician services at HCA, which has been named one of the world’s most ethical companies for six consecutive years. Greg Tackett (EMBA ’09) retired from the DOD as a senior executive after thirty-three years of government service and is now vice president of Huntsville operations for Clear Creek Applied Technology Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama.
’10s Maryline Boules (HCB ’10) joined LBMC serving as a senior accountant within the internal accounting team.
ITW Dynatec promoted John Jennings (ProMBA ’11) to global technical service manager.
Wade Knapper (ProMBA ’11) is now chief business manager for LDA engineering in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Rob Laughlin (ProMBA ’11) became operations manager and site head at Smiths Detection in Alcoa, Tennessee.
Christian Lawson (ProMBA ’11) became the director of the emergency service line at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Lonza promoted Ron Masterson (ProMBA ’11) to global product manager of the industrial biocides division. The “American Ninja Warrior” TV show featured Grant McCartney (HCB ’11), who completed its obstacle course several times.
Brittany McKay (ProMBA ’11) is now team financial advisor at Merrill Lynch in Knoxville, Tennessee. Rajeev Chandramana (ProMBA ’10) became the senior data analyst/data quality program manager for analytics and outcomes at Premise Health.
Roz Miltenberger (ProMBA ’11) became senior director, laboratory operations with Sysmex Inostics, Inc. in Mundelein, Illinois.
Greg Mitchell (EMBA ’10) is now the CFO at the Providence Group. Betsy Crawford (ProMBA ’11) is now a principal writer for Eagle Research Group.
Nagesh Damannagari (ProMBA ’11) became lead technologist at Booz Allen Hamilton.
Shannon Driver (ProMBA ’11) became the senior vice president of network marketing and creative services at Scripps Networks Interactive.
Energizer promoted Michael Fawley (ProMBA ’11) to regional sales/ marketing analyst.
Adam Henley (EMBA ’11) is now the crop marketing lead at Syngenta.
Cameron Puckett (ProMBA ’11) is now vice president, director of client services at CapitalMark Bank & Trust in Knoxville, Tennessee. Ivy Roush (ProMBA ’11) is now emerging technology analyst at JTS in Dallas, Texas.
Bo Shealy (ProMBA ’11) is now a specialty district manager with the inflammation division of Pfizer.
Ravander Singh (PEMBA ’11) has a new title: head of service, general surgery at North Bay Regional Health Centre in North Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Mitch Stockdale (ProMBA ’11) is now a business development manager with Babcock & Wilcox.
This update reflects information known as of October 26, 2015.
Allen Wood (EMBA ’11) was accepted to University of South Florida’s DBA program.
Russ Epting (EMBA ’12) is now the assistant vice president, export and industrial coal at CSX.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promoted Abdulrahman Al-Husaini (GSCEMBA ’13) to assistant head of planning and inventory control.
FairfieldNodal, an innovative seismic data and technology company in Sugar Land, Texas, appointed Chuck Davison (EMBA ’13) its new president and CEO. Brian Dawson (PEMBA ’13) has a new job as assistant professor and clinical faculty member at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Amanda Gentry (ADMBA ’13) received the 2015 Tibbetts Award from the US Small Business Administration. Gentry was honored for her exemplary role in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Spencer Gregg (EMBA ’13) used his EMBA OAP experience to successfully guide his organization (University of Tennessee Student Health Center) through an initial certification process with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc.
Ray Lello (EMBA ’13) was promoted to district sales manager with Syngenta and has relocated to Omaha, Nebraska.
Kim Miller (GSCEMBA ’13) has been named director of contract policy, processes, and compliance at Boeing.
Mohamed Moustafa (EMBA ’13) is now the integrated supply chain director for chocolate EEMEA at Mondelēz International.
LBMC added Patrick Thomas (HCB ’13) to its valuation and litigation services division. Thomas serves as an analyst on the healthcare valuation team with an initial focus on physician compensation valuation.
Thomas Tobin (PEMBA ’13) is the newly elected chairman of the independent practice committee for the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM).
Michael Weber (EMBA ’13) became the director of engineering for North America, Mondelēz International.
Mondelēz International promoted Arjun Bhowmik (EMBA ’14) to director of integrated supply chain for Asia/Pacific chocolate.
Eduardo Delabio (EMBA ’14) was promoted to Latin American integrated supply chain director at Mondelez International.
UT Medical Center opened an ultra-specialized liver and pancreas service unit, a longtime dream of its new director, Keith Gray (PEMBA ’14).
Heather McCullough (GSCEMBA ’14) has been named senior manager for composites and forgings for BCA supplier management at Boeing.
Antonio Santana (EMBA ’14) was promoted to director of IT supply chain and quality services at Rockwell Collins. His team has generated $25 million of cost savings and positive cash flow through supply chain optimization strategies.
Marcie Mascaro (EMBA ’14) accepted a global supply chain position at B/E Aerospace.
Brad Morgan (EMBA ’14) was named the Tennessee Justice Center’s Pro Bono Attorney of the Year.
Yulia Siroukh (EMBA ’14) is now the integrated supply chain director of biscuits at Mondelēz International.
Fred Smith, founder and CEO of FedEx will receive an honorary Doctorate of Business at the Haslam College of Business commencement set for May 16, 2016.
IN MEMORIAM ’40s Jack M. Cole (’40) died May 14, 2010. He was a US Navy veteran. Patsy Harrill Pittenger (’40), died April 8, 2014.
Paul B. Glenn (’49), a US Navy veteran of WWII, died June 9, 2015. He worked more than 30 years at Merck and Co.
’50s
Samuel Luther Stapleton (’42), a WWII veteran, worked 38 years with Tennessee Eastman Company. He died Sept. 29, 2015.
James N. Talley Sr. (’50) died April 19, 2015. He worked as a manager at Hall’s Men’s Clothing and was a WWII US Army veteran.
William H. “Bill” Swain (’45) was president and CEO of First National Bank of Oneida until he died June 23, 2015.
John F. “Johnny” McCrary Jr. (’50) had varied careers from radio announcer to realtor. A WWII veteran, he died Sept. 5, 2015.
Abe O. Wise (’46) started a 60-year long real estate and construction business. A WWII veteran, he died Sept. 26, 2013.
John L. Wisecarver Jr. (’50) died Sept. 29, 2015. He was a US Army WWII veteran.
Josephine “Jo” Cochran (’47) opened Tennessee’s first McDonald’s and is credited with its apple pie recipe. She died Aug. 12, 2015.
Roy L. Heatherly (’50) served in WWII. He worked in the nuclear industry with Union Carbide, Oak Ridge, and TVA, and died July 13, 2015.
Edward J. Boling (’48, ’50), president of UT from 1970–1988, died June 18, 2015. He was a WWII veteran and served in the state government.
William Arthur Stokes (’50), founder of Knoxville’s Stokes Electric Company, died Aug. 8, 2015. He served in the US Navy.
Carlos E. Herren (’48) died April 25, 2015. He was a WWII US Army veteran who practiced as a CPA until age 94.
Janice Carden Williams (’53), died June 3, 2015.
George Bishop Phillips (’48) died June 9, 2015. He was a WWII veteran who worked 36 years at Menasco Manufacturing Company.
Vivian Beretta (’53) was president of Beretta Tile Company for over 25 years. She died March 27, 2015.
William Clark “Wilkie” Wilkinson (’48), a WWII US Air Force veteran and founder of Jenkins Construction Co., died March 27, 2015.
William H. Bonner (’53) was a professor of business at Tennessee Tech who died Aug. 22, 2015.
Charles M. “Charlie” Keith Sr. (’49) died April 6, 2015. He served in the US Army and worked at Shearson Lehman.
Calvin Lowry Holt (’54) died July 1, 2015. Lowry retired from Reynolds Metals Co. after 35 years. He was a WWII US Army veteran.
George Anthony Wilson (’49), died July 7, 2015. Wilson was a US Navy veteran and worked at State Auto Insurance Company.
Frank Luther Fisher (’54) died Aug. 9, 2015. He worked for TVA before establishing Fisher Oil Company.
James Basil Scudder Sr. (’49) died Aug. 19, 2015. A US Army veteran of the Korean War, he worked at DuPont Photo Products.
William H. Merwin Sr. (’55) was a Korean War veteran and industrial engineer who worked for Western Electric. He died Aug. 19, 2015.
HASLAM.UTK.EDU | 43
ALUMNI NEWS Thomas Fletcher Lomenick (’54, ’68) died July 24, 2015. He was a veteran of the US Army and a geologist for 35 years with Oak Ridge National Laboratories. David Kirk (’56) died April 14, 2015. He retired after 40 years with Cargill Inc. Robert M. Japinga (’56), a retired US Army major, died July 18, 2015. He worked 23 years for International Minerals and Chemicals Corp. Don Sherwood (’57) died Sept. 3, 2015. He managed the familyowned Maryville Furniture Company. John S. Wilson (’57) died May 8, 2015. He was a Korean War veteran and owned a KFC franchise for 40 years. Robert Thomas “Bob” McBride (’57) was a quality control engineer with Maremont Corporation before his death on Aug. 8, 2015. He was a US Navy Korean War veteran. Ronald E. (Gene) Gardner (’57), an Air Force colonel and director of the Hillsborough County Civil Service, died Dec. 5, 2013. Charles H. Dodge Jr. (’58) died June 24, 2015. Dodge taught accounting at UT before joining Ernst & Ernst (now EY). Cordelia “Dee Dee” Bowman (’59), died Aug. 21, 2015. Bowman was a real estate agent with Caldwell Banker. John Lee Alley (’59) practiced law for 40 years in his own firm and died April 1, 2015. William “Bill” Clay Sr. (’59) died Sept. 21, 2015. He was a retired CPA and US Air Force veteran.
’60s John Cox Helvey (’60), died May 14, 2015. He was the owner of Helvey Tree and Wood Services and a veteran of the Korean War. Joseph A. Poag (’60) died April 14, 2015. Poag was a WWII US Navy veteran and the owner/president of Ozburn-Hessey Company.
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Robert E. Kirkland (’60) died April 11, 2015. He founded Kirkland’s home stores. Bobby Frank “Bob” Thomas (’61, ’84), a US Marine Corps veteran, died June 27, 2015. Thomas was a professor at Roane State Community College for more than 20 years. Gerry Brown Young (’61) died Feb. 9, 2014. She worked as a secretary for Oak Ridge National Laboratories, TVA, and for the vice-president of Kayo Oil Co. Colman L. Longworth (’62) worked 30 years for the Norfolk Southern Railway. He died May 2, 2015. Raymond E. Grinder Jr. (’63) died May 9, 2015. Grinder served in the US Air Force and taught computer sciences at Nashville State Technical Institute. Roy H. Adams (’63), a retired restaurant owner, real estate developer, and UT football booster, died July 22, 2015. Diamond Steve Napolitan (’64) died July 22, 2013. He was a US Air Force veteran who worked for 37 years at K-25. Harry George Christopher (’64), a retired US Army colonel, died July 18, 2015. He served in Vietnam. Joseph Alexander Campen (’65), who died April 29, 2015, worked for Federal Pacific and GTE Sylvania before founding EMR Associates and later Vol Power. W. “Tom” Willoughby (’65) died Jan. 26, 2014. He had a 40-year career in sales. John Walker Longmire (’66) died Aug. 20, 2015. His career was in sales/marketing. Thomas P. Martin Jr. (’66) died July 12, 2015. After two years in the US Army, he spent his career with Burlington Industries. William Roger “Bill” Kiser (’68) worked 30 years in banking and financial securities. He died May 13, 2014.
Arthur Francis Biehler Jr. (’69, ’74) a US Navy veteran, managed J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College for 20 years before his death on March 26, 2015.
’70s David McAllister Tyer Sr. (’71) died July 16, 2015. Carl Michael “Mike” Lawson (’72), died in early Aug. of 2015. He was a Nashville attorney, writer, and veteran. Andrew D. Mitchell (’73) died Oct. 4, 2015. After retiring from the US Army, he was a military intelligence officer. Robert Garfield Benton (’73) died June 15, 2015. He served in the US Air Force and directed international logistics and materials management systems for Raytheon. Andrew D. Glankler (’76) was the vice president and CIO of Holy Cross Shared Service’s and a system administrator for HealthSmart. He died April 28, 2015. Dennis A. Grahl (’76) died Aug. 7, 2015. Rodney Boynton Jones (’76), who worked as a controller at WYKO, died July 11, 2015. Thomas Pryor Winn (’76) died Sept. 30, 2015. He served in the US Navy before his career in medical sales, which spanned over 30 years. Charles Michael “Mike” Ellis (’78) died June 19, 2015. He worked in retail.
’80s William Howard “Bill” Clark Jr. (’80) died June 29, 2015. He was a sales representative. David Howard Crace (’85) died July 19, 2015. He worked for Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, EMI Records, and VF Imagewear in the last three decades.
Gregory Patrick McLain (’85) worked more than 30 years for UPS. He died June 5, 2015. Page Moore Rutledge (’85) was co-owner and vice president of Ike Transportation for 17 years and died June 15, 2015. Charlie Poore (’86, ’90), who worked for UCB Pharmaceuticals, died April 10, 2015.
’90s Michael Scott Willoughby (’92), died July 29, 2015. He was a US Navy veteran. George Randolph Cooper III (’97), died June 14, 2015. Dan Rosenbluth (’98) was a marketing professional and a co-owner of Savannah Bourbon Co. He died July 16, 2015. Stefanie Tucker Porter (’99) died June 8, 2015. Until moving to Berlin, Germany, she worked for Thoroughbred Financial Services. Thomas Bradley “Brad” Franklin (’99) was a thirdgeneration partner of the Lexington Progress, Inc., who died June 3, 2015.
’00s Richard Allan “Lucky 13” Robin (’01) practiced medicine as an internist for 20 years before becoming a psychiatrist and a clinical assistant professor at Brown Medical School. He died July 4, 2015.
’10s Tyler Lynn Coyer (’10) of Roanoke died Aug. 12, 2015 in Social Circle, GA. If you have an obituary for a University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business alumnus, please submit it to us at Haslam@utk.edu using “In Memoriam” in the subject line.
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