Collins College of Business - Spring 2016

the university of

COLLINS COLLEGE OF

BUSINESS MAGAZINE • Spring 2016

At TU, our No.

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Faculty members work

priority is our students.

Undergraduate majors including energy management, finance, accounting and management information systems prepare students to excel in careers with high growth opportunities. For professionals looking to advance their careers, the college offers master’s degrees in finance, accounting and energy business, as well as a full-time MBA and a flexible, part-time MBA program tailored for working professionals.

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with students.

The Collins College of Business features small class sizes led by outstanding faculty with backgrounds in a wide range of industries.

Professors serve as mentors for experiences like the Oklahoma Governor’s Cup and CME Group Trading Challenge, bridging the classroom with real-world scenarios.

The Business Career Center puts graduates

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st

The Business Career Center works closely with students on the career planning process, welcomes employers for on-campus recruitment events and helps match students with internship and employment opportunities.

Support also extends beyond graduation to Collins College of Business alumni.

the university of

Collins College of Business

■ Undergraduate finance program recognized by the CFA Institute ■ Undergraduate and graduate accounting programs ranked best in the U.S. (Accounting.com) ■ Among the most innovative small college business departments in the country (Business Research Guide)

To find out more about opportunities in the Collins College of Business, visit business.utulsa.edu

THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA

COLLINS COLLEGE OF

BUSINESS MAGAZINE • Spring 2016

Features 7 Headlining Success 10 Presidential Scholars Poised for Success

14 From the Classroom to the Boardroom

16 Business Leaders

Inducted into Hall of Fame

Departments 4 Message from the Dean and Letter from the Chair 6 EAB Profiles 18 Faculty Profile 19 Student Profile 20 Student Profile 21 College News

On the cover: Justin Guglielmetti, a freshman accounting major from Cumberland, Rhode Island, enjoys playing trumpet as part of the Golden Hurricane Marching Band.

The University of Tulsa does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristics including, but not limited to individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University sponsored programs. Questions regarding implementation of this policy may be addressed to the Office of Human Resources, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-9700, 918-631-2616. Requests for accommodation of disabilities may be addressed to the University’s 504 Coordinator, Dr. Tawny Rigsby 918-631-2315.

To ensure availability of an interpreter, five to seven days notice is needed; 48 hours is recommended for all other accommodations. TU#16001

business.utulsa.edu

Message from the Dean The academic year has drawn to a close and with it, a new catalogue of successes of which we can all be proud.

We inducted three more outstanding business leaders into the Collins College of Business Hall of Fame last fall. Bill Fisher, Becky Frank and Steve Turnbo have each made remarkable contributions to the success of our community and university. They join 43 previous honorees, all of whom have given time, talent and resources to further the success of our college and university.

You can read more about our honorees’ tremendous achievements on page 16.

The Collins College of Business was recently named No. 6 among the most innovative small college business departments in the nation by Business Research Guide. Selection criteria included progressive majors and experiential learning opportunities, among others. In particular, our undergraduate energy management program and full-time MBA program, which concludes with a client project course, were highlighted as examples. This capstone course ties together all of the classroom concepts while giving students practical experience working a corporate or nonprofit organization. The feedback we have received from the clients and the students has been tremendous. You can read more about the course in “From the Classroom to the Boardroom” on page 14.

In addition to teaching and mentoring our students, our faculty excels in conducting research that spans a multitude of areas and is often featured in top business journals. In fact, Professor Timothy Urban was recently ranked as one of the top 100 individuals for research contributions to the field of operations management and was featured in the October 2015 issue of the International Journal of Production Research. This issue of the magazine includes two

faculty-contributed articles about recent studies on topics relevant to many businesses: entitlement levels among Millennials in the workplace and the relationship between organizational commitment and information security.

And finally, I am pleased to announce that for the fifth consecutive year, TU’s undergraduate business program is among the top 100 business schools in the nation according to 2016 rankings compiled by Bloomberg BusinessWeek. This year’s survey focused on how well undergraduate business programs prepare students for job success — an outcome central to the college’s mission. As we head into summer and make plans for the fall, I want to thank our faculty, staff, corporate partners and alumni for their continued efforts to advance our college, which strengthens the university and enhances our community.

Sincerely,

A. Gale Sullenberger Dean, Collins College of Business

Letter from the Chair It’s hard to believe that members of the Class of 2016 will soon make that symbolic walk across the stage, marking the end of their time here at TU. We commend these students, who have left a lasting impression on our college and the university.

Each year during TU’s Homecoming celebration, the university recognizes the Jess Choteau Outstanding Seniors. These 10 students have demonstrated exceptional academic and service achievements throughout their time at TU. Three Collins College of Business seniors were honored this year, and you can read more about them on page 24.

You will also meet four outstanding freshmen just beginning their journeys at TU (page 10). These students were selected as Presidential Scholars — the most prestigious academic merit award given by the university — and have chosen to pursue business degrees. We are honored to welcome these students to the Collins College of Business. Each brings distinctive talents and exceptional abilities, like our cover student, Justin Guglielmetti. In addition to a rigorous academic schedule in the honors program, he enjoys playing trumpet as part of the Golden Hurricane Marching Band and also writing for the college’s newspaper, The Collegian.

For more than 30 years, TU’s Friends of Finance has bridged the university community with the business community by hosting its annual executive speaker series. We’ve had some pretty impressive names share business insights during these events, from heads 4

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of Fortune 500 companies to legendary athletes. It’s astounding to think the organization has been going strong for three decades and in the process launched the Student Investment Fund, which now stands at more than $4 million. How does TU continue attracting such esteemed speakers year after year? “Headlining Success” (page 7) provides a glimpse into the process for identifying speakers and how it all comes together thanks to good old-fashioned networking. I especially enjoyed the commentary from some of the organization’s founding members.

Thanks to the support and guidance of leaders like these, along with a strong network of alumni and friends, the Collins College of Business will continue to attract the best and brightest.

Sincerely,

Paula Kuykendall (BSBA ’86) Chair, Collins College of Business Executive Advisory Board

COLLINS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVE ADVISORY BOARD

Sean Alexander (BSBA ‘97) Principal Director of Application Platforms Microsoft

Jim Dilley (BS ’91)

The Honorable Dewey F. Bartlett, Jr. Mayor City of Tulsa

Clint Dishman (BS ’92, MBA ’97)

Nevyle Cable (BS ‘77)

President & Chief Executive Officer First National Bank of Okmulgee

Tally Ferguson

Jim Cameron (BS ‘66) President Cameron Glass

A. Charles Funai (BS ’78)

Dax Craig (BS ’91)

Chris Crawshaw (BSBA ’88)

Ralph Hill (MBA ’84)

Angela Kouplen (MBA ’02)

President and CEO Valen Technologies, Inc.

CEO Advisory Research, Inc.

Stu Crum (BSBA ’82)

Bob Dennis (BS ’83)

Paula Kuykendall (BSBA ‘86)

John Lindsay (BS ’86)

President Bridgestone Retail Operations

Managing Partner KPMG, LLP

President and COO American Heritage Bank

Senior Vice President Strategic Investment Advisory Group Bank of Oklahoma

Senior Vice President, Risk Management, Bank of Oklahoma

Nate Lovelle (BSBA ’00)

Marcia MacLeod (BS ’75, JD ‘80)

Marc Maun (BS ’80)

Sharon McElroy (BSBA ‘86) Vice President Marketing McElroy Manufacturing

Associate Private Wealth Management Goldman Sachs

Garrett Mills (BS ‘06)

Antwane Owens (BSBA ‘96) CEO and President Excellence Through Insight

Retired Vice President and Treasurer Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group

Senior Vice President Market President Mabrey Bank

Derek Reiners

Warren Ross (MBA ’02)

Bradley Stoots (BS ’81)

Chantal Veevaete (MBA ’90)

Dana Weber (BS ’79, JD ’83)

Donna Weinkauf (BS ’83)

Vice President-Wealth Manager Senior Portfolio Manager UBS Financial Services

Bard Quku (BS ’63)

Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager, UBS

Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Administration, WPX Energy

John Redmond (BSPE '88 MBA '95)

President and CEO BlueStone Natural Resources, LLC

Chief Credit Officer BOK Financial

SVP, CFO & Treasurer ONEOK

President Barga, LLC

CEO The Ross Group

Chairman and CEO New Gulf Resources, LLC

Managing Partner Grant Thornton, LLP

Vice President of Information Technology, WPX Energy

Retired SVP Human Resources Phillips 66

Retired Senior Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer Hilton Hotels Worldwide, Retired

Pam Peck (MBA ’89)

President Webco Industries, Inc.

President Helmerich & Payne

John Pixley

Weinkauf Petroleum

Not pictured: Mark Abbott (BS ‘79, MBA ‘85), Principal Project Manager, Phillips 66; Mike Colby (BS ’92), Bridgewater Associates

Ex-Officio Member : Don Quint, President, Friends of Finance Board President, Don P. Quint and Associates Emeritus Member : Jim Miller (BS ’66), Retired Managing Partner, Arthur Andersen OK/AR

Sonja Wilson (BS ’82, MS ’83)

Director, Finance and Accounting Stan Johnson Company

The University of T ulsa Collins College of Business Magazine Spring 2016

The University of Tulsa Business Magazine is published by The University of Tulsa Collins College of Business, 800 S. Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104-9700.

The University of Tulsa Steadman Upham, President A. Gale Sullenberger, Dean, Collins College of Business Ralph Jackson, Associate Dean, Collins College of Business Amy Gerald, Director of Development Amber Remke, Communications Specialist

Collins College of Business Mission Statement Our mission, through creating and disseminating knowledge, is to educate, mentor and transform business students for professional and leadership roles in all forms of organizations.

The University of Tulsa Mission The University of Tulsa is a private, independent, doctoral-degree-granting institution whose mission reflects these core values: excellence in scholarship, dedication to free inquiry, integrity of character and commitment to humanity.

The University achieves its mission by educating men and women of diverse backgrounds and cultures to become literate in the sciences, humanities and arts; think critically, and write and speak clearly; succeed in their professions and careers; behave ethically in all aspects of their lives; welcome the responsibility of citizenship, service and leadership in a changing world; and acquire the skills and appetite for lifelong learning.

EXECUTIVE ADVISORY BOARD PROFILES CLINT DISHMAN When it came time to select a college, Clint Dishman (BS ʼ92, MBA ʼ97) chose TU for two reasons: education and athletics.

“I wanted to go to a top school with an outstanding business program so that I had a solid foundation for my career, and I wanted to play Division I football,” said Dishman.

Dishman was excited to play on the team under then Head Coach Dave Rader, someone he admired. “I really liked him and what his plans were for TU’s football program,” Dishman said.

Dishman also knew he wanted to study accounting and finance; and upon graduation, Coopers and Lybrand (now PWC) offered him a position in the firm’s auditing area. He gained experience across industries including banking, technology, health care and manufacturing, and then went to work in finance for one of the firm’s clients, CIS Technologies, while pursuing his MBA at TU. “I talked to several professors about my interest in the finance side of business and how I could use my skill set in that area ­— particularly in the investments piece,” he said. Dishman took the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Student Investment Fund group, an experience that opened his eyes to the possibilities of working in finance.

Dishman’s next career move took him to First State Investment Advisors, a local investment firm. Having already completed the CPA examination process, Dishman knew the

importance of holding that credential in the accounting industry.

Looking toward a future in finance, he began the process to be a holder of the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. Though it was challenging and took many years to complete, Dishman emphasizes the significance of the CFA® designation: “The CFA charter is one of the most respected designations in finance and speaks volumes to anyone hiring investment professionals.”

He has managed the Strategic Investment Advisor group at BOK Financial since 2004. His team, which includes several TU graduates, provides investment management, consulting and research services for the bank’s Wealth Management division.

As an alumnus and now a member of the Executive Advisory Board, Dishman appreciates the strong connection between the college and Tulsa’s business community. Dishman recently worked with TU MBA students on a website project for BOK Financial’s subsidiary Cavanal Hill Funds, a process he said benefits the company as much as it does the students. “It’s nice to get to know those students, and it also gives us insight into potential employees.”

ANGELA KOUPLEN Angela Kouplen (MBA ’02) believes in meeting challenges head on. That mentality, plus a willingness to shift directions and take on new roles, has helped shape a successful career in business.

After completing her undergraduate degree in management and Management Information Systems at OSU, Kouplen entertained several job offers and accepted an Information Technology position at CITGO. She communicated new systems to employees and conducted training along with some helpdesk and development work.

After five years in that role, Kouplen was ready for a change.

“Moving to the marketing department gave me valuable experience developing business cases,” she said. “But after doing that for about three years, I was ready to move back to IT.” She led a team responsible for supervising third party applications, software development and contracts while attending TU in the evenings to earn her MBA. “It was a fantastic experience that really stretched me,” Kouplen said. “I found that it was easier going back having had some experience to apply to the case studies we used in the program.”

CITGO then announced the company would move its headquarters to Houston. Kouplen traveled back and forth through the transition until she landed a position in sourcing at Williams.

“I had never done that kind of work before, but thought it would be interesting – it was a whole new element for me.”

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When her supervisor, Marcia MacLeod, was promoted to Chief Information Officer, Kouplen once again returned to a role in IT. In 2012, WPX completed a spinoff from parent company Williams. Both MacLeod and Kouplen went to work for WPX; MacLeod as senior vice president of Human Resources and administration and Kouplen as director of talent acquisition and leadership.

Although HR was new territory for Kouplen, she again relished the challenge. Drawing from training and consulting work she did in college, Kouplen focused her efforts on developing a high-performance organization. And her efforts paid off.

In 2015, Kouplen was promoted to vice president of information technology at WPX. In this role, she is able combine both the people skills and technology skills she developed along her career path.

On the series of events that have led up to Kouplen’s current position, she said, “I’ve taken on a lot of risks in my career.

Learning agility — the ability to jump into a new role and learn quickly — is a great motivator for me. I like to broaden my range of knowledge, and above all, be willing to take on new challenges.”

Headlining Success On November 23, 2015, Forbes released its annual list of the world’s most powerful people, those whose names regularly top news headlines — leaders of nations, CEOs of the world’s largest corporations and even the pope. The list also has a surprising TU connection.

Both Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan Chase (No. 20), and Doug McMillon, CEO of Wal-Mart Stores (No. 32), have shared their insights during a Friends of Finance event.

Dimon and McMillon aren’t the only notable names on the group’s past speaker list, a veritable who’s who of business and leadership: Boone Pickens, Alfred Mockett, Cy Elmburg, Chet Cadieux, Roger Staubach and legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, just to name a few.

TU’s executive speaker series, which averages around 400 attendees for each event, originated on a much smaller scale in 1985.

“We met in hotels downtown, sort of like entrepreneurs starting in a garage,” says Professor Emeritus and Friends of Finance cofounder Roger Bey. “We didn’t have a specific direction for the organization, but we knew we wanted to create an interface with the Tulsa business community.”

Early speakers included professors and local professionals from smaller companies. Bey recalls the series of events that led to a shift

toward securing more nationally recognized names. “In the spring of 1992, Joe Adwon arranged for us to meet with Burt Stacy, the head of Arvest Bank. Stacy previously lived next to David Glass, then CEO of Wal-Mart, and he arranged for David to speak at an upcoming meeting.”

Meeting attendance historically averaged around 100, but jumped to 850 for the Glass event. “That brought more attention to the organization and a name we could put in letters,” said Bey. “We gradually secured more prominent speakers and as a result, membership and attendance grew. It was the breaking point that moved us toward more national attention.”

Friends of Finance board members leveraged their extensive networks to continue that forward momentum. “The success rate from executives on our board picking up the phone and asking people they knew to come speak was phenomenally high,” said Bey.

Pictured above, Don Quint, December 2015 speaker Chet Cadieux, Richard Burgess and Frank Rhoades S P R I N G 2 01 6

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Board members like Keith Bailey, Joe Wolking and Randy Foutch were eager to make those calls. “Executives saw Friends of Finance as something that was good for the community, as a way to show Tulsa off,” Bey explained.

“TU also was vital to their hiring efforts. We worked hard to build and maintain relationships with local business leaders and in turn, they were more than willing to help the university and the Tulsa community.”

That’s how Foutch, chairman and CEO of Laredo Petroleum, came to be involved in the group. He attended a couple of meetings, then Jim Ahrens asked Foutch to join the board in hopes that he could help secure world-class speakers.

Foutch explains that the board has a specific approach when it comes to brainstorming for speaker ideas.

Scott Prochazka, president and CEO of CenterPoint Energy, addresses Friends of Finance during the March 2016 meeting

“We don’t just invite people who speak to a topic that’s beneficial only to a specific company or industry. We invite executives from across the spectrum, those our audience will find educational or entertaining. We look for great speakers who either have a fascinating business or can discuss a trend that the audience might want to understand better.”

— Randy Foutch Don Quint (BS ’78), principal and founder of Don P. Quint & Associates and current president of Friends of Finance, recalls attending meetings during the organization’s early days. He would take clients to have lunch at TU, and then hear a presentation about a business topic. “I always learned something by attending the meetings and that’s how my involvement in the organization started,” said Quint. “I enjoyed it and got to know and develop a friendship with Dr. Bey. At some point, he convinced me to join the board.”

Quint served as the program chair, with a desire to elevate that year’s speaker series. He enlisted help from the late Walt Helmerich, CEO of Helmerich & Payne, who looked to his own company’s board in identifying A-list prospects. “That particular year, we had the CEO of AT&T Wireless and CEO of State Farm speak to the group,” said Quint.

No matter where they travel, it seems that Friends of Finance board members are always making connections. Quint recalls that on the day Laredo Petroleum went public, Foutch approached a director of the New York Stock Exchange and asked him to come to Tulsa. A year later, Lawrence Leibowitz, Chief Operating Officer of NYSE Euronext, addressed the group. “All because Randy said, ‘You’ve got to come speak to Friends of Finance.’ That’s the

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amazing thing about the organization — people are willing to put a lot of effort into it.”

Bailey, who retired as CEO of the Williams Companies in 2002, describes Friends of Finance as “by far the best front door to the business college that the university has.” He cites the balance of speakers as a key driver of the organization’s success. We’ve always wanted an annual suite of speakers that included Oklahoma-area businesses and people who have a national profile.”

Bailey was instrumental in bringing both Staubach and Wooden to Tulsa, who drew some of the group’s largest crowds to date.

“People would ask, ‘What is the connection between Friends of Finance and Roger Staubach or John Wooden?’ Wooden has a philosophy of leadership and teamwork that is second to none. He speaks in the context of sports, but his lessons are transferable to other groups. Who else can speak to a room of 2,000 businesspeople and have them spellbound?”

Bailey notes Staubach’s success in real estate and how he shared thoughts on leadership and forming a business. “That variety gives Friends of Finance a real cache,” he said. “Whether you have Cy Elmberg talking about creating one of the most successful plastic container industries in the country in Miami, Oklahoma, or someone like Ed Whitaker talking about rebuilding Southwestern Bell into the new AT&T after the company split, it’s that range of speakers that keeps the organization growing.”

Foutch agrees with that sentiment. “You’re getting to hear how some of the most successful leaders in North America and internationally have approached their businesses and their jobs, their attitudes, how they solve problems, how they see the future. All of these are beneficial not only to me, but also to a broader audience.”

Bailey also notes something else that sets Friends of Finance apart from similar programs — none of the speakers commands a fee. “My opening line is always that I have a budget of $0,” Bailey quipped. “We give these executives an opportunity to spend time with our students before the program, which could lead to a hire down the road. That’s how the program stays so affordable. It’s the best bargain in town in terms of luncheons and content to accompany them.”

Headlining Success Marcia MacLeod (BS ’75, JD ’80), senior vice president of Human Resources and Administration at WPX Energy, serves as vice president of Friends of Finance. Though she admits that it was a little intimidating stepping into the role responsible for coordinating upcoming speakers, she has found tremendous support from the board. “It really takes a village,” she said. “I’ve got some great supporters who are more than willing to reach out to contacts or provide ideas. And, some of the contacts are my own. It’s amazing how people rarely say no. They are usually flattered to be asked.”

MacLeod points to the diversity offered by this year’s speakers, in terms of industries and topics represented. “We had Joseph Gorder, CEO of Valero, who discussed how the company has continued to earn profits in the midst of the energy downturn. Stu Crum, chair of Bridgestone Retail, talked about how manufacturing efficiencies and lower energy prices have allowed the company to keep tire prices steady. And, Chet Cadieux shared marketing insights as a major retailer of gasoline. Not all represent the oil and gas industry, but each speaker brought a different perspective on leadership and how their respective businesses fit into the total economy.”

She shared that next year’s programming is shaping up to continue spotlighting a broad range of industries, as well as a good mix of local and national companies.

And no commentary on the success of Friends of Finance would be complete without including one of its biggest advocates, Judy Adair. Adair joined TU in 2000 as program coordinator for Friends of Finance. Her ability to focus on the program enabled Adair to provide steady leadership working closely with TU faculty and the Friends of Finance board. Her responsibilities include coordinating the speakers and their staffs, as well as planning every executive luncheon and the registrations.

Adair says, “I love all of the people that I get to interact with. I know at least half of the members, or more, on a first-name basis.

It’s like a big family to me.”

When reflecting on the growth Friends of Finance has experienced and what it means for TU, Bailey adds, “It’s an example of how the university can announce to the community that TU is on the map and is worth getting to know about.” ■

Marcia MacLeod

“Our future looks great. Friends of Finance has become an institution in Tulsa, and people look forward to attending the meetings, which consistently sell out. I credit the quality of leadership for that reputation, from Roger Bey to the number of executives who have been active in the group. Consistent, strong leadership, succession planning and faculty involvement have kept the organization moving ahead for 30 years.”

— Marcia MacLeod

STUDENT INVESTMENT FUND OFFERS OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS Beyond the outstanding speakers and networking opportunities, Friends of Finance offers another direct benefit for students. The group invests its proceeds in TU students through scholarship money generated in a unique way.

In 1997, Friends of Finance established the Student Investment Fund (SIF), TU’s student-managed investment portfolio. The organization raised more than $300,000 to fund the SIF’s first round of investments and over the years has contributed more than $2.3 million in gifts. Through the hard work of students tasked with managing and growing the fund each semester, today the fund’s assets stand at more than $4.5 million and its earnings have provided more than $928,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students.

The SIF gives students the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in managing investment portfolios through a semester-long course led by Professor Tally Ferguson, senior vice president of risk management at BOK. Students must apply to join the fund each semester, with 15 to 20 new members selected by the current class membership.

“The number one value of Friends of Finance is what it does for students at TU,” said MacLeod. “Providing the opportunity to run an investment fund and being able to use those earnings for scholarships is a win-win for the university.”

Quint said that while it’s easy to take the fund for granted, he was reminded of its magnitude when touring colleges with his son six years ago. “He was looking at eastern seaboard schools and one university mentioned that its fund had about $500,000 in assets. I’m thinking, ‘We have $2 or $3 million.’ It really gives you a sense that the size of TU’s fund is unusual, as is the fact that the students manage real money.” ■

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Presidential Scholars

poised for success The University of Tulsa’s Presidential Scholarship is the most prestigious academic merit award given by the university. Established

by President Emeritus Bob Lawless in 1996 to attract the best and brightest scholars to TU, the Presidential Scholarship Program recognizes students poised to make a difference in the world.

To earn a Presidential Scholarship, students must excel in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, score in the top percentile on the ACT or SAT and demonstrate leadership and service throughout their high school career. The scholarship covers full tuition for eight semesters, plus room and board as long as recipients maintain a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average and meet special event attendance requirements.

The Collins College of Business welcomed four Presidential Scholars as incoming freshmen for the 2015-16 academic year. Hailing from as close as Tulsa to as far away as Providence, Rhode Island, each brings a fresh perspective as they begin their time at TU.

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MADALYN UNSETH MURIEL UNSETH

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usiness majors, best friends and roommates Madalyn and Muriel share an affinity for many of the same things, from singing to sushi. Both graduated high school in Dunlap, Illinois, as valedictorians and National Merit scholars. Both enjoyed performing with the madrigals group at school and on the worship team with their youth group.

Both ran on the school’s cross country and track teams. And both applied for and were awarded TU’s Presidential Scholarship.

Muriel and Madalyn Unseth also happen to be fraternal twins.

Choosing to attend the same university wasn’t necessarily a given – at least, not as far as one half of the duo was concerned.

“At first, I didn’t want to go to the same school because I didn’t want to follow Muriel around,” said Madalyn. “I didn’t want to be identified as the ‘twin person.’”

Heading into the college search process, Madalyn and Muriel created similar checklists. “We were looking for a smaller school with a strong academic environment and professors who would be invested in getting to know students,” said Madalyn. “We also wanted a college that offered a scholarship package for National Merit finalists.”

With identical selection criteria, the twins knew they would be considering the same group of universities, but chose to make their decisions separately. “If it happened to be the same choice, that would be OK,” said Muriel.

“Out of seven schools we visited, TU really stood out,” she continued. “We both liked the campus, and everyone we met was friendly. TU offered study abroad opportunities and so many ways to get involved in the community. We narrowed it down to three options, and TU presented the best financial package.” Madalyn adds, “It was cool that we both got the Presidential Scholarship.

The decision would have been harder if that hadn’t happened.”

Hearing the pair talk about the bond they share as twins and their experiences so far at TU, it’s hard to imagine them separated by a marked distance.

“As we left for Tulsa, I was so glad we made the decision,” said Madalyn. “Emotionally, the transition has been a lot smoother than I expected and most of that is because we’re here together.”

Looking at majors that would offer solid job prospects and the opportunity to apply a wide skill set, Muriel and Madalyn chose to study in the Collins College of Business. On her decision to major in accounting, Madalyn explains, “I’m detail oriented, and I like things organized. I thought accounting would be a good fit based on some career exploration I did with the accounting department at Caterpillar. You can do so many things with the degree.”

Both want to study abroad during their time at TU. “Our mom studied in Germany when she was a student and always talked about how much she grew during that experience,” said Muriel.

“We also look forward to taking advantage of services the Business Career Center offers, like career preparation, interviewing and résumé workshops and networking events,” said Madalyn.

As for life on campus as a twin, it couldn’t be better for the two. “You’re never really alone — you always have someone to talk to and eat lunch with. And it’s nice having someone who understands where I’m coming from,” said Muriel.

Madalyn smiled as she added, “It’s also great having a built-in study partner.”

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JUSTIN GUGLIELMETTI

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ifteen hundred miles separate Justin Guglielmetti from his family in Cumberland, Rhode Island, but a Tulsa connection helps to bridge the distance. “My grandparents live here,” said Guglielmetti. “My grandpa is from Rhode Island, but worked for Amoco Oil and lived in Iran and Trinidad before settling in Tulsa. I had visited them several times over vacations; and last summer when I was in town, he suggested I visit TU.” Guglielmetti did visit and ended up liking what he saw. He applied for and was awarded the Presidential Scholarship. The final choice came down to TU and Fordham. “I didn’t have any set characteristics about the school I was looking for,” he said. “The decision came down to a sum of all parts — the feel of the school, what it had to offer and academic rigor. TU had all of those things.”

In high school, Guglielmetti ran track and cross country before sustaining an injury that sidelined him. “It was a blessing in disguise, though, because I got involved in theatre during my senior year,” he said. “It’s one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done. Theatre helps with public speaking, since an audience is really the same in a presentation and a performance.

You’re trying to put yourself in the best possible light — it makes you more of a people person.”

Guglielmetti also played the trumpet in his high school band, so he joined the Golden Hurricane Marching Band. The only catch? He’d never marched before. There was no marching band in Rhode Island, so Guglielmetti got a crash course during band camp the first week of freshman orientation. “Marching from 9 to 4 every day was definitely a lot at once,” he said.

“But I’m glad I stuck with it. I’m having a lot of fun and have met some great friends.”

When it came time to choose a major, Guglielmetti looked back at the high school classes he enjoyed the most – and those he didn’t. He ruled out engineering fields in favor of accounting. “My dad was an accounting major and worked for the state energy office in Rhode Island. My grandpa was an accounting major and the chief accountant for Amoco. So, I read up on it and discovered that it’s the language of business. You can get into so many areas of business with an accounting degree. I don’t have a set career path yet, so it makes sense to have that flexibility.”

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WYATT EVANS

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ative Tulsan Wyatt Evans grew up attending TU football games and hearing about the university from his mom, an alumna. In the fall of 2014, he visited campus during the Tulsa Time overnight program that offers potential students a chance to experience life at TU firsthand. “I fell in love with the university,” said Evans. “Then, I learned about the Presidential Scholarship. It’s hard to say no to that kind of opportunity.”

An academic all-star in high school, Evans capped off his time at Tulsa’s Bishop Kelley with a memorable finish. He competed on the school’s academic bowl team for each of his four years there, securing the state title for three of those. As the team’s captain during his senior year, Evans led his teammates to a third place national finish in 2015. He also was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

At Bishop Kelley, Evans also ran cross country and played soccer. He earned Eagle Scout, the highest achievable rank in the Boy Scouts of America, last fall. “I’ve stayed fairly busy since arriving at TU,” he said. He joined Sigma Chi fraternity and was elected treasurer for 2016.

Evans hopes to get involved in the university’s academic bowl team when his schedule allows.

Though he doesn’t compete on TU’s cross country team, Evans still makes time to run.

“I actually didn’t start running until my junior year in high school. My younger brother started running and encouraged me to get into it,” he said. Evans ended up loving the sport and losing 20 pounds in the process. He ran his first half marathon in December 2014, and then decided to train for a full marathon. With a goal to finish Tulsa’s Route 66 Marathon in four hours, he can proudly check that accomplishment off of his list with an official finish of 3:59:56.

Evans chose to major in finance and plans to add accounting as a second major. He looks forward to getting involved in the Student Investment Fund and building his leadership skills. As for the future, Evans says he is considering the possibility of furthering his education in graduate or law school but wants to keep his options open.

For now, taking classes like Reasoning gives him the chance to exercise a new way of thinking.

“Diagramming arguments, finding fallacies and practicing logical thinking is putting names on things I’ve always known how to do,” he said. “I find it interesting.” And just for fun, he maintains his quiz bowl acumen by reviewing questions from previous tournaments and watching episodes of Jeopardy. “I just naturally take to that kind of information.” ■

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From the classroom to the boardroom

The Collins College of Business revamped its full-time MBA program in 2014 with an emphasis on better equipping students with the project management and leadership skills employers seek. Along with fundamental business classes, students now participate in a six-hour capstone project course for the final semester of the 18-month program.

Brian Walkup, assistant professor of finance, and Brice Collier, applied assistant professor of energy and finance, select the clients and serve as project mentors. Students are divided into teams that each take on a project for local companies and nonprofits. The teams spend an entire semester working on the client projects, which require a significant time commitment on the part of the students.

Walkup explains that full-time MBA students enter the program looking to transition to a career in business, and most have less work experience than part-time students, who typically balance graduate school with a career. “For many of our fulltime students, it’s their first time to be immersed in a real-world setting,” he said. “This course is an opportunity for them to figure out how to work together as a team to solve a problem.”

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The course simulates the experience of working in a professional setting. Students hold weekly board meetings with the faculty mentors and are expected to develop an agenda and corresponding action items to demonstrate progress on each project. They also meet as a team at least once a week in addition to communicating with the client.

The teams hone their presentation skills by preparing for and delivering a mid-semester update and a final report for their respective clients, in addition to periodic updates as requested by clients. Collier and Walkup attend rehearsals for each presentation to provide feedback and guidance to the students. “There’s an art of persuasion that comes along with presenting ideas to the client,” said Collier. “The students are learning how to sell people on an idea before it’s been presented and solve problems creatively.

They get excited about the process.”

In an effort to ensure the best possible outcome for the projects, Collier and Walkup take a strategic approach when selecting clients, which have included Phillips 66, Webco Industries, Cavanal Hill Funds, Tulsa Shock, Tulsa Drillers and the BOK Center/ SMG. “In the spring, we actively recruit companies and gather a list of possible projects,” said Collier. “We try to identify the right challenges for the next group of students. At the same time, we look for diversity in company size and industry, with a goal to serve one nonprofit each semester. Our students are able to provide nonprofits a consulting experience they may not be able to pay for.”

The professors are mindful of personal dynamics when grouping the students together and matching each team with a client. “We look for a mix of talents so that you don’t have a team full of students with only accounting or marketing backgrounds,” said Walkup.

“In a blended team, it’s easier to learn from someone who has different strengths. For example, a person who’s skilled in Excel can help others who may not be as strong in that area.”

Collier explains that what the students experience in their final semester of the program is equivalent to about a year of experience on a job. “Our students get to interact directly with leaders of a company,” he said. “That’s something that might not happen for a long time in a traditional work setting.”

Clients benefit from receiving services similar to those a consulting firm would offer, without a hefty financial investment.

“The students like the fact that some or all of what they recommend could make a real difference for a company.

“The course is interesting from our perspective,” said Walkup.

“Instead of getting up and teaching a class, we are scattering business concepts throughout the semester. We’re constantly asking the students, ‘What do you all think about this?’ Students increase their abilities to work with teams and clients, without them even realizing they’re learning. It’s very different from a classroom setting.

You have to be on your toes.”

TANGIBLE EXPERIENCE WITH PRACTICAL APPLICATION Inspired by the stories of entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs, Eddie Garcia (MBA ’15) left his position as a caseworker at Family & Children’s Services to pursue a graduate business degree. “I was curious about what entrepreneurs do and why they’re successful, so I started researching regional business schools,” said Garcia. “My first appointment was with TU, and I didn’t even visit any other schools after that. After meeting with the team at TU and hearing more about the MBA program, I got a strong sense that it was the right fit for me. I never regretted my decision.”

Looking back at his experience during the past 18 months, Garcia notes that each course leading up to the team project built a foundation of knowledge that he was able to put into action his final semester. “The client project creatively bridges the concepts learned in class with real-world application.”

Garcia’s team worked with local nonprofit Sustainable Tulsa to identify potential areas of growth for the organization. He used his communication skills to build a relationship with Sustainable

Tulsa’s primary contact, relaying information about the client’s wants and needs so the team could work on a plan to address them.

Though he had no previous consulting experience, Garcia drew from skills he gained during his time as a caseworker to manage the client communication process. Looking back at the experience, he said, “It taught me how to communicate effectively by taking complex ideas and simplifying them. I also learned how to be persuasive when pitching ideas that might be outside the client’s comfort zone. Ultimately, this gives me real consulting experience to talk about during a job interview.”

Yeswanth Vattikunta (MBA ’15) left his job as a business analyst at a consulting firm in India to enroll in TU’s MBA program.

While earning his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, Vattikunta learned how to code and started his career as a systems engineer before transitioning to the role of business analyst. A desire to move into a management position as a financial analyst led him to pursue an MBA. Vattikunta’s team worked on a real-time applications product for Deloitte. He appreciated the different backgrounds each of his teammates brought to the project, including IT, accounting, real estate and oil and gas. “Everyone knew their roles and responsibilities, and the diversity really helped us — plus, we had fun.”

Knowing Deloitte’s expectations for a deliverable the company planned to implement, the team stayed in frequent contact with one another via phone and online communication. They started with a problem statement supplied by Deloitte, with freedom to think outside the box when proposing solutions. Incorporating feedback from the Deloitte team along the way, the team debuted the application during the final client presentation in December.

Deloitte executives were more than pleased with the final product. After incorporating a few modifications, the team will package the technology and hand it off to the company for implementation. “I’m excited because I can say I’ve worked on a product for Deloitte. It’s something special, and we were happy to hear that the company plans to use the application we developed,” said Vattikunta.

Perhaps even greater than the satisfaction of having developed a viable solution for Deloitte, Vattikunta noted, “I discovered a lot about myself throughout this process. TU’s MBA program has helped me to be mentally stronger. I learned a lot and was able to apply those principles during my time as a student.” ■

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Business leaders inducted into Hall of Fame The University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business inducted three business leaders into its Hall of Fame during a special ceremony on Sept. 22 at Gilcrease Museum. William F. “Bill” Fisher, Jr. was named outstanding entrepreneur, and Becky J. Frank and Steve W. Turnbo were named outstanding business leaders for 2015.

WILLIAM F. “BILL” FISHER, JR. Bill Fisher (BS ’63) retired from Miss Jackson’s, a multi-department specialty store, in October 2002. During his 35-year tenure as president and CEO, the business saw consistent growth in both sales and profit. Under his guidance and vision, the store went from a locally respected upscale specialty store to one of national recognition for innovative merchandising and unparalleled patron service.

Fisher began his retail career at age 15 in the toy department of the Tulsa Sears Roebuck store. He continued working at Sears through his junior and senior high school years in many different areas. After he enrolled at The University of Tulsa in his sophomore year, TU was one of five U.S. academic institutions selected by Sears Roebuck to participate in a new work-study program that would produce university graduates ready to move into division management for Sears immediately after graduation. He was selected to join this program along with several other TU marketing majors. In 1963, two months after graduation from TU, he was promoted to his first division management responsibility.

In 1965, after 10 years with Sears, Miss Jackson’s approached Fisher to become manager of its new Utica Square store. After a year managing the store, he also assumed all merchandising responsibilities. In late 1967, Fisher became president, CEO, a member of the board and a minority stockholder.

Many years later, he became the sole stockholder.

In the community, Fisher held board seats at First National

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The Business Hall of Fame annually honors the widespread contributions of outstanding Tulsa business leaders who shape and strengthen the university, community and economy.

The Collins College of Business Hall of Fame has inducted 44 individuals since its establishment in 2000.

Bank & Trust Co. and Liberty Bancorp, Inc. for a total of 14 years. He also served as president and/or chairman of Tulsa Philharmonic Society, Philbrook Museum, Thomas Gilcrease Museum Association and Thomas Gilcrease Institute Trust.

Additionally, he served on the boards of Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Park and Recreation and Tulsa Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

A longtime supporter of TU, Fisher has been a member of the TU Board of Trustees for 24 years, serving as chairman of the Building & Grounds Committee for 20 years and currently vice chairman of the committee. He was the 2002 J. Paschal Twyman Award recipient.

Fisher and his wife, Judy (EE ʼ98), have two children and six grandchildren. They reside in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

BECKY J. FRANK

Becky Frank is chairman, CEO and managing partner of Schnake Turnbo Frank. As one of Oklahoma’s leaders — both in business circles and in civic affairs — she combines a strong business network with public relations savvy. In her time with STF, the firm has grown significantly. She joined the firm as partner and chief operating officer, was named president in 2000 and now serves as chairman and chief executive officer.

Before joining STF, Frank was vice president of community relations and corporate communications at Bank of Oklahoma, a position she began in 1994. Prior to her work with the state’s largest bank, she served as vice president of communications for the Tulsa Area United Way. Frank began her career at John

Brown University, her alma mater, where she served as the assistant to the director of university relations.

Frank has played a significant leadership role in the state, serving on numerous nonprofit boards and in the planning and execution of many local events. Her current and recent civic involvements include: 2013 campaign chair and 2014 board chair, Tulsa Area United Way; past chair, Tulsa Regional Chamber Board of Directors; emeritus member, The Salvation Army Advisory Board; past president and board of directors member, Leadership Oklahoma; past chair and board of directors member, Tulsa River Parks Authority; past executive committee member, The Foundation for Tulsa Schools; past board of directors and executive committee member, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits; and past trustee member, Tulsa Community Foundation.

She has received numerous honors, including 2014 TulsaPeople Tulsan of the Year, 2014 Williams Women of Inspiration Top 5 honoree and a 2014 Tulsa Press Club Headliner. Frank also was named Executive Women International 2014 Executive of the Year, 2012 Association for Women in Communications Newsmaker, a Tulsa World 12 to Watch in 2012 and Greater Tulsa Reporter’s Ten to Watch in 2012. She was named a Tulsa Business Journal Women of Distinction honoree in 2011 and to the Journal Record’s 50 Women of the Year in 2000, 2003 and 2004. The Tulsa Advertising Federation awarded Frank the Silver Addy in 2001.

STEVE W. TURNBO Steve Turnbo (BS ’67) is chairman emeritus of Schnake Turnbo Frank. Throughout Oklahoma, he is recognized as a leader in public relations, business and civic affairs. With more than 40 years’ experience, he has worked with a long list of

corporations, government agencies, nonprofit groups and executives.

As the firm’s chairman emeritus, Turnbo is closely tied with all client planning and management, primarily in the areas of strategic planning, consulting, executive coaching, community outreach and media relations.

Turnbo began his career as the sports information director at The University of Tulsa in 1967. Three years later he joined one of Oklahoma’s largest advertising agencies as a public relations account executive. He later served as vice president of the public relations division of that agency.

He formed his own PR firm in 1981 and later merged with Schnake and Associates, Inc., forming the firm where he now serves as chairman emeritus.

Turnbo has led many associations and currently is involved with several organizations geared to helping Oklahoma grow.

His recent and previous civic involvement includes serving as a member of the TU Board of Trustees, chairman of the Oklahoma Academy, chairman of the State Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Turnbo also has served as vice chairman of the Will Rogers Memorial Commission, board member for the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice and advisory board member of LIFE Senior Services.

In 2014, he received the Public Relations Society of America Paul M. Lund Public Service Award. He was named to the prestigious College of Fellows of the Public Relations Society of America in 2002.

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Student Profile

American dream brings Tajikistan native to Tulsa “He told me T U offered a select number of full tuition scholarships for international students,” Vafoeva said. “I Googled TU and liked everything about the university and the city. It looked like a nice place to study and a great school for international students.”

— Nadima Vafoeva

Growing up in Tajikistan, a small central Asian country that borders Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, Nadima Vafoeva watched American movies and listened to American music (all of which had been translated into Russian) and from an early age dreamed that she would one day study in the United States.

Vafoeva’s opportunity came in the 10th grade, when she participated in the Future Leaders Exchange Program. “I had to take three tests, and only 45 of us passed out of 3,000. We got to travel to the U.S. to live with American families and go to high school for a year,” she said.

Her destination was a far cry from the skyscrapers and taxicabs dotting the cityscapes of New York and Chicago featured in popular movies. Instead, Vafoeva arrived in a small Indiana town of just 6,000 residents.

She fell in love with America all the same.

“I like the American lifestyle,” said Vafoeva. “There are a lot of differences in culture, but I felt like I was at home in America.

Maybe it was because of the host family, too. They made me feel at home and like they were my family. We still keep in touch.”

Vafoeva returned to Tajikistan to complete her high school studies, but longed to return to the U.S. for college. She found out about The University of Tulsa through a conversation with the coordinator of American consuls. “He told me TU offered a select number of full tuition scholarships for international students,” Vafoeva said. “I Googled TU and liked everything about the university and the city. It looked like a nice place to study and a great school for international students.”

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She submitted her application and was offered a full scholarship at TU. While the decision to accept was an easy one for Vafoeva, she had to work hard to persuade her parents that it was the right move. “I was excited, but my parents didn’t want me to come back to America. It took me two months to convince them to say yes — especially my dad.”

Vafoeva has settled in nicely at TU and maintains a full schedule. Fluent in five languages (Persian, Tajik, Russian, Turkish and English), she serves as vice president of the Russian Club.

She’s also associate director of community service for the Student Association and a member of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society.

The finance major works part time for TU’s Annual Fund initiative and tutors other students in pre-calculus and calculus. To fill the community service commitment that is part of her scholarship, Vafoeva volunteers for international events on campus in addition to helping with efforts in the Tulsa community.

Vafoeva interned at Grant Thornton’s office in Tajikistan as an audit assistant last summer. Looking to the future, she has her sights set on working in finance for an energy company. “I like my major and have loved studying in the Collins College of Business,” she said. “The professors are nice and always willing to help.”

Reflecting on the journey that brought her to the United States, Vafoeva said matter-of-factly, “If a person wants something really bad, they will make it happen. I’m proud to be part of the TU community, and I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to study here.”

Student Profile

Kyle Morris Master of Energy Business student Kyle Morris didn’t set out to have a career in the energy industry. The Lindale, Texas, native graduated from Texas State University with an eventual goal to attend law school. He coached debate and taught economics at The Kinkaid School in Houston for four years before applying to law school at Baylor.

He was accepted and set to start in the spring of 2013 — but not before taking a final look at the investment he was about to make. He ultimately concluded that, “It was a debt load I didn’t want to take on given the market saturation of attorneys.” In the meantime, Morris had earned a Professional Land Management certificate at the University of Houston-Downtown. “I had friends in the industry and knew about the kind of work land professionals did. I went on an aggressive job search and applied for a ton of jobs in the industry.”

Morris’ tenacity paid off. After applying for months, he received two job offers on the same day to do field land work. He accepted a project position that lasted only a few months, but it was just enough time to get his foot in the door as a landman. Yates Petroleum Corporation offered Morris a position as an in-house landman in Artesia, New Mexico.

Morris says working as a landman suits his personality and is the perfect fit for his background in debate. “This job involves a lot of research, persuasion and negotiation. I enjoy it and have learned a ton.”

Looking to advance his career in energy, Morris decided to continue his education. TU’s Master of Energy Business program proved the perfect fit because its online format allowed him to continue working full time while pursuing a graduate degree.

Though challenged to balance school with work, Morris approaches the endeavor with the same resolve that drove his transition to the energy industry. He said he’s already learned so much during his first year in the program. “The classes are very forward thinking,” he said. “We focus on where the industry is headed — not neglecting what’s happening today, but being mindful that things will change. It’s an interesting time in energy history, as we are at the crossroads of some major transitions.”

Morris has so far received two scholarships in recognition of his academic performance and commitment to furthering his career in the energy industry: a Harry Hale Fellowship from the Alpha Lambda Delta Academic Honor Society and a scholarship from the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN).

Class assignments give Morris the freedom to explore topics outside the scope of his daily work. He’s currently writing a research paper on the future of Arctic oil and gas development, which he will submit to the AIPN’s research competition this spring. “My job wouldn’t necessarily take me to this topic, so I look for these opportunities,” he said.

Morris plans to use his MEB to propel him into an eventual management position. “I feel like this degree will definitely serve my long-term professional objectives,” he said. “I am fortunate to be in my current position, but these are interesting times in the petroleum industry with $30 per barrel oil. The MEB will provide me with maneuverability regardless of market uncertainties.” ■

“I feel like this degree will definitely serve my long-term professional objectives. I am fortunate to be in my current position, but these are interesting times in the petroleum industry with $30 per barrel oil.

The MEB will provide me with maneuverability regardless of market uncertainties.”

— Kyle Morris

Faculty Profile

By the numbers You could say that Allen Humbolt’s career in statistics came down to a simple mathematical formula. As an undergraduate at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Humbolt felt he was good at two things: math and baseball. “As it turned out, I wasn’t nearly good enough at baseball for that to be of real value,” he said. “So, that left math.”

Contemplating his next move after graduating with a degree in math, Humbolt sought advice from his father. “My dad knew of a feed lot manager from Oklahoma State University who was looking for someone to analyze data so he could better understand what kind of feed helped specific breeds.” That manager ended up giving Humbolt a research assistantship to get his master’s degree in statistics at OSU. Humbolt knew straightaway that it was the perfect fit for his skill set.

He explains his attraction to statistics with a quote taken from the textbook he now uses when teaching students: “‘Statistics lies at the messy interface between theory and reality.’

That’s how I felt. I had been doing math, and now, suddenly, there was something to care about that wasn’t quite as exact.”

Out of that interest, Humbolt launched his career as a statistician at Phillips Research and Development in Bartlesville.

“It was a dream job, and I loved it,” he said. He worked with researchers on experimental design just as the quality improvement movement started to gain traction.

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After leaving Phillips for a three-year stint as a senior technical specialist at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Humbolt spent the next 12 years in Wichita, Kansas, with Koch Industries, first as a statistician and later as a quantitative analyst.

He then spent a year as a consultant before moving to Tulsa to work for Samson as a quantitative analyst. At Samson, Humbolt got experience on the trading side of the oil and gas industry, hedging billions of dollars in energy futures that translated to significant gains for the company.

Looking to return to the roots of his initial love for statistics, Humbolt left Samson after 14 years and turned his attention to teaching. He joined the Collins College of Business faculty in the fall of 2015 as an applied assistant professor of operations management and teaches Statistics I and II. Humbolt sees teaching as a way to give back to a profession that has brought him so much enjoyment. “I can now return some of my excitement about a field I’ve always loved to young minds,” he said.

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College News

TU alum receives 70th annual Conference of Accountants, entrepreneurship award EllieGrid, May 23-24 founded by The School of Accounting and Management Information Systems will hold its annual Conference of Accountants May 23-24 at the Lorton Performance Center.

Now in its 70th year, the conference draws more than 400 accounting professionals and educators from across the region. The conference agenda features discussions from notable speakers representing corporations and organizations across the nation. Topics cover all functional areas of accounting within a broad business context, including financial, managerial, systems, auditing and tax areas.

The Conference of Accountants evolved from a series of annual meetings initiated by Professor Emeritus Paul J. Graber.

Funds allocated from the net proceeds of each year’s conference provide awards and educational support for undergraduate and graduate accounting students at TU. Cosponsoring organizations include the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners; Financial Executives Institute; The Institute of Internal Auditors; American Woman’s Society of CPAs; Beta Alpha Psi, Eta Rho Chapter; Institute of Management Accountants; Tax Executives Institute; and Tulsa Chapter, Oklahoma Society of CPAs. Attendees can earn up to 14 hours of CPE for CPA or other certification continuing education requirements. For more information, visit www.utulsa.edu/coa.

entrepreneur Abe Matamoros (BSBA ’15), was among 13 startup companies recognized during Tulsa’s Global Entrepreneurship Week in November.

EllieGrid is a smart pill container that takes the guesswork out of sorting and scheduling multiple medications taken on a daily basis. The device also includes software that healthcare providers and caregivers can monitor to ensure a patient takes his or her medication as prescribed.

Matamoros founded the company when his grandfather fell ill as a result of not taking his medication. “ It took him so long to set up his pill organizer that he would get discouraged and not even try,” said Matamoros. “I started looking into the problem and discovered that he is not the only person who has this issue – 20 percent of Americans take five or more pills every day, and 125,000 people die every year due to non-compliance.”

EllieGrid’s leadership team includes Matamoros along with Regina Vatterott, Hieu Nguyen and Nicolas Dhanam (a senior mechanical engineering student at TU). Since its founding in August 2015, the company has received accolades including first place at the IBM Cultivate Health Hackathon, first place in the St. Edward’s University Business Plan Competition and a finalist in both the CVS Retail and Health Innovation Challenge and Open Houston Pitch Competition.

During his time at TU, Matamoros cofounded InspireVive with Jared King (BS ’14). The team placed first runner-up in the business pitch competition at SXSW 2014 in Austin, Texas.

Beta Alpha Psi earns Distinguished Chapter recognition TU’s Eta Rho Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi has once again been recognized as a distinguished chapter for exceeding the baseline requirements of the organization and excelling in the areas of academics, professionalism and leadership.

Beta Alpha Psi is an international honorary and service organization for financial information students and professionals. The organization’s primary mission is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information field. In addition to promoting the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems, Beta Alpha Psi also provides students with opportunities for self-development, service and association among members and practicing professionals, and encourages a sense of ethical, social and public responsibility.

Beta Alpha Psi was founded in 1919 and the Eta Rho Chapter was established at TU in 1990. The group holds monthly professional meetings that feature a speaker from a firm or organization and also coordinates opportunities to network with local professionals throughout the semester.

Anna McColl, applied associate professor of accounting, has served as faculty adviser for TU’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter for two years. “Beta Alpha Psi continues to have a strong presence on campus,” said McColl. “At Beta Alpha Psi events, our students have been able to network with professionals, leading to both internship and full-time positions. Recognition by the national organization acknowledges the high standard of excellence that our student leaders maintain for our chapter.”

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College News Collins College of Business Faculty, staff and students give back named among most Students, faculty and staff in the Collins College of Business have celeinnovative small college brated the spirit of giving throughout the academic year.

Staff members in the Williams Student Services Center have generously business departments donated their time to a number of community organizations and initiatives, including Kendall-Whittier Elementary, the African-American Resource

Business Research Guide ranked The University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business No. 6 among the most innovative small college business departments in the country. Criteria for selection included progressive majors and/or course offerings, global business emphasis, connections to business and experiential learning opportunities.

Business Research Guide’s editors noted TU’s energy management program, one of only nine such programs in the United States, highlighting its affordability and high retention rate within the university. The Collins College of Business also was recognized for its full-time MBA program, in which students are assigned hands-on consulting projects with local businesses.

Center (part of the Tulsa City-County Library system), a scholarship committee for Tulsa Public School students and the American Red Cross. The staff also volunteered at the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma to help sort and package food.

The Tulsa Energy Management Student Association (TEMSA) members have volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and at the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and are organizing a clothing drive to collect items as students move out of the dorms and apartments at the end of the semester.

Beta Alpha Psi members teamed up with accounting firm HoganTaylor to paint the Tulsa SPCA’s satellite adoption center at Promenade Mall.

Calvin Moniz named assistant dean and director of Business Career Center A leap of faith led Modesto, California, native Calvin Moniz (BSBA ’06, MBA ’08, JD ’15) to The University of Tulsa 13 years ago. Fortunately for the university, an exceptional undergraduate experience, strong network and connection to the Tulsa community kept him here as a valuable member of the TU development staff.

In September 2015, he joined the Collins College of Business leadership team as assistant dean and director of the Business Career Center.

Moniz came to TU sight unseen. His high school college counselor, Sara Rhodes coordinated a visit from Assistant Dean Rick Arrington, who was recruiting students from the International Baccalaureate program. Though Moniz missed the information session with Arrington, he later followed up and applied for admission. The final decision came down to TU and the University of the Pacific, just 20 minutes away from his hometown.

“I took a chance and picked TU,” said Moniz. “As soon as I got here, I knew it was the right place for me. TU’s personal attention made me feel like an individual and not just a number – that’s what kept me here for my MBA and later as an employee and engaged alum.”

A graduate assistantship in the Office of Development set the course for his first job as director of development for McFarlin Library. While earning his law degree, Moniz briefly served as director of alumni relations for the College of Law before transi-

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tioning to senior development director for the Collins College of Business.

When the Business Career Center position opened up, Moniz considered applying.

He took the time to reflect on his professional experience and evaluate what he enjoyed most.

“I realized that moving into this role would incorporate my passion for working with students and employers. It was an easy decision to make.”

Established in 2008, the Business Career Center’s mission is to educate students on the career planning process, to build relationships with employers and to match students with internship and employment opportunities. The center assists students with resume and cover letter review, conducts mock interviews and workshops throughout the year, and hosts career events. Services also extend beyond current students to Collins College of Business alumni.

In his new role, Moniz looks forward to expanding the Business Career Center’s footprint to include partnerships with employers in new industries and geographic locations. He notes that, “This will reap numerous dividends for TU’s reputation across the board and also for recruitment of students.” ■

TU hosts Master Limited Partnership Conference

FACULTY NOTES

Pinnacle Investment Advisors presented its fourth annual Tulsa Master Limited Partnership Conference Nov. 12, 2015, on The University of Tulsa campus. The event, which brings together leading industry experts, company executives and investors to meet and network, was cosponsored by TU’s School of Energy Economics, Policy and Commerce and Ernst & Young.

Tulsa is home to a number of Master Limited Partnerships, which are publicly traded limited partnerships. Pinnacle established the conference in 2012 to bring together industry speakers who offer differing viewpoints on challenges that affect MLPs. More than 200 energy professionals, faculty members and students attended the 2015 sessions, which addressed investment strategies, accounting and financial management best practices, economic development trends and legislative policies. Conference speakers included executives from Shell Midstream, SemGroup/Rose Rock, Magellan Midstream and the Master Limited Partnership Association.

Mike Umbro, principal at San Diego-based FieldView Capital and a student in TU’s Master of Energy Business program, saw the conference as a unique opportunity to learn from what he considers to be the best minds in the world of MLPs. “The panel of experts who spoke to attendees provided an array of insights into past and future performance, and more importantly, the reasons why we see the MLP space developing in the market as it is.” Umbro adds, “The company presentations were led by CEOs of some of the top performers in the space, providing an inside look at strategy, acquisition and management decisions.”

Matt Adams, business development manager for Bioethanol Holdings in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and also an MEB student, notes one of his biggest takeaways from the conference was gaining a deeper understanding of the role MLPs play in the country’s energy infrastructure.

“The MLP structure is more than a tax advantage. The MLP model has been a key building block in the creation of the vast web of energy infrastructure in our country.”

TIMOTHY URBAN has been ranked as one of the top 100 individuals for research contributions to the field of operations management.

Urban was featured in the October 2015 issue of the International Journal of Production Research.

KAREN CRAVENS wrote with Elizabeth

Goad Oliver, Shigehiro Oishi and Jeanine S. Stewart, “Workplace Culture Mediates Performance Appraisal Effectiveness and Employee Outcomes: A Study in a Retail Setting,” published in the Journal of Management Accounting Research, Fall 2015, Vol. 27, No. 2.

TOM SENG presented “Crude Oil Markets”

to the Petroleum Accountants Society of Arkansas and North Houston Association of Petroleum Landmen, and “The Current Status of U.S. LNG Exportation” to the Fort Worth Association of Petroleum Landmen. He also presented “Pipeline Transportation Spreads — Changing Dynamics” at the ONEOK Partners Annual Shippers’ Meeting; “U.S. & Global Crude Oil Markets” to Magellan Midstream; and “Current Status of U.S. Oil & LNG Exports” to the Tulsa Association of Petroleum Landmen.

Undergraduate finance program recognized by CFA Institute The University of Tulsa was welcomed into the CFA Institute University Recognition Program, becoming the first university in the state of Oklahoma to have a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) recognized program.

The BSBA degree in finance has been acknowledged as incorporating at least 70 percent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) and as placing emphasis on the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice within the program. This program positions students to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, which has become the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world.

Entry into the CFA Institute University Recognition Program signals to potential students, employers and the marketplace that TU’s curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA examinations.

Through participation in this program, the university is eligible to receive a limited number of student scholarships for the CFA Program each year. Full-time TU students interested in taking the

Level I June exam can apply for a scholarship to help cover the costs.

The CFA program includes a series of three exams (Levels I, II and III).

The CFA credential is the globally recognized mark of distinction and benchmark for measuring expertise, experiJoel Harper ence and ethics of investment professionals. To become a CFA charter holder, candidates must pass all three levels and have four years of qualified work experience. There are 140 local member societies in 65 countries. The Oklahoma Society holds monthly meetings in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

Joel Harper, the Bill G. Blair Professor of Finance, is a CFA charter holder and an active member of the CFA Institute.

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College News Three students from the Collins College of Business were honored as Jess Chouteau Outstanding Seniors during TU’s homecoming festivities. The award recognizes seniors who demonstrate exceptional achievement in academic and service endeavors. The college congratulates these students on making a positive impact at TU and in the community.

NOAH ROBERTS of St. Louis, is a double

major in energy management and finance and a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. He has served as an orientation leader and participated in the Tulsa Energy Management Student Association, the Student Investment Fund and Reformed University Fellowship student ministry team. Roberts is a TU Presbyterian Leadership Scholar, TU Dean’s Scholar, ConocoPhillips Scholar and Noble Energy Scholar. He is a recipient of the American Association of Professional Landmen Scholarship and a student member of the association. Roberts is an active TU Service Day volunteer and has participated in many university mission trips. He is a former ConocoPhillips land intern and ONEOK commercial business analyst intern. He has accepted a commercial business analyst position with ONEOK following his TU graduation.

THOMAS SCHORR of Midland, Texas, is

an energy management major and orientation leader who is active in the Student Association of International Petroleum Negotiators. He is a member of the Tulsa Association of Professional Landmen, the Tulsa Energy Management Student Association, Reformed University Fellowship and Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.

Schorr is a TU Academic Scholar and a Presbyterian Leadership Scholar. He has earned scholarships from many energy-related organizations and corporations including ConocoPhillips, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and the American Association of Professional Landmen. Schorr has served as a landman intern at Newfield Exploration Company and Anadarko Petroleum. He is a past peer adviser at the TU Center for Global Education and has volunteered for TU Service Day, Habitat for Humanity and the Tulsa Dream Project at Will Rogers High School. He has accepted a full-time position with Anadarko Petroleum.

ANSHUMAN SINGH of New Delhi, India,

is a double major in accounting and finance and a member of the Beta Alpha Psi accounting fraternity. He has served as an orientation leader and on the Dean’s Advisory Board. Singh is also the business lead on a water conservation project called HydroSense in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency. Singh is a member of the President’s Honor Roll and has received scholarships from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and Tulsa OSCPA. He is active in Mortar Board, Scroll Society, Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Eta Sigma. Singh has participated in Student Association Service Day activities and has done several service projects at Kendall-Whittier Elementary. He has interned in finance and accounting roles with Schlumberger and Halliburton internationally as well as with Ernst & Young in Tulsa. After graduation, he plans to begin his auditing career at Ernst & Young and obtain his CPA license.

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TU sponsors Hour of Code event for area Girl Scouts The University of Tulsa recently hosted an Hour of Code event for a group of 38 Tulsa Girl Scouts ranging from age 6 to 13. The Hour of Code is a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming.

Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems Sal Aurigemma along with students Amy Cairns and Kristen Davis volunteered to assist the Girl Scouts and answer questions.

Karla Davis (Kristin’s mom), who helped coordinate the Girl Scouts’ participation, said, “All of the reports I heard were very positive, and one leader wrote enthusiastically that all of her girls gave the event ‘two thumbs up’.” Davis hopes to organize another Hour of Code in the spring as well as create a portable program so that troops across eastern Oklahoma can partner with local colleges and universities to hold similar events.

Cairns, a junior MIS major, said programs like this benefit students by allowing them to explore code in an environment that is open to learning, with resources available to answer questions. “My favorite part was definitely how much the girls excelled,” she said. “There were some girls doing coding sections that were above my level.”

Tulsa to host national energy conference Oct. 23-26, 2016 In October, Tulsa will welcome business, government, academic and other professionals for the 34th annual United States Association for Energy Economics (USAEE) North American Conference. Plenary, concurrent and poster sessions will explore the evolution of the North American energy sector as well as the potential for and implications of energy self-sufficiency.

The Collins College of Business is sponsoring the event, and Ron Ripple, Mervin Bovaird Professor of Energy and Finance, serves as concurrent session chair and technical tour coordinator. Ripple and Mike Troilo, Wellspring Associate Professor of International Business, also are part of the conference program committee.

Students are encouraged to submit research papers for the Best Student Paper Award Competition, participate in the Student Poster Session and apply for a scholarship that covers registration fees.

Conference organizers are seeking submissions from those interested in speaking about current topics or presenting research. The deadline to submit abstracts is May 19.

Ripple notes, “This year’s conference is being held just two weeks prior to the presidential election, and the conference will delve into the full range of energy economics and policy-related issues that we face locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.”

The USAEE was founded in 1994 to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, experience and issues among professionals interested in energy economics. It is the largest affiliate of the International Association for Energy Economics, a worldwide organization founded in 1977 comprising more than 4,200 corporate, academic, scientific and government professionals concerned with energy and related issues in the international community.

Visit www.usaee.org/usaee2016 for more information. ■

Faculty Research

EVALUATING EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT TO

information security

By Sal Aurigemma, Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems and Lori Leonard, Collins Professor of Management Information Systems

P

ractitioners and management researchers have long considered the magnitude of an employee’s emotional commitment to their organization as an important factor affecting work performance. Organizational commitment is generally defined as an employee’s identification with, involvement in and emotional attachment to an organization associated with the perceived costs of supporting organizational goals and interests. Higher levels of employee organizational commitment result in lower negative work performance (such as absenteeism) and higher positive work-related behaviors (such as higher retention, work performance and employee well-being).

In the case of employee organizational commitment, more is clearly better.

What has not been examined previously, however, is precisely how differences in employee organizational commitment levels potentially impact their information security behaviors while at work.

Employees are organizational insiders who represent potential major security risks primarily because they have legitimate access to corporate information resources and reside inside the perimeter defenses of corporate firewalls and other security mechanisms. Most employees are considered non-malicious; they may take unsafe security actions for a variety of reasons, but do not purposefully intend to harm their organizations. Sometimes, however, employees can unintentionally do serious harm to an organization’s security posture.

Many advanced cyber attacks, for example, begin when an insider improperly opens a malicious e-mail attachment, giving attackers an initial foothold on the corporate network. For example, the widely publicized Target Stores data breach in November 2013 is believed to have started when an organizational insider fell victim to a phishing e-mail and had their account credentials stolen. Target is not alone: The majority of known data breaches in 2015 were caused or facilitated by improper employee security actions.

In order to evaluate the effect of employee organizational commitment on security behaviors, we studied employees of a large U.S. government agency with a robust and well-trained set of information security policies. As with many of the most widely accepted models of human behavior, we embraced the assumption that employees are generally rational in their actions. As rational beings, employees complete a mental calculation of the potential benefits and costs before deciding whether to comply (or not) with

their designated security policies.

Fundamentally, the rational security behavior calculus is composed of three components: perceived benefit of compliance, representing the favorable consequences of following the security rules; perceived cost of compliance, representing the unfavorable consequences of complying with the rules; and perceived cost of noncompliance, representing the expected unfavorable consequences resulting from noncompliance with the security rules.

The results of this study extended the context of previous organizational commitment findings to the information security behavior domain and also were the first to confirm the importance of organizational commitment on the formation of attitudes toward security actions. The study showed that employees valued the perceived benefits of security behavioral compliance much more so than for the cost-related factors (cost of compliance and noncompliance).

From a practical perspective, it could be seen as a positive outcome that employees are focused more on the benefits of following security policies. Ideally, however, all organizations would like their employees to understand and appreciate the potential negative impact of not complying with the security policies (beyond the threats of sanctions if caught violating the requirements) and use that knowledge to bolster their attitudes toward behavioral compliance intent. Likewise, reducing the perceived cost of complying with the policies should also bolster compliance intent. Training specifically on these cost-related factors should improve employee attitudes toward security requirements.

In general practice, an organization should maintain awareness of events that occur that may impact their employees’ affective commitment toward the organization as this may directly affect employee security behaviors and attitudes. For example, energy industry employees fearing job cuts caused by low oil and gas prices may experience a decline in morale and, with it, reduced organizational commitment. As an unintended or unexpected consequence, security may suffer. For events such as these, not only is it in the interest of the organization to improve the conditions that lead to the decline in organizational commitment, but also focus efforts on monitoring security behaviors and take necessary actions to improve compliance.

A complete version of this research was recently published in the Journal of Information System Security. ■ S P R I N G 2 01 6

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Faculty Research

Accountability, entitlement, tenure and satisfaction in Generation Y

By Mary Dana Laird, Associate Professor of Management

G

eneration Y, which includes people born between 1980 and 2000, is becoming the largest segment of the working population. There are 76 million of these Millennials in the United States alone. Many were raised under child-centric parental and educational philosophies that emphasized instilling self-esteem, but did not always link esteem to skill development. Possibly because of this “trophies for all” mentality, many Millennials have difficulty understanding that their efforts may result in failure. This is one reason they have been labeled the “Entitlement Generation” by many of their perplexed employers.

It is unfair to paint an entire generation with one brushstroke, but data consistently show that average entitlement levels are high among members of Generation Y. Psychological entitlement is a stable tendency to view oneself favorably and to expect praise and reward, regardless of actual performance levels. This can be problematic in the workplace where rewards often are tied to performance appraisal, which is one part of an accountability system. In support, research has associated psychological entitlement with conflict, job frustration and low job satisfaction levels. These negative outcomes may be one reason that Millennials are twice as likely as Generation X and three times as likely as Baby Boomers to consider leaving a job within one year of employment.

Given the entitlement and job mobility associated with Generation Y, I and my coauthors, Paul Harvey (University of New Hampshire) and Jami Burnett Lancaster (BSBA ’10), investigated how younger employees perceive accountability mechanisms that link job performance to rewards. They collected data from 181 resident assistants (RAs) from a variety of U.S. universities. Like many employees, these RAs have authority over their subordinates, collaborate with their coworkers, and report to a supervisor who provides them with formal performance appraisals, which ultimately determine if their employment contracts will be renewed or not.

Using hierarchical moderated regression to test their hypotheses, the researchers found some surprising results. Employees who felt entitled had lower job satisfaction levels than those who felt less entitled when accountability was low. However, entitled employees reported

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higher job satisfaction levels that roughly matched those of less entitled employees when accountability was high. These results were consistent for both low and high tenure employees. This suggests that high levels of accountability could neutralize the negative impact of entitlement on job satisfaction, at least within Generation Y employees. This may be due to the fact that entitlement is associated with a pronounced self-serving bias, which is the tendency to attribute desirable outcomes to oneself and negative outcomes to outside factors. This bias leads to inflated self-perceptions and unrealistic expectations for praise and rewards. By clarifying the relationship between performance and rewards, formal accountability systems make it more difficult to erroneously take credit for success and pass blame for failure. More realistic perceptions might decrease entitled employees’ unmet reward expectations, thus promoting higher job satisfaction.

In order to increase accountability, organizations might find renewed interest in management by objectives, which requires managers and employees to develop the goals by which employees will be evaluated. Not only are Millennials accustomed to being involved in decisions, but setting and achieving personal goals and performing meaningful work matters to them. Organizations also could implement 360-degree reviews, which ask members of employees’ immediate work circles to provide performance feedback. Research has found Millennials to be sociable, to enjoy learning from respected colleagues and managers and to trust peer opinion and social consensus, thus increasing the chances that they would view multiple-source feedback to be more valid than traditional top-down evaluations.

Although some managers may be frustrated by the accommodations provided to Generation Y, it should be noted that Millennials bring a number of desirable characteristics to the workplace. They often want an intellectual challenge, strive to make a difference and seek employers who value professional development. In order to attract, motivate, and retain young employees, organizations must understand and strategically adapt to the work expectations of Generation Y. These results were published in Journal of Managerial Psychology. ■

the university of

School of Energy Economics, Policy and Commerce

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Available online ❙ utulsa.edu/meb ❙ 918-631-3625

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One of the top graduate business schools in the nation, we offer programs for full-time students as well as working professionals.

Make the smart move and apply to TU today. ➤ Emily Reh (BSBA ʼ09, MEB ʼ14)

CNG Specialist, Business Development • ONE Gas, Inc.

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Springing forward Spring is here, electrifying campus with a new wave of energy and excitement as the days grow longer and temperatures climb.

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