News 2017

How is A Faculty-Led Trip Born?

December 1, 2017

Interim chair and professor of Management, Information Systems, and Business Education, Aruna Chandra is in the news again as one of the leaders of international trips for our students and explains why it is so important to have a world perspective.

“They’re learning — every single minute they’re awake, they’re learning about the country, its culture, they’re gaining a new perspective,” Chandra said. “It kind of shakes them out of their complacent worldview to see how a different country operates. So they’re learning without knowing they’re learning — how much better can it get?”

Aruna Chandra in India

<< Full Story (Internet Archive) >>

Indiana State’s MBA Ranked No. 5 Nationally

November 27, 2017

Indiana State University's Master of Business Administration program in the Scott College of Business has been ranked the fifth best-administered program in the nation in The Princeton Review 2018 annual ranking lists of business schools.

"I know my staff is very good and makes a priority of professionalism and responsiveness, but I was surprised to look at the list and see the names we were in the company of," said Jeff Harper, executive director of graduate programs for the Scott College. "But I think the most important thing to our MBA students is that we've been ranked again, for the 12th consecutive year, as one of the best business schools. That really says a lot about the quality of education they get and all of the intangibles that are associated with a graduate degree."

"We've been recognized by The Princeton Review for the overall MBA program for many years, but this is a pretty significant ranking for us," said Brien Smith, dean of the Scott College. "What we try to do in the college is view education a little more holistically, so what happens outside of the classroom is as important as what goes on inside the classroom. The program is built to offer students assistance in every way, not just what goes on inside the classroom."

<< Full Story >> << MBA Program >> << ProMBA Program >> << MBA in Education Leadership program >>

Forensics Accounting Minor Ranked 3rd in US

November 10, 2017

The bachelor’s degree in forensic accounting offered at Indiana State University was recognized as one of the top programs, ranking third out of 18 schools altogether. The ranking was decided by the website Best College Reviews that looks into tuition, customization options and special qualities when reviewing schools.

The degree is offered through the Scott College of Business where Accounting Chair Stephen Lamb said accounting is one of the strongest majors. “And the forensics accounting minor has drawn even more positive attention to the SCoB ... “It has recently been aggressively championed by Dr. Melony Sacopulos, who has great expertise in law as well as accounting,” Lamb said.

Steven Lamb and Melony Sacopulos

<< Full Story >> << Best College Reviews Rankings >> << Accounting Program >>

Seven State Alumni Among ‘12 Under 40’ Honorees

November 6, 2017

Indiana State University alumni are well represented again in "12 Under 40," with Sycamores making up more than half of the 2017 class.

Presented by the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce and Tribune-Star, "12 Under 40" recognizes young professionals who are making great contributions to the community.

Sycamores honored this year include: Rachael Brown, '07 (English); Ellie Caldwell, '01 (accounting); Danielle Isbell, '08 (physical education exercise science); Jennifer Isbell Scott, '01 (mechanical technology); Katelynn (Moats) Liebermann, '13 (elementary education), GR '15 (school administration), Ph.D. '17 (educational administration); Tradara McLaurine, '08 (accounting, political science, legal studies), GR '10 (student affairs and higher education); and Jessica Starr, '04 (management), GR '07(human resources development).

Ellie Caldwell, '01 (accounting); Tradara McLaurine, '08 (accounting, political science, legal studies); and Jessica Starr, '04 (management).

Scott College of Business alumni Ellie Caldwell, '01 (accounting); Tradara McLaurine, '08 (accounting, political science, legal studies); and Jessica Starr, '04 (management).

<< Full Story >> << Tribune Star Story >>

Sycamores Place Second State’s Premier Logistics Case Competition

​October 24, 2017

Indiana State University walked away with a $2,000 cash award and a three-day experience with Indiana's top logistics industry executives at the Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition.

The team members from Indiana State were among the 71 Indiana and Texas students who gathered in Indianapolis from Oct. 18-20 for the competition. The goal of the event is to increase awareness of logistics career opportunities and build the pipeline of students seeking logistics careers.

Conexus Indiana Case Logistics Competition 2017 Team

<< Full Story >> << Photo Gallery >> << Tribune Star Story >>

OSCM Students Placed in Logistics Case Competition

October 20, 2017

Nadia Snedeker, Tanner Smith, Roland Wilson, and Lucas Young took part in the recent Logistics Case Competition designed and sponsored by Conexus Indiana Logistics Council partner companies. The competition took place over October 18-20 in Indianapolis and featured unprecedented networking opportunities with logistics executives and a challenging logistics case to solve in a team environment. Interpersonal communication skills, problem-solving and team work are key components to succeeding in the faced-paced, ever-changing supply chain and logistics field and automotive industry. Case competitions for students focused on logistics and the automotive industry are held every year as a way to encourage students to practice real-life decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The four students from Indiana State's Scott College of Business Operations and Supply Chain Management program were up against teams of students from 20 other colleges and universities across Indiana, including Indiana, Purdue, IUPUI, Ball State, Butler, University of Indianapolis of Indy, University of Evansville, and Valparaiso. The team from Indiana State were unlucky in that the team from Purdue's Krannert School of Management won the competition but they came a close second, coming away with a trophy and $2,000 in prize money.

Indiana State's OSCM program graduates enjoy a 100% placement rate and the programs alumni are successful professionals within the industry at companies such as Toyota, Rolls Royce, Crown, Masterbrand, Astrazeneca, 3M, and Caterpillar to name a few.

Conexus Indiana Case Logistics Competition 2017 Team

<< Full Story >> << Photo Gallery >> << Tribune Star Story >>

Alumnus Profile: Jon Lough ‘09

October 1, 2017

Jon Lough began his post-graduation career as a broker for a surplus lines insurance broker focusing on cyber, pollution, technology and media risk and management liability. He achieved his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriting designation in 2012 and moved to The Hartford as an underwriter for cyber insurance and miscellaneous professional liability insurance in 2013.

Lough, who has degree in insurance and risk management, speaks nationally about cyber risk, even returning to State in 2015 as an ethics conference speaker.

Jon Lough

<< Full Story (Internet Archive) >>

Alumna Profile: April Huey ’07

October 1, 2017

April HueyAs a member of the first graduating class of Networks Scholars, April Huey has worked in both public and corporate accounting, including the past seven years in the not-for-profit health care provider sector within Indiana University Health’s finance department.  

April was a popular and active student while at Indiana State. She is one of the Scott College of Business’ Featured Alumni

<< Full Story >> << Alumna Profile >>

Alumna Profile: Betsy (Bender) Hayes, ’09

October 1, 2017

Betsy (Bender) HayesBetsy (Bender) Hayes learned the proper way to interact in a business setting, conversation and presentation skills and how to interview as a Networks Scholar and undergraduate management and business administration major with a Spanish minor at Indiana State.

Hayes is now helping to build a solid foundation for Framebridge, a start-up online custom framing business headquartered in Washington, D.C., as the company’s head of human resources.

“I wanted to be prepared to enter the business world and didn’t know what tools I needed,” Hayes said. “(Networks) provided a fantastic opportunity to have a group of staff and peers teach me things and help navigate college life. I have confidence to speak in front of groups and feel prepared for anything that comes my way. It gave me an opportunity to learn great time management skills and receive feedback in a safe setting. It sharpened my listening, writing and networking skills.”

<< Original Story (internet Archive) >>

Transformative Training

 October 1, 2017

The Networks Program has changed the way State teaches all Sycamores and along the way transformed business students into the best-trained leaders on the biggest professional stages.

Leaders aren’t born. They are developed through programs like the Networks Financial Institute in Indiana State’s Scott College of Business.

“The four-year career and professional development leadership program is a comprehensive education that not only provides students with a rigorous series of leadership seminars and workshops but also gives students hands-on experiences to engage with and learn about business through industry visits, a mentorship program and experiential learning opportunities,” said Rebecca Wray, Networks Program director. “It’s an intensive and in-depth program focused on developing future financial services and business industry leaders.”

Networks Financial Institute

<< Full Story (Internet Archive) >> << Networks' Home Page >>

Pulling the Ethics Conference Together

October 1, 2017

Scott College of Business students break out of their comfort zones and build up their LinkedIn connections through organizing the annual Networks Ethics Conference. ​

Imagine: You’re 20 years old and tasked with convincing a top executive of a Fortune 500 company to be the keynote at a conference you’re organizing. Oh, and this conference is one attended by business leaders from around the region, so you better not mess it up.

The 2018 class of Networks Scholars planned the annual Ethics Conference

<< Read about how they did it (Internet Archive) >>

Alumna Profile: Yahzmine Rodriguez '15

October 1, 2017

Yahzmine RodriguezFrom classroom to commerce: The Networks Program’s experiential curriculum gave these students the real-world training to position them at the helm of their futures.

As a marketing major and President’s Scholar at Indiana State, Yahzmine Rodriguez was drawn to the Networks Program for the opportunity to network with professionals and grow with a group of like-minded students.

“I knew I needed to challenge myself if I wanted to grow professionally, and Networks helped me market myself as a potential candidate to employers. I never went to an interview feeling nervous,” she said.

Mentors helped Rodriguez understand her strengths and weaknesses and become a stronger leader.

<< Full Story >>

Alumnus Profile: Will Lehman '14

October 1, 2017

Will LehmanFrom classroom to commerce: The Networks Program’s experiential curriculum gave these students the real-world training to position them at the helm of their futures.

After starting his career in commercial insurance sales, Will Lehman accepted a risk management position in Bloomington, Ind., for the global privately held company Cook Group and has become heavily involved within the organization, local community and the risk management industry.

“The Networks Program was critical in providing the training, resources and connections that have allowed me to succeed in the insurance and risk management industry,” said Lehman, who earned a degree in insurance and risk management. “I was aware that the program is an incredible professional development and training opportunity for business students. This is an opportunity typical students do not have access to and truly builds leadership skills.”

Networks’ professional development opportunities have proven to be invaluable for Lehman.

“The program develops students in ways you don’t receive by simply going to class,” he said. “While many students will learn these skills throughout their time in the professional workforce, having this education and training as an undergraduate provides a tremendous advantage.”

<< Original Story >>

Alumnus Profile: Miguel de la Rosa '13

October 1, 2017

Miguel de la RosaFrom classroom to commerce: The Networks Program’s experiential curriculum gave these students the real-world training to position them at the helm of their futures.

Miguel de la Rosa serves as a project manager and internship director for Your Brand Voice, a digital marketing agency based in Orlando, Fla., that specializes in branding, email and social media marketing, search engine optimization and video production.

“I wanted to be in the Networks Program because it was an excellent opportunity to further my business education outside of the classroom through mentorship, professional development seminars, and internships,” said de la Rosa, who majored in marketing and business administration.

The Networks Program allowed de la Rosa the opportunity to experience real-life business scenarios while he was a college student, including opportunities for international travel, event planning and mingling with business professionals.

“The most valuable aspect of the Networks Program would have to be international travel,” he said. “Through traveling abroad, I, along with my colleagues, was able to expand my view of the world and gain an understanding of how business is handled overseas.”

<< Original Story >>

New Working Paper from Networks Financial Institute

August 23, 2017

Networks Financial Institute has just published a new paper in its Working Paper series. The paper “Do Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Information Asymmetry in the Banking Sector?” investigates the consequences of mergers and acquisitions on information asymmetry in the banking sector.

The paper was written by John S. Howe and Thibaut G. Morillon of the Trulaske College of Business, University of Missouri and will be of interest to regulators, policy makers, and investors.

The paper is available from our own websiteSSRN, and will shortly be available from RePEc.

Working Paper Series Header

Inaugural cohort completes Woodrow Wilson MBA in Education Leadership program

August 22, 2017

The Woodrow Wilson MBA Fellows in Education Leadership's first cohort of 13 students at Indiana State University graduated this month, after completing the 36-hour program in a little over a year.

"The Woodrow Wilson Foundation was looking for a new pathway to prepare building principals. They recognized the important role that the building level principal plays in student learning and were interested in preparing principals who were equipped to be change agents and risk-takers. They conceptualized that blending the best of the MBA with educational leadership knowledge would be a better pathway to develop these types of school leaders," said Jack Maynard, the program's director. "When the foundation approached us with this idea, we thought it would be an interesting project to have the faculty from the Scott College of Business and the Bayh College of Education to work together to develop and deliver the program."

First MBAEd Cohort

<< Full Story >>

New Facebook Group for OSCM Alumni and Friends

August 4, 2017

Are you an alumni or supporter of our Operations and Supply Chain Management program? If so, we have a new Facebook group for you - STATE - OSCM Alumni & Friends

Our intention is to remain connected with supporters of Indiana State University. It is our ambition to foster connections, host networking events, update each other on career changes, share interesting articles, share new talent opportunities, and stay connected with the OSCM program at Indiana State.

Scott College of Business

<< OSCM Facebook page >> << OSCM Program pages >>

29 Incoming Freshmen Selected for University Honors Scholarship

August 2, 2017

Indiana State University has awarded the University Honors Scholarship to 29 outstanding students who begin their studies this fall.

The students chosen for these competitive scholarships demonstrated high levels of academic achievement throughout high school and during an on-campus interview process. To apply for the scholarship, students are required to have at least two of the following: a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale, a score of 1200 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT and a ranking within the top 10 percent of their high school class. The scholarship provides full in-state tuition for four years.

Among the recipients are:

Nicholas Burton (Finance), Jackson Gambrill (Business Administration), Grace Hicks (Insurance and Risk Management), Natalie Lawson (Business Administration), Jordyn Shaw (Accounting), Michael Smth (Business), and Sarah Williams (Finance).

2017 Honors Scholarship Awardees

2017 Honors Scholarship Awardees

<< Full Story >>

Second Cohort of Woodrow Wilson MBA Fellowships in Education Leadership Welcomed

August 2, 2017

Building on a statewide commitment to help successful educators become strong school and school district leaders, the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation today announced the incoming class of 2017-18 WW MBA Fellowship in Education Leadership program.

Under the Woodrow Wilson model, fellows take MBA courses with a specific focus on the education context. Offered through business schools in collaboration with education schools, the program is designed to prepare leaders who will drive innovation, expand the use of analytics and evidence-based practices, raise student performance to international standards, and improve the quality of school systems and teaching over time.

MBAEd

<< Full Story >> << MBA in Education Leadership pages >> 

College Entrepreneurs Open a Food Truck and Solve a Problem in Small Town America

August 2, 2017

The Twisted Fry food truck started as a way for two Indiana State University (ISU) students to start their own business. DeSean Prentice and Devyn Mikell came up with the food truck idea to feed hungry college students late at night in Terre Haute, Indiana.

But what began as a simple concept became another matter entirely. The two young men ended up solving a critical problem facing college students, while changing local law at the same time; all while contributing to the economic impact of a small town at the Crossroad of America.

Devyn Mikell and DeSean Prentice of Twisted Fry

<< Full Story >>

Indiana State welcomes 2017-18 Gongaware Scholars

August 1, 2017

Congratulations and welcome to Katelyn Ertel, Zachary Holt, Ellei Kay and Hunter Stallings, the four freshman scholars receiving the Gongaware scholarship. All are majoring in insurance and risk management.

The Gongaware Center was established in 1998 with a $5 million gift from Donald and Patricia Gongaware for the purpose of developing future leaders in insurance and the financial services industry. The scholarships are currently worth $44,000 over 4 years to each of the scholars.

2017 Gongaware scholars

<< Full Story >> << Gongaware pages >>

Indiana State welcomes Class of 2021 Networks Scholars

August 1, 2017

Congratulations and welcome to the nine incoming Indiana State University freshman who have been awarded the Networks Scholarship for 2017.

The Networks Financial Institute Scholarship provides first-year students with full in-state tuition for four years and a $3,000 professional development account. . In total, the scholarship is worth over $33,000 to each student.

Including the Networks, Gongaware, University Honors and President's, there are 19 scholarship students joining the Scott College of Business.

2017 SCOB Scholars

<< Full Story >> << Scholar Profiles >>

President’s Scholars Announced for 2017-18

July 19, 2017

Indiana State has announced the recipients of its most esteemed scholarship for the 2017-2018 school year. The President's Scholarship provides 20 students full in-state tuition and on-campus housing -- a four-year value of more than $76,000.

“Only the best and brightest high school seniors from Indiana and across the country are selected from more than 217 competitors, each vying for a President's Scholarship," said John Beacon, senior vice president for enrollment management, marketing and communications at Indiana State.

Congratulations and welcome to Indiana State to all the new President’s Scholars, especially Felicity Graf who will be majoring in management and Casey Phillips who will be majoring in business education here at the Scott College of Business

Felicty Graf and Casey Phillips

<< Full Story >>

The Day an ATM Floated out to Sea

July 10, 2017

Manulife Asset Management CEO, Wendy Lim's work life has been anything but boring. Her career in the financial services industry started after she was shortlisted by Citibank in 1991 at a Singapore job fair in the United States. Since then, she has worked for AT&T, HSBC and ANZ, where she ran its retail bank operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Her storied career in the financial industry almost did not happen because she had wanted to be a professional dancer when she was 16. Her parents, however, struck a deal with her - she would further her studies first, and take up professional ballet after that.

"But no one told me I won't be as flexible after several years of not training as a dancer," she said. So her plans changed, and she pursued a business undergraduate programme at Indiana State University, and later, an MBA specialising in international business.

Wendy Lim

<< Full Story >> Photo credit: Kua Chee Siong, The Straits Times

Pair of Sycamores Credit Indiana State’s Networks Program as Their Launching Pad for Success in the Insurance Business.

July 1, 2017

Erik Andersen, ’09 and Paige Williams, ’10 who participated in the prestigious Networks Professional Development Program work for All Risks Ltd. and have relocated to Denver to help open the new company office. Formed in 1964, All Risks is the nation’s largest independent wholesale insurance broker with more than 850 professionals in 30 locations.

Said Erik, “Paige and I talk about it quite a bit. We were good friends in college, and it is ironic how our paths have come back together here. Indiana State gave both us of a very good foundation. People are amazed by the incredible opportunities ISU provided me.”

Erik Andersen '09 and Paige Williams '10

<< Full Story (Internet Archive) >>

Scott College of Business Professor Aruna Chandra Taps Global Network of Scholars

July 1, 2017

The concept of professional networking might conjure a scene from a chamber of commerce mixer. Or palming a stack of business cards at a conference.

But for Scott College of Business Professor Aruna Chandra, networking typically involves a suitcase and her passport.

Chandra focuses her research on social entrepreneurship, which takes her — and Indiana State students — to developing countries. “When it comes to social entrepreneurship, it’s economies that have social problems where you see social entrepreneurship flourishing the most,” she said.

Aruna Chandra

<< Full Story (Internet Archive) >>

Crawford & Company to Partner with Indiana State for Insurance Claims Training

June 20, 2017

Crawford & Company, the world's largest publicly listed independent claims management company, will collaborate with Indiana State University for a pilot program that will incorporate the company's Knowledge Management Center claims online training modules into the university's current insurance courses.

The pilot program will deliver a fast-paced educational environment through a virtual educational platform designed exclusively for the insurance industry. Indiana State insurance students will have access to nearly 40 online professional-level courses in adjuster safety, auto, casualty, ethics, fraud, liability, property, risk management, soft skills, transportation and workers compensation. The training will include material reviews throughout each module with a final assessment at the conclusion.

Crawford and Company

<< Full Story >>

Sycamores Learn About Social Entrepreneurship by Immersing Themselves in India’s Vibrancy and Hospitality

June 1, 2017

Aruna ChandraFor nearly two weeks, the group of MBA students, undergraduates, faculty and staff explored the institutional, economic, political and cultural ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation in this high-potential emerging market.

The trip to southern India was designed and led by Scott College of Business Professor Aruna Chandra. India is one of the BRICS countries, an acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Sycamores visited social entrepreneurial organizations such as Selco Solar Light Private Ltd., which has worked for more than 20 years to enhance underserved rural areas with sustainable energy technology and creating economic connections, and the world-renowned Aravind Eye Hospital, which is trying to cure the blindness there by providing high-quality care at reduced rates or for free.

<< Full Story (Internet Archive) >>

President’s Scholar Alethia Marrero Joins MBAs on India Trip

June 1, 2017

16 graduate, undergraduates, faculty and staff explored the institutional, economic, political and cultural ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation in India, a high-potential emerging market for two weeks in March.

“When it comes to social entrepreneurialship, it flourishes in economies that have social problems. You have more than a billion people in this country and so many intractable social problems — so much poverty, 650 million people eking out a living,” said Business Professor Aruna Chandra. “Naturally, India gives birth to more social entrepreneurs, more creative entrepreneurs who have to operate with so many resource deficits, so this is very good laboratory.”

Students visit Aravind eye hospital in India

Students visit Aravind eye hospital in India

<< Full Story (Internet Archive) >>

Top Juniors, Seniors Honored

May 19, 2017

The Alan C. Rankin Distinguished Senior Award was presented to: Kelsey Darin, a marketing major; Amanda Lange, an elementary education major from Schnellville, Indiana; Trent Lunsford, a finance major (financial analysis and investment management concentration) from Overland Park, Kansas; and Kyle Varble, an operations and supply chain management major from Rockport, Indiana.

The Richard G. Landini Outstanding Junior Award was presented to: Allison Crick, an accounting and marketing major from Terre Haute; Andrew Hile, a communication major from Indianapolis; James "Jak" Kramer, an insurance and risk management major from Pendleton, Indiana; and Kelly Polacek, a biology major from Cincinnati.

The Hines Memorial Medal was presented to Kelsey Darin, a marketing major, and Bailey Pell, an accounting major from Brazil, Indiana.

Trent Lunsford and Kyle Varble are Networks Scholars, while Allison Crick and James "Jak" Kramer are Presidents Scholars.

2017 Junior - Senior Awards

The Junior / Senior Award Winners

<< Full Story >> << Image Gallery >>

Business Students Assist Buddy Walk Planning

May 9, 2017

Down Syndrome Indiana found a friend in Indiana State University after a group of Sycamores stepped up to help the organization pull off a successful inaugural Wabash Valley Buddy Walk® to raise awareness and support for those afflicted with the disorder.

Students in Jeff Harper's 400-level project management course in the Scott College of Business volunteered their expertise during spring semester to help Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI) and Wabash Valley S.T.A.R.S., a local Down syndrome support and play group, bring the walk to Terre Haute on May 6.

Buddy Walk 2017

<< Full Story >> << Picture Gallery >>

Alumnus Todd Osburn and Caroline Howe Make Huge Impact on Alma Mater

April 28, 2017

Todd graduated from Indiana State with a degree in accounting in 1985 and is a founding partner of Greyrock Capital Group. Todd met Caroline while working in the same bank and now live in Chicago.

For over a decade they have supported Indiana State and the Scott College of Business in particular. The Financial Services Suite which houses the accounting, finance, insurance and risk management programs as well as the Networks Financial Institute in Federal Hall was named after them.

The generous couple made one of the largest individual gifts in Indiana State University history. Their $7.5 million planned gift, $5 million of which is for the Scott College of Business, is uniquely structured to both help the most financially strapped students and to ensure their professional readiness upon graduation.

Todd Osburn and Caroline Howe

<< Full Story >> << Image Gallery >> << Patrons Page >>

Will Lehman named RIMS Rising Star of 2017

April 25, 2017

Will LehmanScott College of Business alumni and Networks scholar Will Lehman was today named as the Risk Management Society’s (RIMS) Rising Star of 2017.

Will graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2014, majored in Insurance and Risk Management with a minor in Sales and Negotiations. He is also certified as a Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), and a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU).

He currently works at Cook Medical in Bloomington, Indiana as an Insurance Specialist and is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of underwriting data for global Property & Casualty insurance program, loss control, claims management, functional risk management support and contract review.

Will Lehman - RIMS Rising Star of 2017

<< Full Story >>

Elevator Pitch Champion Crowned

April 19, 2017

Taylor HanelineThe Sales and Negotiations Center at Indiana State University is proud to announce the winner of the first annual Elevator Pitch Competition.

Winner Taylor Haneline of Fort Wayne is a marketing major with a concentration in sales management. Upon graduation in May, Haneline will be starting a career at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

"It has been an honor to be a student of the Scott College of Business," Haneline said.

The finalists of the competition included Kendall Brown and Allison Crick. Those who qualified for the semifinals include Kasey Hayward, Keaton Knight, Chase Lively and Seth Wiram.

Students submitted a video elevator pitch and then gave three live pitches on April 7. The quarters, semi-finals and finals were judged by members of the Sales and Negotiations Center's Sales Advisory Council.

2017 Sales Elevator Speech Competition Finalists

The finalists: Kendall Brown; runner up David Kennel; Sales and Negotiations Director, David Fleming; winner Taylor Haneline; and Allison Crick.

<< Full Story >> << More Photos >> << Sales & Negotiations Center >>

Indiana State Among ‘Top Universities for Professional Sales Education’

April 19, 2017

The Indiana State University Sales and Negotiations Center has been recognized by the Sales Education Foundation among the "Top Universities for Professional Sales Education" in the organization's 2017 magazine, “Annual.”

Recent research suggests that 60 percent of all business majors and 88 percent of all marketing majors begin their professional careers in a sales-related role. Indiana State graduates are achieving a 100 percent placement rate within three months of finishing their degree.

Sales Exploration 2013

<< Full Story >> << SEF Magazine >> << Homepage >>

Business Engagement Center Grant Helps Empower Entrepreneurs

April 19, 2017

VentureWell has awarded a $30,000 grant to the Business Engagement Center at Indiana State University to promote entrepreneurship and solve a social problem.

The Business Engagement Center is an outreach between Indiana State and the community and helps for-profit and not-for-profit businesses grow and launch by lending the expertise of its students and connecting potential small-business owners and entrepreneurs to resources. The center receives referrals from the Small Business Development Center, Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation and Launch Terre Haute.

Last year, the Business Engagement Center worked on 49 projects and spent more than 5,000 hours on projects and student activities.

Business Engagement Center

<< Full Story >> << Homepage >>

Outstanding Junior and Senior Awards go to Networks Scholars

April 12, 2017

Trent Lunsford and Kyle Varble were awarded the Rankin Award for Distinguished Seniors, while Jak Kramer and Allison Crick were awarded the Landini Award for Distinguished Juniors at the recent Outstanding Junior and Senior Awards ceremony.

Rankin Award

The Alan C. Rankin Distinguished Senior Award recognizes outstanding men and women of the senior class who have contributed to the betterment of Indiana State University. Award recipients demonstrate dedicated leadership on campus and in community organizations. They show the desire and commitment to improving Indiana State and continue to live up to the ideals and values of Indiana State University. Indiana State students with a 3.25 grade point average and more than 94 credit hours are eligible for the Alan C. Rankin Distinguished Senior Award.

Landini Award

The Richard G. Landini Outstanding Junior Award recognizes men and women for their outstanding achievement and service to their campus and community. Award recipients represent and reflect favorably on the ideals and values of Indiana State University. Students with a 3.25 grade point average and between 63 and 93 credit hours are eligible for the Richard G. Landini Outstanding Junior Award.

Trent Lunsford, Jak Kramer, Kyle Varble and Allison Crick

Trent Lunsford, Jak Kramer, Kyle Varble and Allison Crick

<< More Photos >>

Indiana State is Among the Best Online Master's Degree Programs in Educational Leadership

April 11, 2017

Indiana State is among the best -- and most affordable -- online master's degree programs in educational leadership and criminology for 2017.

The Best Master's Degrees ranked State sixth out of 231 online programs for a Master's of Educational Leadership and sixth out of 145 schools for a graduate degree in criminology.

"As a public institution, Indiana State University has worked tirelessly to keep our programs affordable without sacrificing academic quality," said Ken Brauchle, dean of extended learning at State. "All of our online degree programs are taught by the same faculty as our on-campus classes and offer the same high-touch student support services. We are very proud of the educational value we provide to our online students."

Leadership in Education

<< Full Story >> << MBA in Education Leadership >>

Alumni Profile: Neily Stough, '16

April 1, 2017

Neily StoughIn her senior year at Indiana State, Neily Stough worked on a project with MasterBrand Cabinets to gain “real-world experience.”

She also visited the business on spring break as part of the Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM) program at Indiana State. “The experience and connection gave me a competitive advantage, I feel, in the market place,” said Stough, who graduated cum laude in May 2016.

It certainly did. Stough was hired as a buyer for MasterBrand Cabinets of Jasper, one of the largest cabinet manufacturers in North America.

<< Full Story (Internet Archive) >>

Indiana State Reach Semi-finals of Social Media Marketing Competition

March 23, 2017

Indiana State University has been selected for the semi-finals of the Social Media Marketing Competition at Ball State University after having only a week to prepare.

The competition involves each selected group to come up with ways to use social media to promote a product. ISU’s branch worked with Precise Tooling Solutions to help reposition their Ergo Solutions product line.

Andrew Rutan, the social media director for the AMA, explained that he helped with designing the PowerPoint, video, website and binder of materials.

“To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time that Indiana State has been to such a competition,” Rutan said. “It will be an honor to represent the school in such a way.”

<< Full Story >>

12th Annual Ethics Conference Creates Discussion

March 2, 2017

The 12th annual Ethics Conference took place on Wednesday, bringing Indiana State University students together to discuss and learn about ethical topics and issues.

Marc Nichols, Rolls Royce legal counsel and director of Compliance-Americas, spoke about ethics within the business realm and the rest of society.

Nichols titled his speech “Ethics in a Post Truth and Reality TV World.” Nichols spoke about the prominent issue of today — the 2016 election. He made sure to let the audience members know that his speech was not intended to be a political statement, only that ethics is everywhere, especially in politics. He questioned if one’s ethical decision making skills are corrupt, what would that do to one’s political decision making skills?

Marc Nichols at the 2017 Ethics Conference

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Alumni Profile: Joyce, ’80, Gr ’95, and David, ’79, Boeglin

February 28, 2017

Joyce and David BoeglinsAsk David Boeglin to share some special memories of his years at Indiana State, and he has some great ones. Start with those exciting Sycamore basketball games when legendary Larry Bird and teammates dominated the floor.

“Numerous times I was able to scramble to the front row of the student section after spending the afternoon at the Ballyhoo with several friends and/or fraternity brothers to witness Larry Bird and his tremendous teammates put on a show,” David said.

Born in Huntingburg, David always knew he wanted to work in something business-related. “In the banking, insurance or real estate industry,” he said. “I attended ISU primarily because ISU’s reputation of having a good business school, in addition to the fact I liked the size of the campus and student-to-faculty ratio.”

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National Elevator Pitch Competition Winner to Offer Expert Tips

February 24, 2017

Chris WestfallAuthor, business coach and keynote speaker Chris Westfall is the U.S. National Elevator Pitch Champion and will deliver a speaking seminar tailored to his book, "The NEW Elevator Pitch," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 at Indiana State University.

"Value starts with your story," Westfall said. "That's my focus: creating a more powerful conversation, in a way that's authentic, clear and compelling."

The event is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will immediately follow Westfall's presentation. During this time, hosts will offer free refreshments and a limited number of Westfall's books to attendees.

Westfall will also be at the Scott College of Business the day before talking to our students.

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‘What Would You Do?’ is Focus of 12th Annual Ethics Conference

February 17, 2017

The Networks Professional Development Program within the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University will be asking Sycamores "What Would You Do?" at the 12th annual Ethics Conference on March 1 in the Hulman Memorial Student Union.

On the morning of the conference, the 8 a.m. session hosts business professionals in the Wabash Valley as well as State faculty and staff for a corporate keynote breakfast event to listen to Marc A Nichols Esq., legal counsel and director of compliance-Americas at Rolls-Royce North America. Rolls-Royce is a Fortune 500 company providing highly efficient integrated power systems used for aerospace, marine, energy and off-highway applications

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2017 Ethics Group Photo

Zachary Wittmann Awarded President's Medal

February 10, 2017

Zach WittmannZachary Wittmann, who graduated in December, received Indiana State's President's Medal, which is awarded to a junior or senior who has demonstrated a passion for service, leadership and academic excellence and has made community service an integral part of his or her college experience.

During his time at Indiana State, Zach was involved in many activities, which he says "helped make campus very small by getting to know so many people." He was a member and later an officer of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, a Student Government Association senator as well as serving as director of finance in the executive branch. He also worked as a as a supplemental instructor economics.

"Receiving the President's Medal for Leadership, Scholarship and Service was the perfect cap to the end of my time at State," Witmann said. "This honor was the result of a lot of dedication to the school and organizations. With so many outstanding students that could have been chosen, I am humbled to be the recipient."

Zach, who majored in Finance with a minor in Economics, said that “Blue is being able to walk across campus and recognize a lot of friends you pass by. Blue is making today better than yesterday!” One of his professors during his nominations for the 2014 Faculty Scholarship in 2014, wrote that “putting a “+” on an “A” in grading never made any sense to me until Zach came along.”

Zach is starting a career with Naval Surface Warfare Center at Crane Naval Base as a Financial Management Analyst.

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Alumni Profile: Nick Spencer, '16

February 9, 2017

Nick SpencerSpencer also got a big boost on his career path while at Indiana State. Although he recently received his degree in business management, Spencer is already a top performer for Sigstr. He started working for the company in August 2016 as a business development representative.

“Sigstr is a SAAS (Software as a Service) company based out of Indianapolis,” Spencer said. “Our main focus is unlocking employee Email Signatures as an owned marketing and content distribution channel. Indiana State is a Sigstr customer.”

Spencer’s job is to present high quality opportunities to the sales team. “I mainly prospect organizations and reach out through email marketing campaigns.”

While at Indiana State, Spencer was active in the Kappa Alpha Order, was vice president of the Interfraternity Council and was sales ambassador for Scott College of Business. Among the professors who greatly influenced him, Spencer said, are “Dr. David Fleming, one of best professors out there; Dr. Evan Kubicek, because he opened my eyes to tech startups; and Bo Mantooth, an incredible leader and role model.”

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The Sweet Life

February 1, 2017

The folks at Indiana State University’s Business Engagement Center who have stepped up to help Seth Vicars, a fellow Sycamore and manager of Brooke’s Candy Co. in Terre Haute, as he takes to new heights the business started by his aunt, Brooke Schmidt, and his mother, Dana Vicars.

Seth, ’15, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance with a concentration in financial planning and started working at the shop before its grand opening last August.

After opening 13 years ago as a small candy, toffee and gluten-free baking mix company in Dana, Brooke’s Candy Co. expanded its business to Terre Haute last year, setting up shop next to the Indiana State University Foundation office and bookstore at 5th and Wabash.

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Brook's Candy

Tom and Sandi Druley Receive Distinguished Alumni Award 

January 30, 2017

At the recent Florida alumni receptions Tom and Sandi Druley were presented with Distinguished Alumni Awards by our president, Dan Bradley.

Tom and Sandy have been long-time supporters of their alma mater and have graciously hosted many events for the ISU Foundation Board and others.

Tom, a 1963 graduate, came to Indiana State fresh from the Army and credits his Indiana State education with providing him the foundation needed to be successful in business.

Sandi, a first-generation college student, picked Indiana State for a business education degree because of the reasonable tuition and the support and encouragement she received. She graduated in 1964.

The two met on a blind date arranged by friends. They always had a strong interest in owning their own business and took the opportunity in 1971 to buy a packaged liquor store. They will open their 34th store this spring and now operate in four counties in northern Indiana. Tom has served as president of the National Association of Beverage Retailers and the Wine and Spirits Guild of America. In 1993, he was named Indiana Retailer of the Year. 

Image: Sandi and Tom Druley at a CAPA Benefit in December. Naples Daily News

Sandi and Tom Druley

Brian McLeish is this year's State Farm Circle of Influence Speaker

​January 10, 2017

Brian McLeishBrian McLeish will present “The Power of Needs and Nods” on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 in the Heritage Ballroom in Tirey Hall at 5:30 pm. (Download event PDF)

He will describe how the needs assessment technique can be used in creating client relationships along with how the simple nod can enhance your connections. His presentation will be followed by a student who has completed a sales internship sharing how understanding the needs of clients played into their experience.

Brian was born and raised just north of Terre Haute in Clinton, IN, and graduated from Saint Joseph College with a degree in Mathematics and Physics. He also lettered 3 years in baseball for the Pumas. He began his career at State Farm in 1989 as an Auto Underwriter in Bloomington, IL, and moved to Paris to be a State Farm agent in 1996. In 2001 Brian transitioned into Agency Leadership and is currently the Sales Leader for West Central Indiana and East Central Illinois. He and his wife, Jami (who works at State Farm in Systems Department) have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. The McLeish’s are passionate about helping kids, and so Brian has served as the President of the Board of Directors for the Community Recreation Center in Clinton, IN since 2005.