From The Dean

It has been an incredible Spring semester in the ISU College of Business. From a record enrollment increase, to student achievements, to faculty research success this semester and this issue of the Business Bulletin have been filled with amazing achievements. A few weeks ago we celebrated the Class of 2024 during graduation and of all the dozens of graduations I have attended as a student, Professor and Dean, this was by far my favorite. That is because our son Andrew graduated with his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a Major in Marketing from Idaho State University.

Two New Scholarship Endowments Established

The Cooper Family Scholarship Endowment, established by Idaho State University alumnus Todd Cooper, will provide support to College of Business students with a major in Finance with preference for single parents.

Support from the 2023 Festival of Trees allowed $25,000 to be added to the College of Business Festival of Trees Scholarship fund, which allowed for the scholarship to become permanently endowed.

Extending Our Reach

Professional development and learning opportunities outside of the classroom are abundant for College of Business students, but it doesn’t stop there.

While there are in-house opportunities like Executive in Residence, College of Business faculty and students alike also participate in and put on a variety of events for those outside of the College - sharing their knowledge and Bengal pride with the community and across the state.

What Does the Future Look Like for Idaho's Economy?

February brought industry leaders, business owners, students and community members to campus for the first annual Idaho Economic Outlook Symposium.

Held at the ICCU Bengal Alumni Center, the event covered the economic outlook of the state’s key industries - healthcare, finance and retail. Idaho’s overall outlook was also be discussed, with an emphasis on personal income forecasts, population growth, tax revenue forecasts, state expenditures and workforce development.

Second Annual Financial Literacy Week Educates and Awards $5,000 to Students

Held annually during the first week of April, Financial Literacy Week, sponsored by Wells Fargo, aims to educate students across campus about finances in everyday life. Events included a panel discussion with local finance experts, trivia night, movie night and a variety of speakers. This year’s keynote speaker was Brian Berrett, Chief Financial Officer at Idaho Central Credit Union, who presented on understanding and taking responsibility for your own finances.

Closing the Deal

While the ISU Sales Competition continued to thrive, Executive Director of the Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence John Ney set his sites on - and succeeded - in adding a state level sales competition to the College of Business’s event calendar.

The inaugural State of Idaho Sales Competition was held March 28 and 29, with students from Boise State, BYU-I, Idaho State and University of Idaho in attendance.

"Adventure is Worthwhile in Itself"

Held for the eleventh year, the Women’s Business Symposium, hosted by the Pocatello (Region 5) Small Business Development Center (SBDC), invited women from across the state to learn, network and grow together. Attendees spent the day in workshops based on their interests and career type. There was also a strong networking aspect, with plenty of time to brainstorm and connect with other women, as well as learn about the no-cost small business consulting offered by the SBDC.

Bengals Win Big

The Idaho State University International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition (ICBSC) team swept the field at this year’s competition, bringing home three trophies, including Best Overall Performance, Best Presentation, and Runner Up for Best Documents.

This brings Idaho State University’s ICBSC trophy count to 19 trophies in nine years of competing.

Outstanding Leadership and Transformative Impact

Doug Chambers, CEO and President of Lookout Credit Union, has been recognized as the 64th Idaho Business Leader of the Year (IBLOY).

The award annually recognizes an Idaho business leader who has demonstrated outstanding business and professional ethics while contributing significant support to community, civic, and education activities.

Honoring Excellence

Across the University and the nation, College of Business alumni, students, faculty and staff are going above and beyond to make a difference. Several of these outstanding individuals were recognized for their accomplishments and contributions at events throughout the semester.

Expanding Our Understanding

The 2023-2024 academic year marked the largest number of ‘A’ level journal publications by College of Business faculty in the history of the college. Journal tier publication measures are based on criteria such as acceptance rate and citation weight within the field. An example of a high ranking journal is the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, where Assistant Professor of Finance Paul Obermann’s research on the role of connections in division manager careers was published. Acceptance into this journal is especially significant given how early Obermann is in his career.

What Would Joanne Do?

Joanne Tokle has worn many hats during her time at Idaho State University, including Professor, MBA Academic Director, Associate Dean for the College of Business, Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Affairs and Acting Dean for the College of Business. After 36 years of exemplary work and noted professionalism, Tokle has retired.

Welcoming Philanthropic Advisor Kristine McCarty

Hello College of Business Alumni and Friends!

My name is Kristine McCarty, and I have recently stepped into the role of Philanthropic Advisor (Director of Development) for the College of Business. I am truly looking forward to working with our incredible alumni and donors who support us in creating opportunities for our business students!

Editor:

Presley Arrowood

Writing Contributors:

Layout/Design:

Photography:

Submissions

Web:

Administration:

Dr. Shane Hunt, Dean

College of Business Development:

Philanthropic Advisor Kristine McCarty

(208) 282-4608  

kristinemccarty@isu.edu