
Herd Business
Marshall University Lewis College of Business
Alumni & Friends Newsletter
Volume 1, Issue 2
January 2018
Huntington, WV
Email: lcob@marshall.edu
Website: marshall.edu/cob
Location: 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV, United States
Phone: 304-696-2361
Facebook: facebook.com/herdbusiness
Twitter: @herdbusiness
From the Desk of the Dean
Over the past six months as the new Dean, I have enjoyed getting to know a wide variety of our stakeholders and have been continually impressed with your dedication to our College. I wanted to personally extend my thanks for your warm welcome to my new home, Marshall University.
We have accomplished much in the past semester, and none of it would have been possible without the support of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, affiliates, supporters, and friends -- the ones who make all of our accomplishments and our day-to-day functioning possible. Some of the key accomplishments include a new organization structure, a new speaker series, and the first ever fully online program from the Lewis College of Business.
On behalf of the Lewis College of Business, I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Happy New Year.
With warm regards,
Avi Mukherjee, Ph.D.
Dean, Lewis College of Business
Lewis College of Business named leading business school in Newsweek
Marshall University’s Lewis College of Business has been named one of Newsweek’s leading business schools of 2017.
Dr. Avinandan Mukherjee, dean of the college, said this recognition is a testament to the outstanding value of the programs in the Lewis College of Business.
“We are delighted to see that the Lewis College of Business has been recognized by Newsweek as a ‘Leading Business School of 2017,’” Mukherjee said. “This reinforces what we at Marshall University already know—our college of business and its faculty are delivering the highest quality professional education to our students. We are in the top 2.5 percent of global business schools to be dually accredited by AACSB International [Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business] in both business and accounting. Our undergraduate and graduate programs sharpen the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are necessary for our students to succeed in the competitive global economy.”
Other schools of business recognized by Newsweek include Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, Georgia Southern University in Georgia, Ithaca College in New York, Marquette University in Wisconsin and Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois.
New online MBA program launched
Marshall University’s Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program will offer a new fully online option from spring 2018. It will be taught by full-time university faculty and will complement the current M.B.A. offerings for working professionals.
Students will complete their degrees in two years with the same academic requirements as those taking classes on campus, according to Dr. Marc Sollosy, director of the M.B.A. program.
“A Marshall M.B.A. has always allowed professionals to advance their position, take on leadership roles, or improve upon business skills for today’s fast-paced industries,” Sollosy said. “We believe an online M.B.A. program will help our students balance work, family, and education more successfully.”
Dr. Avinandan Mukherjee, the dean of the college, said the Lewis College of Business has had many inquiries over the years for an online program offering leading to an M.B.A. He said he believes offering this option sets the college apart from other business schools in the state.
“We are one of only two AACSB-accredited institutions in West Virginia and by offering our M.B.A. online, we are giving students the same quality curriculum, but with more flexibility to complete the program and stay engaged with our award-winning faculty.”
The program is now accepting candidates on a rolling basis. Prospective students may apply by visiting www.marshall.edu/apply. For more information about admission requirements for the M.B.A. online degree program, contact Dr. Marc Sollosy by e-mail at sollosy@marshall.edu or Wes Spradlin, associate director of graduate programs, by e-mail at spradlin2@marshall.edu or by calling 304-746-8964.
Startup Weekend Huntington
Marshall University's Lewis College of Business, BB&T Center for the Advancement of American Capitalism, and the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) hosted Startup Weekend Huntington, a 54-hour event allowing future entrepreneurs to gain experience toward creating their own startup businesses.
This weekend-long event kicked off on Friday, Nov. 3rd, and ran through Sunday, Nov. 5th, at RCBI’s main office, located at 1050 4th Ave. in Huntington. RCBI TEN50 Accelerator Director Bryan Shaw served as the event facilitator.
Attendees of the event formed teams consisting of those who specialize in varying fields, from entrepreneurship to business to computer science and more. Each team was asked to create a company while receiving tips from the community’s best mentors, investors, and businessmen and women. Presentations of the final products were presented to a panel of experienced judges, and the top three groups received prizes.
The teams' concepts varied from a specialized bed extension to a food delivery app to a social media platform to connect gaming enthusiasts.
Many of the participants were Marshall University students from across West Virginia and from Indiana, Connecticut and the countries of China, India, and Vietnam.
Several of the LCOB faculty and staff assisted with making this event a success such as Associate Dean Deanna Mader, Professors Sara Davis, Olen York, and Ben Eng, Director of Stakeholder Engagement Glen Midkiff, and MBA Student Cody Hatten.
A homecoming to remember
The Lewis College of Business had much to celebrate at the Oct. 14th Homecoming game, as the Herd "Overthrew the Monarchs" of Old Dominion, 35-3. Our homecoming tailgate was also very successful with Herd Business faithfuls who filled Harless Field.
It was great seeing and reuniting with so many business alums wearing kelly green and showing Marshall pride. Also, this was the first Herd Homecoming for Dean Avi who hosted USS West Virginia Commander Tim Clark on campus.
USS West Virginia Naval Commander visits Marshall
U.S. Naval Cmdr. Timothy Clark, the commanding officer of the USS West Virginia, visited Marshall University’s Huntington campus Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 12-14, as part of the university’s Homecoming festivities.
Clark toured the campus, met with the university’s Department of Military Affairs, sat in on a class at the Arthur Weisberg Family Applied Engineering Complex, met with President Jerome Gilbert and the College of Business Advisory Board, and attended a Deans’ Appreciation Dinner. He also visited with the football team, stopped by the gravesite of the 1970 team players, and participated in game day Homecoming activities.
The visit was initiated by Young Thundering Herd football coach Jack Lengyel, who also served as athletic director for the U.S. Naval Academy. Lengyel met Clark about a year ago, when Lengyel and his wife toured the USS West Virginia and had lunch on board.
“During that lunch, he asked me about any relationships the ship had with the universities in West Virginia,” Clark recalled. “I told him that although the ship had previously had some interactions, I had not reached out or personally interacted with anyone in West Virginia. He took my contact information and told me he would see what he could do about that.”
Lengyel got in touch with Lance West, Marshall’s vice president for development, and West started the process of planning Clark’s first visit to Marshall University and the state of West Virginia.
“I am honored and humbled to be invited to the fine state of West Virginia and Marshall University,” Clark said. “It is a privilege to serve on and operate one of the most powerful ships on the planet whose name honors the great people of West Virginia. The taxpayers own the mighty USS West Virginia and I only represent the 161 men who operate her every day – our true national treasures. I am excited to meet with and get to know the men and women of Marshall University. I can’t thank Marshall and West Virginia enough for the opportunity.”
Clark has been commanding officer of the USS West Virginia since November 2015.
Women Entrepreneurship Week
Marshall University’s Lewis College of Business hosted two events on Thursday, Oct. 19th, in celebration of Women Entrepreneurship Week. These events featured panel discussions with successful woman entrepreneurs in the Huntington and Charleston areas.
The first panel discussion took place at Marshall’s Huntington campus. Panelists included Ms. Jamie LaFear, owner of Wholi Moli; Ms. Sara Sturgeon, co-owner of Old Main Emporium; Prof. Sara Davis, realtor and instructor of marketing at Marshall; Simran Canterberry, owner of The Blue Ridge Boutique; and, Ms. Isabella Rogner, corporate responsibility specialist and “intrapreneur” at Intuit Inc.
The second panel discussion took place at Marshall’s South Charleston campus. Panelists included Kathleen Walker, co-owner of Epiphany Consulting; Diana Sole-Walko, CEO of MotionMasters; and Bernie Deem, principal at AlignHR.
Dr. Deanna Mader, Associate Dean, Prof. Olen York, and Ralph McKinney facilitated the panel discussions. Women Entrepreneurship Week is a global movement that is celebrated the third week in October in more than a dozen countries and in several states across the U.S. Planning for 2018 has already begun.
India recruitment trip
Early this November, Dean Avi Mukherjee, traveled to Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad in India to speak with prospective students and meet with U.S. consuls.
Dr. Mukherjee was accompanied by President Gilbert, Stephanie Collier Hurley, director of Marshall’s INTO program, and Wael Zatar, dean of the College of Information Technology and Engineering. As a team, they made presentations to prospective students and their families.
Dean Avi said he found a large amount of interest in India for higher education in the U.S., particularly Marshall because of its strong brand name. Additionally, the Lewis College of Business has also targeted other nations in its efforts to increase its international enrollment. Among those are China, Nigeria, Taiwan, South Korea and Chile.
Research Day
On November 10th, the Lewis College of Business celebrated its inaugural "Research Day". The event provided an opportunity for faculty and students to present their current or recently completed research projects.
The event was organized by the Faculty Development Committee: Dr. Nabaneeta Biswas, Prof. Tessa White Carr, Dr. Alberto Coustasse, Dr. Rex McClure, and Dr. Harlan Smith.
Oral presenters included Dr. Jean Price, Dr. Nancy Lankton, Dr. Nabeneeta Biswas, and Dr. Junwook Yoo. Poster presenters included Dr. Alberto Coustasse-Hencke and students Nitish Patil and Apexa Patel.
The Verbal Presentations: Winner - Drs. Richard Agesa & Nabaneeta Biswas. Runners-Up - Drs. Nancy Lankton & Jean Price
The Poster Presentations: Winner – The Cost of Opioid Epidemic in WV (Rachel Merino, Nicholas Bowden, Sruthi Katamneni, Alberto Coustasse). Runner-Up - Benefits of the 340B Drug Discount Program (Jarrett Gerlach, Sarah McSweeney, Angela Swearingen, Nitesh Patil, Alberto Coustasse).
Dean Avinandan Mukherjee said, "I am very excited about the Lewis College of Business Research Day because it is not only a celebration of the faculty successes but is also recognition of how our applied research can help the business community.”
Cohen Business Professionalism Speaker Series
During Fall 2017, The Cohen Business Professionalism Speaker Series was offered to students as professional enrichment program by the Marshall University Lewis College of Business. The series allows students to make the connection between classroom teachings and real-world business applications through meeting experienced and successful business people. We appreciate the generous gift of Mr. Ron and Mrs. Sandy Cohen for supporting the series.
Speakers included Ms. Diana Walko Sole, CEO of MotionMasters, Dr. Bill Bissett, President of the Huntington Area Chamber of Commerce, Commander Tim Clark of the USS West Virginia, Ms. Kerri O’Rourke-Robinson, Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Dr. Bill Dingus, Executive Director Greater Lawrence County Area Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ross Dionne, CPA from Charleston, Ms. Vicki Dunn-Marshall, an entrepreneur, and Mr. Bob Bentz, President of mobile-first digital agency Purplegator and interactive service provider Advanced Telecom Services.
Twenty-five students completed the program and received a formal printed certificate, an engraved padfolio, and an official LCOB lapel pin.
For more information about the Cohen Business Professionalism Speaker Series, please contact Glen Midkiff, Director of Stakeholder Engagement by emailing midkiff@marshall.edu or calling 304-696-3431.
Professional Development
Professor Olen York, Marketing, attended the Experiential Classroom at University of Florida's Warrington College of Business from September 21st-24th. Experts shared best practices in entrepreneurship education from some of the thought leaders and master educators in the field. The Experiential Classroom is offered once a year and takes place on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Attendance is limited to 75 delegates each year. The experience is personalized with ample opportunity to interact with the presenters both inside and outside the classroom.
Dr. Marc Sollosy, MBA Program Director, attended the inaugural Online MBA Consortium, which took place on October 4th-6th at Temple's Fox School of Business, home to the #1 Online MBA program for the past three years. In addition to expert-led presentations and panels, the agenda was designed specifically for participants to discuss issues, exchange ideas, and cultivate networks.
Ms. Lacie Bittinger, Director of Student Services, attended the NACADA Annual Conference in Saint Louis, Missouri from October 11th-14th. The National Academic Advising Association is an association of professional advisors, counselors, faculty, administrators, and students working to enhance the educational development of students.
Mr. Glen Midkiff, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, attended the American Marketing Association Higher Education Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia from November 11th-15th. The conference brought together experts and practitioners to explore the unique challenges faced by marketing teams at colleges and universities. Headlined by leading higher ed marketers, the event focused on best practices and fresh ideas for engaging diverse audiences, boosting enrollment, strengthening an institution’s brand and more.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Bill Dingus
Dr. Bill Dingus serves as Executive Director for the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation. In this position, one of his primary missions is to expand job creation and commerce in Lawrence County. One of his largest projects has been continually expanding and maintaining “The Point”: an industrial park in South Point, Ohio that has become a home for a variety of businesses and organizations.
Before working in Lawrence County's Economic Development Corporation, he served as Dean of Ohio University’s Southern campus for more than 20 years, building and strengthening the focus of higher education at OU Southern. Beyond his work in the county, his regional development initiatives include serving on the Ohio Governor’s Transportation Review Advisory Council, which is in charge of allocating highway funding and serving on the Tristate Airport Authority Board.
Dr. Dingus is a proud alumnus of Marshall, where he received his MBA degree.
HERD ON THE MOVE
Luke Cooley
Our featured young alumnus for this publication is Mr. Luke Cooley. Cooley graduated in May 2017 with Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (B.B.A.) in International Business from the Lewis College of Business.
After graduation, Mr. Cooley got the position as Product Strategy Analyst in the Legal Business Unit at Thomson Reuters, the world's leading information solution corporation, in New York City, NY. His role for the next nine months consists of researching their products to determine their footprint in the global legal market and locate opportunities that may be present. He looks at a lot of data and analyzes how Thomson Reuters can leverage that data to build a better product for the customers. After nine months, he will move to a different unit of the company to take on another role. This could be anything from developing Financial and Risk tools to working at Reuters News.
Cooley added, “The range of solutions that we provide, across the company, is quite incredible. Working alongside the brightest individuals in the industry to provide answers to a diverse range of customers is quite a rewarding experience.”
Thomson Reuters is a global firm located in North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and India. They are the leading source of intelligent information for the world's businesses and professionals. They combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization.