News 2002

Wilhelm Receives Delta Pi Epsilon Award

December 11, 2002

William J. Wilhelm, assistant professor of administrative systems and business education in the organizational department at Indiana State University, has been presented the Delta Pi Epsilon Outstanding Instructional Practices Award for 2002.

He received the award for his paper presentation, "Teaching Communications Online Using the Master Teacher Model," Nov. 23 at the Delta Pi Epsilon National Conference in Cleveland. The paper addresses the issues and pedagogical structure for teaching large numbers of distance education students utilizing a variety of electronic tools and methodologies.

Wilhelm earned an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from Arizona State University in 1998; master's degree in education from Arizona State in 1996; post-baccalaureate initial teacher certification in secondary education from Arizona State in 1994 and bachelor's degree in business administration from The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, in 1969.

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Entrepreneurship Class:  Students Experience Challenges of Being a Small Business Owner

December 11, 2002

When Brittney Goodwin and Sarah Hewitt began working with The Swiss Connection in Clay County, neither had heard of the small business that makes and sells cheese, ice cream and meat. That is one of the challenges The Swiss Connection’s owner is trying to overcome.

Senior business administration majors Goodwin and Hewitt were assigned The Swiss Connection as part of a project in Assistant Professor Aruna Chandra’s entrepreneurship class. Chandra divided her students into small groups and assigned them to a Wabash Valley business or not-for-profit organization to study issues of marketing, expanding business, increasing production and other challenges entrepreneurs face.

Chandra heard of The Swiss Connection more than a year ago and developed the habit of driving to the farm to buy cheese and ice cream. The 250-acre farm has been in the Yegerlehner family for five generations — since their ancestors came to Clay County from Switzerland in the 1860s. Fascinated by the business and pleased with its products, Chandra asked them to participate in the class project and they agreed.

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Students to be Recognized at Winter Commencement

Hines Memorial Medal - Wendy Joette Ellington

December 11, 2002

Wendy Joette Ellington of Marshall, Ill., is the 2002 Indiana State University Hines Medal Winner. Ellington earned a 4.0 grade point average while completing a major in accounting and a minor in insurance at ISU.

An ISU Academic Scholarship recipient, Ellington's academic excellence has been recognized by her selection for additional scholarships from the Accounting Program and the Insurance and Risk Management Program Office. She has also received the John E. Booth, Junior Memorial Scholarship from the School of Business; the Angus Robinson, Junior National Insurance Scholarship; and the Golden Key International Scholarship.

Ellington was active as treasurer in fall 2001 and as president since spring 2002 of Beta Alpha Psi, National Honors Fraternity for Financial Information Professionals; as secretary/treasurer in 1999-2002 of Alpha Lambda Delta, the national Freshman Honorary Fraternity; and as banquet committee chairperson during spring 1999 and 2002 for Gamma Iota Sigma, Collegiate Risk Management and Actuarial Insurance Professional Fraternity. She also served on the School of Business Dean's Student Advisory Group in spring 2002.

While completing her degree at ISU, Ellington gained actual work experience in the business world through internships with State Farm Insurance and Digital Audio Disc Corporation. She also worked as an office assistant in the University's Insurance and Risk Management Office and as a tutor in the Student Academic Services Center.

Ellington's academic achievements and involvement in campus organizations and activities earned her recognition as a recipient of the High Honor Collegiate Scholar Award in spring 2000, 2001, and 2002; selection as Indiana's CPA Society Accounting Honor Student and as the Financial Executives Institute Award for Outstanding Junior/Senior Accounting Student in spring 2001 and 2002; and membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for collegiate schools of business. Other honors include Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, the Insurance Honors Corps, and the University's Dean's List since 1998.

Outside the University, Ellington participates in the Marshall Area Youth Network Buddy Program, assists the cheerleading coach at Marshall High School, and teachers Sunday School for the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints.

"I would like to thank my family for their unconditional love and continued support. I would also like to thank all of my wonderful professors for their encouragement, positive influence, and contributions to an excellent educational experience at Indiana State University," Ellington said.

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Indiana State and Rajabhat Institute: Building a Better Understanding

November 21, 2002

The basis for international education hasn’t changed since Saiyut Champatong came to Indiana State University from Thailand 50 years ago or Otto Shipla began going to Southeast Asia nearly 40 years ago.

Champatong graduated from ISU with a bachelor’s degree in 1956 and a master’s degree in 1961. He returned regularly to work on projects in business education.

Shipla went to Thailand to teach in 1963. Under a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) project, he taught in Laos from 1970 to 1973 and in Thailand again from 1975 to 1977. After the UNESCO project ended, Shipla returned to ISU but went back to Thailand for three months each summer, even working for free after his retirement from the School of Education in 1986.

“It opens up the rest of the world. If we don’t know anything except Indiana, then we’re limited to Indiana and in business you’ve just cut out 99 percent of the market,” said Al Czyzweski, ISU associate professor of accounting. It’s a market that industries in Indiana and the United States could be selling to, but if we don’t understand it we’re not going to do very well selling there.”

Czyzweski visited Thailand in May 2001 and again in December and January. He plans another trip in 2003 as part of a study abroad program. Czyzweski is working to develop a master’s in business administration program with Rajabhat Institute-Suan Sunandha.

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Marketing Professor Named Interim VP of Advancement

November 11, 2002

Robert ThompsonRobert E. Thompson, professor of marketing, has been named interim vice president of University Advancement and interim executive vice president of the Indiana State University Foundation, President Lloyd W. Benjamin III announced today.

Thompson will replace Dr. J. Robert Quatroche who is leaving ISU at the end of December to become vice president for University Advancement at Florida Gulf Coast University and executive director of the FGCU Foundation.

Thompson served as a member of the School of Business Quantum Leap Group that helped develop the proposal for the $20 million gift from the Lilly Endowment announced last month. The funding will be used to create NetWorks, a program designed to provide educational and consulting services to the financial services industry.

A faculty member in the Department of Marketing in the ISU School of Business since 1984, Thompson has been at Indiana State since 1968. He previously served as the assistant vice president for public affairs, the director of university-community relations and the director of the Bureau of Conferences and Special Events. He also served as Director of University Marketing from 1994-95 and developed the university’s first marketing plan. His work was recognized with the 1995 Award for Marketing Excellence from the Wabash Valley Chapter of the American Marketing Association.

In 1993, he received ISU’s Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award and the School of Business Faculty Service Award. In 1991, he received the School of Business Excellence in Teaching Award. He is also a regular presenter on issues related to marketing at regional and national conferences.

Thompson received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana State and his doctorate in higher education administration from Indiana University.

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Robert retired from the university in 2006 after sufferring a stroke. He passed away on October 7, 2020 at Harrison's Crossing Health Campus after many years battling multiple health issues. 

<< Obituary >> << Retirement Photos >>

Business Professor Presents at NACRA Meeting in Canada

October 29, 2002

Max Douglas, professor of management in the organizational department of the Indiana State University School of Business, recently presented a case study at the meetings of the North American Case Research Association (NACRA) in Banff, Canada.

The case study, entitled "Coffee Grounds: Community Voice, Not Corporate Choice," was one of 11 cases selected for presentation in the Business and Society Ethics sessions. The case centers on the complex dynamics between an entrepreneur and a local university. Students who use the case are challenged to apply stakeholder theory, ethical decision-making paradigms and entrepreneurial research to analyze the case.

NACRA is the premier case writing association in the world focusing on experiential and applied learning. Douglas was assisted in the writing of this case by ISU professors Herschel Chait and Veronica Dougherty.

Douglas has been teaching at ISU for 34 years and is the past recipient of several teaching awards including the Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award. (Story)

Business Professors Receive 'Outstanding Paper' Award

October 29, 2002

Eric Girard, assistant professor, and Eurico Ferreira, professor, both from the finance program in the analytical department of the Indiana State University School of Business, recently received recognition at the 2002 annual meeting of the Academy of Financial Services in San Antonio, Texas. 

Their paper entitled, "On the Evolution of Inter-Continental Capital Market Linkages: The Case of Middle East and North African Capital Markets" received the "Outstanding Paper" award at the conference. (Story)

ISU to honor Distinguished Alumni

October 28, 2002

The Distinguished Alumni Awards Banquet will be in Dede I of the Hulman Memorial Student Union on Friday, November 1.

Among those honored were:

Herm Davis

Executive Director, National College Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Resides in Rockville, Md.

Hermon DavisQ. What are your most precious ISU memories?

A. A special day was the homecoming parade of 1958 when I met my wife. She was riding in an AOPi convertible and I was sitting on the street curb. When she went by, I asked my roommate who she was. He knew her well and introduced me to her that night. We have been together ever since. I was a Navy veteran from a relatively low-income family. To know that Indiana State accepted me after four years in the service and realizing that I could attend college on my GI Bill was in itself a memorable occasion.

Q. Who at ISU left an impression on you or served as a role model?

A. Professor Richard Becker in the Business Department (School) was extraordinary in going beyond the classroom to build my confidence for being successful in college. After receiving my master's degree from ISU and teaching for two years, I was invited to become a staff member of the ISU Placement Office. Dr. Al Harding was the director at that time.

He was truly a role model. He was not only my boss, but he was responsible for my developing a clear understanding of professional marketing and public relations standards.

Q. How do you feel about receiving this award?

A. Amazed. It is truly an honor. There are so many ISU alumni who are very successful in their field and in the lives of their family that to be selected out of all of these potential recipients is truly an honor.

Q. In what ways are you still active with your alma mater and contribute to the traditions of the institution?

A. I am not quite sure of the definitions of "traditions" of the institution. As an educator, I do practice good work ethics, honesty, love of country, and respect for all mankind. As an educator, I vowed many years ago that I would not forget my heritage. That heritage included being raised in a large family of low income, parents with less than 6th grade education, brothers who had to leave high school to serve in WWII. With that self promise, I have volunteered hundreds of counseling hours and given hundreds of financial aid workshops to assure that the students from low-income families and students of other languages are able to attend college. I believe the above philosophy is included in the ISU tradition. In regard to being active with ISU, I would say that over the years I have been reasonably involved. As a college transfer counselor and a college financial aid planner I have had the opportunity to recommend and assist well ISU. As the contributing editor to the American Legion's Need-A-Lift publication, I always made sure that ISU's name was always in the forefront. Since the ISU alumni chapter was founded in D.C. metropolitan area, I have served on the Scholarship Committee. As an innovation to promote contributions to the scholarship fund for the Washington, D.C., ISU Alumni group, my wife and I donated $10,000 as a challenge match. For each dollar donated to the D.C. ISU Alumni board, we will match it dollar for dollar. In addition, this amount then will be matched by the ISU Lilly Grant for an additional $2. So a $1 contribution becomes $4 for the scholarship fund.

We are an ISU family. My wife (Sara Jo Maratta) holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in elementary education from ISU. Our son (Craig Davis) is also an ISU graduate. He attended ISU from 1992-1997 majoring in food service management. He now owns his own restaurant in Ocean Pines, Md. So, you might say we contributed a legacy to the ISU student population.

Carolene R. Mays

Carolene MaysPresident and General Manager of the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Resides in Indianapolis.

Q. What are your most precious ISU memories?

A. There are many and they vary from athletics to community service to academics. Getting an A in Statistics was a huge accomplishment. My professor announced on the first day of class he had never given an A in his long career of teaching Statistics. I told him I would be his first! And I got it! It was hard work, but well worth it. Making the ISU Cheer Team was a major highlight and dream come true.

I was captain of the reserve squad for two years. Then my senior year was a member of the varsity squad. We completed that year in the national championships and were in the top 20 in the nation. Also, I enjoyed the many community service activities I was involved in throughout my sorority -- Alpha Kappa Alpha. The most memorable were when we worked at a local youth community center. One year I was an elf -- in costume and all. It was hilarious and great fun.

Q. Who at ISU left an impression on you or served as a role model?

A. There were many. The professors in the School of Business had a tremendous impact on my life. They were extremely challenging, but very good and thorough. Especially in the areas of accounting, computer programming basics and statistics.

Q. How do you feel about receiving this award?

A. I am overwhelmed with excitement! It is a tremendous honor. I am extremely humbled -- especially when I look at the company I am in.

Q. In what ways are you still active with your alma mater and contribute to the traditions of the institution?

A. Since graduating from ISU, I've come back periodically for sporting events and sorority activities. Also, financially I have made a commitment to the President's Society and am committed to be a life member of the Alumni Association.

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ISU Receives $20 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment for NetWorks

October 21, 2002

Indiana State University has received a $20 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the largest gift in the university’s history.

NFI - Networks Financial Institute - Logo

The four-year grant gives ISU the resources to create NetWorks — an outreach of the ISU School of Business to provide new directions in financial services for Indiana, the nation and the world. NetWorks’ headquarters will be in Indianapolis, with satellite offices in Terre Haute on the ISU campus, Washington, D.C., and a yet-to-be-determined international location.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have the confidence of the Lilly Endowment and we appreciate their generosity,” said ISU President Lloyd W. Benjamin III. “It’s going to be an important generating force — not only on our campus, but in the community, state, nation and world.” 

<< Full Story >> << Networks in Action >> << Letters of Support >>  << What Indiana's Leaders are Saying >> << Frequently Asked Questions >>  << Leaders & Experts >>  << Financial Services Project >>

Thai College Teachers Coming to ISU

October 8, 2002

Eight college teachers from Thailand will spend two weeks at Indiana State University as part of an exchange agreement signed Monday by the presidents of Indiana State and Rajabhat Institute-Surat Thani, one of several teacher education colleges in Thailand undergoing transformation as universities.

From Oct. 14 through Oct. 25, the teachers will study modern management practices in ISU’s School of Business. Topics to be addressed include marketing and advertising, operations and strategic planning, teaching innovations, management and information systems, accounting and finance.

The exchange agreement is an expansion of an existing relationship ISU has with Thailand. In 2001, Benjamin visited Thailand and Al Czyzweski, associate professor of accounting at ISU, helped establish an MBA program at Rajabhat Institute-Bangkok. 

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ISU Sponsors Marketing Seminar for Nonprofits

September 23, 2002

A marketing for nonprofit organizations seminar, sponsored by Indiana State University, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday (Sept. 25) at the YWCA, 951 Dresser Dr., in Terre Haute.

Generating visibility for nonprofit organizations is essential for success. Moreover, in the not-for-profit world, a working knowledge of public relations and marketing can go a long way in helping reach target markets more effectively, and succeeding despite increasing competition.

Robert E. Thompson, professor of marketing at ISU and marketing consultant for nonprofit organizations will be the presenter. He is the author of "Marketing Plan Workbook for Nonprofit Organizations."

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Trucking Industry Executive, Wife Leave $500,000 to ISU

Bequest to fund scholarships for business students, athletes

September 17, 2002

Frances and Welb FrantzBusiness students and athletes at Indiana State University will benefit from a major gift to the ISU Foundation from the estate of Welby M. and Frances C. Frantz. A $500,000 bequest from the estate of Welby M. and Frances C. Frantz will be divided evenly for scholarships in the School of Business and for student athletes.

Welby Frantz was a trucking industry executive in Terre Haute and a long time advocate and benefactor of higher education. Frances Frantz was a teacher of dance and physical education in Peoria, Ill. prior to the couple’s marriage.

During a nearly 30-year career with Eastern Express, from 1946 to 1975, Welby Frantz built the company into one of the leading motor carriers in the United States. He shared his knowledge of business with Indiana State students as a distinguished executive in residence in the ISU School of Business.

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White Named Alpha Sigma Alpha Top Collegiate...

September 16, 2002

Alyson White, a Beta Upsilon at Indiana State University, has been selected to receive Alpha Sigma Alpha's Frost Fidelity Award. White was selected from more than 5,000 collegiate members from across the country to receive this award. The award recognizes intangible fraternity values, including exceptional loyalty and service.

White recently graduated from ISU with a degree in business administration. She has held several offices in her Alpha Sigma Alpha chapter and on campus. White's past honors include, Order of Omega, Dean's List, Outstanding New Member and Outstanding Greek Woman. In 2001, she received a North-American Inter-fraternity Conference scholarship to attend the Undergraduate Inter-fraternity Institute.

White recently received the Frost Fidelity Award during Alpha Sigma Alpha's national convention in Nashville, Tenn.

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Two ISU Alumnae Finalists for 2003 Indiana Teacher of the Year

August 27, 2002

After boasting state Teacher of the Year winners in 2000 and 2001, two Indiana State University alumni are now among the 10 finalists for the 2003 Indiana Teacher of the Year Award. They are: Debbie Davidson of Brownsburg and Sandra Witherby of Richmond.

Davidson teaches business for grades 10-12 at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, where she has taught since 1989. In 2002 alone, she earned the Metropolitan School District Wayne Township Teacher of the Year Award, the Ben Davis High School Teacher of the Year Award and a Golden Apple Award for her achievements. She earned her bachelor's degree in business education from Indiana State University in 1983, and her master's from Indiana University in 1987.

The Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding teachers as representatives of the more than 60,000 teachers in the state's 293 public school corporations and in all state-accredited nonpublic schools. The program is sponsored by the Department of Education, the Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., the Farm Bureau Insurance Companies, and Scholastic Inc.

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ISU Business Professor Writes Book About Opportunities for U.S. Firms in India

August 19, 2002

U.S. businesses looking for worldwide opportunity should take a good hard look at India, says an Indiana State University business professor and co-author of a new book entitled “India Business: Finding Opportunities in this Big Emerging Market.”

“They say the next century is going to be China’s century,” said Aruna Chandra, assistant professor of management in ISU’s School of Business. “But it could very well be India’s century too, if some of its promise and potential is fulfilled.”

China is, without question, a manufacturing giant, Chandra explained. “But India has the advantage in information technology,” she said. “The IT sector is a growing sector in India and it could get India out of developing country status.

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School of Business Faculty Thank Interim Dean for a Job Well Done

August 16, 2002

David Hopkins was appointed interim dean of the School of Business and senior associate vice president for Academic Affairs on July 1, 2001. He had just completed an 8-month term as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. Previously he served as associate vice president for academic affairs and before that as chairperson of the department of physical education.

“His style is such that he was able to motivate us all,” said Steven Lamb, chairperson of the analytical department and professor of quality and decision systems.

“The spirit of the school was not upbeat,” recalled Bruce McLaren, chairperson of the organizational department and professor of management information systems.

“Dave Hopkins is a great example of servant leadership,” Max E. Douglas, program coordinator, management and professor of management said. “He empowered the faculty."

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School of Business Student Organizations Spotlighted

August 16, 2002

College students sometimes have a perception that the more extracurricular activities they have listed on their resumé, the more well rounded they will seem when trying to land their first job.

While this belief does have some truth to it, the “pay the fees and don’t do anything else” tactic often applies.

Student organizations in the Indiana State University School of Business strive to get their members as involved as they possibly can in a variety of professional, service and social activities. These activities not only benefit the student, but also ISU and the surrounding community.

“Student organizations are great to be involved in,” said Dale Varble, interim associate dean and director of the Master of Business Administration program. “They allow students to become leaders, work in teams and provide an opportunity to meet people in their chosen profession. Every time I see recruiters, they talk about the importance of gaining experience, and being part of an organization is a good chance to get that experience.”

The School of Business is home to 11 student organizations that represent every major, ranging from general and honorary organizations to professional business fraternities.

The original article contains several links. The web pages are no longer available but many may be on the Web Archive, simply copy and paste the original URL.

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Business Majors Give Their Input on How to Make a Strong School even Stronger

August 16, 2002

2002 studentsMore than two dozen seniors in Indiana State University’s School of Business spent their summer helping to shape not only their own future but also the future of the entire school.

Twenty-six students conducted a thorough analysis of the school and the business schools or programs at Ball State, Eastern Illinois, Indiana and Vincennes universities as well as Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, Ivy Tech State College, the University of Illinois and the University of Southern Indiana.

Encouraging greater interaction between students and instructors outside the classroom and expanding internships are among the students’ recommendations.

Placing more students in internships would give the school a better feel for what businesses need and enhance the job prospects of Indiana State graduates, said Hester.

Another recommendation is to improve the physical appearance of the school’s building, already a goal for the university.

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Insurance, Business Administration Distance Programs Growing

August 16, 2002

Currently, the School of Business offers two degree completion programs: business administration and insurance.

The business administration degree completion program offers a broad range of business subjects. “The business administration degree is a generalist degree, it’s flexible. You tailor your own program to fit your needs,” Nelson said. This program prepares students to have specialized knowledge in one of three areas – management, insurance and marketing. Some of the entry-level positions graduates take after completing this major are – sales associate, supervisor, restaurant or hotel management and general manager.

Lora DeVault, a senior management and insurance and risk management double major says the distance courses have been valuable to her. “It was easy to manage the class around my other activities because it was web-based,” she said. “I was able to work at my convenience and it was easy to communicate with other people in the class through the website.”

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School of Business Boasts Rich Mix of International Faculty

August 16, 2002

The school’s faculty hails from a dozen countries and students and educators say they welcome the diversity.

Aruna Chandra, assistant professor of management, grew up in India and was educated in a British school by Irish Catholic nuns. She went on to study in America and wrote her first dissertation about a Frenchman. She’s worked with multi-national executives, done consulting work in Mexico and has visited 14 countries. “I consider myself a citizen of the world,” said Chandra, a U.S. resident for 19 years and an American citizen for 12 years.

Having international faculty members in business schools is “part of the new paradigm of global business teaching,” said Eric Girard, assistant professor of finance. Girard, who is from France, served as scientific attaché for the French embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. In his classes, Girard puts “a lot of emphasis on building not only a general domestic culture in business but also a global culture in business.”

<< Full Story >>

School of Business Faculty Publish Books, Articles; Receive Awards, Honors

August 16, 2002

Many faculty members in the School of Business published books, textbooks, articles and earned honors and awards from 2001 to July 2002. Among them were:

Abu-Hamdieh, Ayman, assistant professor, management information - Won the Tae-Won Sohn Award in recognition for an outstanding teaching portfolio submission, April 2001.
Adams, Mary Ellen, Indiana Business Education Association Outstanding Business Educator Award 2001 (Adams also received this award in 1984).
Buffington, James R., associate professor, management information systems - Presented with a plaque of appreciation from University Speakers Series for five years of service as chair of committee, Nov. 2001.
Douglas, Max E., professor, program coordinator, management - Recipient of a School of Business Professional Development Grant, June 2001. - Inducted as an honorary member of the Golden Key International Honor Society.
Girard, Eric C., assistant professor, finance program, and Zaher, Tarek, professor, program coordinator, finance - Best Paper Award at the Feb. 2002 Academy of Finance Conference. “Asymmetric Reverting Behavior of Stock returns in MENA Capital Markets,”  -  Best Paper Award at the Oct. 2001 Academy of Financial Services Conference. “Intertemporal Risk-Return Relationship in the Asian Markets around the Asian Crisis.”
Haque, Mahfuzul, assistant professor, finance program - Best Paper Award in International Finance for the year 2001 – Southwest Finance Association (SWFA)
Moncada , Susan M., associate professor, accounting - School of Business Faculty Recognition Award for Excellence in Teaching, April 20, 2001.

<< Full Story >>

School of Business Accreditation Review Nearing Final Phase

August 15, 2002

The end is in sight for Indiana State University School of Business and the review of its accreditation with AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

The school is in its third year of the review process, having worked with a team from the AACSB International, and expects to turn in its final report in January. The School of Business remains accredited while under review for reaffirmation.

ISU has been accredited by AACSB International for the past 20 years, said David Hopkins, who served as interim dean of the School of Business during the 2001-2002 academic year. The school continues to enjoy that accreditation and all signs point to the school’s accreditation being reaffirmed next year.

<< Full Story >>

Letter from Ron Green, Dean of ISU's School of Business

August 15, 2002

As the new Dean of the School of Business, it has been a truly rewarding experience getting to know the faculty, staff, and students. I have been impressed with the wonderful sense of community exhibited by those within the school. I feel very fortunate to have been chosen to serve as dean. My wife and I have been warmly welcomed to the community and are starting to feel that Terre Haute is our home. 

From my perspective, the future is bright for ISU and the School of Business. If you are a student considering a career in business, I invite you to come visit and learn more about our many programs. If you’re a parent seeking to advise your students concerning career goals, we would be happy to discuss the learning opportunities that we provide our students. If you’re an alumnus of our school or simply interested in the development of our school, please keep in touch so that we can keep you informed of the many events and activities that we are planning for this school year.

<< Full Story >>

Douglas Inducted Into International Honor Society

May 6, 2002

Max E. Douglas, professor of management at Indiana State University, was recently inducted as an honorary member of the Golden Key International Honor Society. Douglas was recognized for his sustained commitment to scholarship and pedagogical excellence.

He is a previous recipient of the School of Business Excellence in Teaching award and the Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching award.

Golden Key International Honor Society is a nonprofit international academic honors organization that provides academic recognition, scholarships, leadership opportunities, community service and career networking for undergraduates. Membership into the society is by invitation only to the top 15 percent of juniors and seniors in all fields of study.

Douglas' most recent article entitled "Striving for Pedagogical Excellence Within the Management Discipline: Personal and Organizational Barriers" appeared in the March edition of the 2002 North American Management Society Proceedings.

ISU Business Students Travel to New Orleans

May 6, 2002

Thirteen Indiana State University business students traveled to New Orleans recently for the annual Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS) meeting and the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) annual conference.

The ISU Alpha Epsilon Chapter was recognized with four national awards — Chapter Management Award, Public Relations Award, Membership Development Award and Alumni Relations Award.

The chapter is consistently ranked  in the top 25 percent of all student chapters.

The RIMS Annual Conference, which the chapter attends for networking and educational purposes, is the major, national risk management event of the year with more than 5,000 risk managers and another 5,000 insurance industry professionals in attendance. At this conference, awards from the Spencer Educational Foundation, which was established by RIMS in 1979, are announced. The following awards were the result of a national competition in which ISU competed with about 50 undergraduate risk management programs in the United States and 15 international programs. In addition, students from all undergraduate business programs can compete, but the vast majority of awards go to students from the risk management and insurance programs.

ISU had two students — Jeff Short and Joshua Simerman — who received the Anita Benedetti Student Involvement Program (ABSIP) Award to attend the RIMS Conference. These awards, worth $2,000 each, include conference fees, travel, lodging and some incidental cash to carry students through the week. There were 21 ABSIP award winners chosen this year. Throughout the week, ABSIP students receive special attention and meet individually with the industry's leading risk managers who are attending the conference.

Three ISU students won the Spencer Educational Foundation Award for the 2002-2003 academic year: There were 12 Spencer scholarship for undergraduates awarded that were determined on a nationally competitive basis.

The top undergraduate scholarship for $7,500 was awarded to Joshua Simerman, who recieved the highest score by the award committee. Jennifer Gray and Sally Martin both were awarded $5,000 scholarships. Martin was also awarded a $4,000 Student Spencer Internship award for the summer. She will be spending her internship in Seattle working and learning with the YMCA.

Finally ISU was awarded $3,500 to fund the expenses for a "Risk Manager in Residence" program. 

"I believe an important ingredient in this success story is that all of our award winners have been heavily involved in our GIS professional fraternity," said Peter Mikolaj, ISU professor of insurance and risk management who accompanied the students. "They certainly have achieved and maintain the academic credentials to warrant these honors and in addition set a high standard of professionalism and service at this early stage of their career. The School of Business can be proud of the hard work and enthusiasm of these high achievers."

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ISU, RedVector.com Form Continuing Education Partnership

April 30, 2002

Emphasizing its commitment to lifelong learning, Indiana State University today announced a partnership with RedVector.com, the global leader in online continuing education in the construction sciences. Under the agreement, Indiana State faculty members will create and publish online non-credit courses for RedVector on topics ranging from business management to engineering.

"We are committed to lifelong learning," said Steven K. Pontius, ISU's provost and vice-president for academic affairs.  "Indiana State's talented faculty members from all areas of study will design non-credit online courses to serve professionals such as architects, engineers and interior designers."

RedVector currently offers more than 800 online courses authored by 140 subject matter experts.  Its website has attracted more than 50,000 users from all 50 states and 14 countries. The university will be featured as a premier partner on the RedVector.com homepage.

"RedVector offers hundreds of courses in a variety of topics in a convenient format," Pontius said.  "Indiana State University has seized this opportunity to expand our efforts to the growing field of online non-credit continuing education." Brent A. Craven, chief operating officer of RedVector, is a 1992 graduate of Indiana State University and a native of Lebanon, Ind. (Story)

MIS Students Develop Database for Facilities Management

April 29, 2002

When Jason Tremper, a senior from Booneville, stepped into Joe Harder’s MIS420 class, he had no idea it would lead to a part-time job.

But after diving into a database management project for the class, Tremper finds himself working closely with the staff of Indiana State University Facilities Management.

“We saw firsthand the great job he and his classmates have done,” said Jim Jensen, director of operations and maintenance. “Because of the project, we were able to find a very qualified student worker. Jason was involved in Phase I of the project and now he’s been able to help us get the database up and running and help make it work.”

Phase I of the project began during the Fall 2001 semester, Harder said. It involved developing a database that would help decrease paperwork and increase efficiency in the way facilities management tracks its work.

Phase II began this semester, with students picking up where the fall class left off — making the database web-accessible to users on campus, so work requests can be made from offices campus wide.

Tremper was joined in Phase I of the project by fellow students Dan Leslie, Maranda Woolverton, Carlos Hernandez, Miranda Bucy and Ola Nelson.

Students working on Phase II of the project include Timothy Harlan, Andy Stetter, Edwin David and Tremper.

Other MIS projects include:

Templeton Coal Co. - Insurance claims tracking and analysis
On-Call Solutions - Prototype for medical e-commerce application
Tredegar - Computer equipment service tracking and labor cost analysis and tracking
King Machining - customer contact tracking
Liberty House Antiques - Inventory tracking and invoicing
Ace Washer - Inventory tracking and invoicing
ISU men's soccer team - financial tracking and team stats
ISU women's softball team - Recruit tracking and contact management
ISU Facilities Management - Service request/work order tracking and analysis
ISU track team - Recruiting and contact management
ISU School of Education - Student practicum tracking and reporting
ISU Facilities Management - Web enablement of work order system, custodial supplies inventory and key request logging and reporting
ISU Purchasing - Surplus property tracking and reporting

<< Full Story >>

Tony George, Shelton Hannig to Receive Honorary Degrees

April 24, 2002

Anton Hulman George and Shelton Hannig will receive honorary degrees from Indiana State University during its 131st Commencement Ceremony.

Anton GeorgeAnton Hulman George, at the age of 42, has already earned an international reputation for leadership and service in business and the sport of auto racing. It is this service and leadership that ISU recognizes by awarding George an honorary doctor of laws degree. George, president and chief executive officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1989, has led a program of expansion, investment, and redesign that has preserved the 91-year home of the Indy 500 as the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." In 1994, George further enhanced the reputation of the Speedway by bringing the NASCAR Winston Cup racing series to Indianapolis with institution of the Brickyard 400 event. That same year, to preserve the traditions and excitement of open-wheel oval racing, George founded the Indy Racing League which features 15 races across the country.

George, a 1985 business administration graduate of Indiana State University, is also active in civic and community activities. He serves on the Boards of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Development Committee of Indiana State University’s Foundation Board. George and his family are well-known throughout Indiana for their philanthropic activities.

He and his wife, Laura, reside in Indianapolis with their three children. 

<< Full Story >>

Four Seniors to be Awarded Alan C. Rankin Awards

April 24, 2002

Four members of the Indiana State University Class of 2002 will receive the he Alan C. Rankin Distinguished Senior Awards during commencement exercises at 2 p.m. May 4 in Hulman Center.

The awards were established to recognize outstanding members of the senior class who have contributed to the betterment of campus life at Indiana State University. Individuals selected to receive the awards must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and have demonstrated dedicated membership and leadership ability in campus organizations, as well as in the community.

Named for ISU’s seventh president, Dr. Alan C. Rankin who served from 1965-1975, the Rankin Awards are sponsored by the Student Alumni Association and the Office of Alumni Affairs. The School of Business award winner is:

Jonna Lea Breidenbach:

Jonna BreidenbachJonna Lea Breidenbach’s selection as a recipient of a 2002 Alan C. Rankin Distinguished Senior Award was based on four years of campus and community involvement and academic success. A managerial communications major with a minor in sociology, Breidenbach graduates with a 4.00 grade point average and a number of honors and awards recognizing this achievement. A native of Jackson, Mo., she is one of this year’s Hines Medal Award winners, a Bolt Communication Scholar in 2000-2001, and a member of the Dean’s List since fall 1998. Breidenbach’s academic achievements were also recognized by her selection for membership in the Pi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society, and Golden Key International Honor Society.

Campus involvement for Breidenbach has included four years as a member of the Student Alumni Association, including service as president since 2000; Sycamore Storytellers; ISU’s Commencement Committee; Student Government Association; and as a reporter for the Indiana Statesman newspaper. In April 2001, she was selected as a recepient of ISU’s Outstanding Junior Award and received the Farmer’s Award for Leadership in spring 2000 and 2001.

Breidenbach has also volunteered at the local Ryves Hall Youth Center and is a member of Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

<< Full Story >>

10 ISU Seniors to Receive Hines Memorial Medal

April 24, 2002

Ten members of the Indiana State University Class of 2002 will receive the Hines Memorial Medal during the 131st Commencement Ceremony at 2 p.m. May 4 in Hulman Center. The student or students graduating with the highest cumulative grade point average receive the medal. School of Business recipients were:

Jonna BreidenbachJONNA BREIDENBACH

Major: Managerial Communication
Hometown: Jackson, Missouri
Activities: Student Alumni Association, president; Sycamore Storytellers; Student Government Assocation; Indiana  Statesman; Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
Awards/Honors: Alan C. Rankin Distinguished Senior Award; Dean’s List; ISU Outstanding Junior Award; Pi Kappa Phi Honor Society; Golden Key International Honor Society

Christopher SappCHRISTOPHER SAPP

Major: Management Information Systems
Hometown: Poseyville, Indiana
Activities: ISU Football, defensive captain; Sigma Phi Epsilon; Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, vice president; University Faculty Athletic Committee; Management Information Systems Association
Awards/Honors: President’s Scholar; I-AA Athletic Director’s Association Academic All-Star Team; First Team Academic All-Conference; Jerry Stroud Leadership Award; Outstanding Statistics Student Award; COBOL Award; Golden Key International  Honor Society

<< Full Story >>

ISU Business Professor Writes Book 

April 1, 2002

Bruce McLaren, chairman and professor in the organizational department of the Indiana State University School of Business has written a book, “Mastering and Using Microsoft Access 2002,” a new database management textbook published by Course Technology, part of the Napier & Judd series of computer applications textbooks.

The work was also published with other Office XP books in “Mastering and Using Office XP.” McLaren has written more than 12 computer textbooks since 1989. (Story)

ISU Finance Professor Publishes Article 

March 25, 2002

Eurico J. Ferreira, professor of finance in the analytical department at Indiana State University, has published with LeRoy D. Brooks an article entitled "On Public versus Private Equity Placements" in the journal Financial Practice and Education (FPE). This journal is considered a major forum for pedagogical articles in finance. (Story)

ISU Business Professor Presents Papers 

March 21, 2002

Eurico Ferreira, finance professor in the analytical department of the Indiana State University School of Business, presented two papers at a recent Financial Management Association National Meeting in Toronto.

The first paper, co-authored by LeRoy D. Brooks, is entitled “Equity Private Placements and Long-Term Post-Issue Performance.” The second paper, co-authored by Stanley D. Smith, is entitled “Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser: Information or Entertainment?” (Story)

ISU Professor Co-authors Journal Publication

March 15, 2002

Eric Girard, assistant professor in the analytical department of the Indiana State University School of Business has co-authored a publication in a major academic journal with H. Rahman, entitled "The Effect of the Asian Financial Crisis on Stock Returns, Volatility and Market Integration in the Region," Studies in Economics and Finance 5 (spring), 55-79. (Story)

ISU Business Faculty Win Awards

March 10, 2002

Eric Girard, assistant professor, and Tarek Zaher, professor, both in the analytical department of ISU’s School of Business are the winners of the Best Paper Award from the Academy of Finance and Best Paper Award from the Academy of Financial Services.

Girard and Zaher will accept the Academy of Finance award this month at the academy conference in Chicago. A committee of finance academicians chose their article entitled, “Asymmetric Reverting Behavior of Stock Returns in MENA Capital Markets” among about 150 papers nominated.

In October, Girard and Zaher were recognized by the Academy of Financial Services at its conference in Toronto. A committee of finance professors from the United States reviewed about 150 papers and selected “Intertemporal Risk-Return Relationship in the Asian Markets Around the Asian Crisis,” written by Girard and Zaher for the best paper award. (Story)

ISU Professor Serves on Panel in Chicago

March 5, 2002

Susan Moncada, associate professor of accounting in the analytical department of the Indiana State University School of Business participated in “A Taste of MERLOT: Promoting the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning" on March 1 at the Midwest Business Administration Association in Chicago.

Moncada participated in a panel presentation as session chair with Randall Hahn, Southern Illinois University; Mike Harmon, Indiana State University; William Joyce and Thomas Moncada, Eastern Illinois University.

Moncada also published "From Classroom to Computer: Web Development and Delivery," in the Accounting Instructors' Report, Fall 2001 issue, release date was January 2002. (Story)

ISU Senior Chosen for Pella Corp Event

March 4, 2002

Kristy  Pomeroy, senior quality and decision systems major in the Indiana State University analytical department has  been awarded the opportunity to participate in a Kaizen (continuous improvement) event with Pella Corporation in Shenandoah, Iowa.

One student was chosen to be part of the team for this weeklong event in during ISU's spring break, March 11 - 15. Pomeroy worked as part of a team of 11 members that included engineers and skilled workers.

Pella is one of the leaders in  implementing continuous improvement projects company-wide. Its Kaizen events are quite famous, and they open them up to visitors such as other corporate executives and the occasional college student.

Pomeroy is vice president of QUADS and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma as a junior. The quality and decision systems program is very proud of her accomplishments. (Story)

Ronald Green Named Dean of School of Business

March 1, 2002

Ronald F. Green, associate dean and director of graduate studies in business at East Tennessee State University, has been named dean of the Indiana State University School of Business.

"I consider it an excellent opportunity to be able to work with the ISU faculty, staff, students and Terre Haute business community to take an already outstanding school of business to the next level," said Green, who is expected to begin his work at ISU by July 1.

Green has been active in the business community of Johnson City, Tenn., as both an educator and consultant. He says he is committed to bringing students, faculty and businesses together through internships and other programs that will benefit the university and local businesses.

Green earned his doctorate degree in industrial management from Clemson University in 1986; received his MPA from Jacksonville State University (Alabama) in 1982; earned his MBA from Jacksonville State University in 1978 and his bachelor's degree from Clemson in 1974.

Green and his wife, Carmon, have one daughter, Sara, who is a business major at East Tennessee State.

<< Full Story >>

ISU Professors Co-author Publication

March 1, 2002

Eric Girard, assistant professor, and Tarek Zaher, professor in the analytical department of the Indiana State University School of Business, are co-authors of publications in two major academic journals.

Girard co-authored "Consequences of the Asian Financial Crisis on Global Asset Allocation Strategies: Evidence from the Asian Block," International Review of Comparative Public Policy (Special Issue on International Financial Systems and Stock Volatility), 13 (January), 121-149.

Girard and Rahman will have published in the spring, "Intertemporal Risk-Return Relationship in the Asian Markets around the Asian Crisis." Financial Services Review. (Story)

Ammerman First recipient of $500 Old National Bank Scholarship

February 19, 2002

Indiana State University junior Beth Ammerman, of Terre Haute, is the first recipient of a $500 Old National Bank scholarship.

Ammerman, an accounting major with an insurance minor, was presented the scholarship recently during a ceremony at Old National Bank, 701 Wabash Ave.,  by William R. Britt, president and chief executive officer, Northwest Region, Old National Bank.

Ammerman said she is honored to be the first recipient of the scholarship and plans to use the money to help pay for books this semester. She is a graduate of Terre Haute North Vigo High School and is the daughter of Jack L. and Bonnie Ammerman of Terre Haute. She is employed by Old National Bank and First Congregational Church.

The scholarship is offered through the ISU Foundation and is the result of a $50,000 endowment designed to target ISU business students who will benefit from an education subsidy and a hands-on internship within the Old National system.

Scholarships are awarded to selected undergraduate students who are interested in a career in financial services. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, scholastic aptitude test scores, potential to succeed, leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, a statement of educational and career goals and an outside appraisal. An applicant must be a U.S. citizen, reside in an Old National market area, provide evidence of community service, be enrolled or planning to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in the School of Business at ISU.

Recipients are selected based on the recommendation of a scholarship committee appointed by the dean of the ISU School of Business following review of each application. Recipients may seek to renew the scholarship for a maximum of eight consecutive semesters providing academic achievement is maintained (3.0 GPA) and declared major remains in the School of Business.

<< Full Story >>

ISU Student AMA Group Attends Conference

February 5, 2002

The Indiana State University Student American Marketing Association Organization attended The 41st annual St. Louis AMA Conference on Feb. 22. The students listened to VP-level marketing professionals give points of view on marketing from companies such as Ford, Rawlings Sports, Emerson, Kinko's, and Hardees Corporation. The speakers discussed how they developed their careers and how they are helping the field of  marketing soar to new heights. (Story)

Business Professor's Paper Accepted for Publication

February 5, 2002

Eric Girard, assistant professor in the analytical department at Indiana State University has co-written a paper entitled “On Market Price of Risk in Asian Capital Markets Around the Asian Flu,” which has been accepted for publication in International Review of Financial Analysis. The paper will appear in the Volume 12, No. 3, issue and was co-authored with Hamid Rahman and Tarek Zaher. (Story)