If I were to pick one word to describe this issue of the college newsletter, it would be “expertise.” In recent weeks, Kent State business faculty have responded to national media requests to be interviewed based on their research expertise on topics ranging from factors that impact college student academic success to the psychological reactions some Americans are having to the pandemic.
More about these interviews in the Wall Street Journal and on CNN are discussed below in this issue of the newsletter. In addition, Shawn Rohlin, Ph.D., professor of economics and Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation talks about the impact of the pandemic on the national economy and particularly small businesses in the latest edition of the podcast “Breaking Down Business.”
While I am grateful to our faculty for leading in these important national conversations, I am also pleased to share news that the Kent State College of Business Administration was once again recognized by U.S. News and World Report as among the top 100 public universities in the nation for undergraduate business education in its newly released 2021 rankings. More about this recognition, new business faculty, and a young alum who recently received the Outstanding New Professional Award from the Kent State Alumni Association are highlighted below. As we near the holiday season, I wish each of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Deborah F. Spake, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Business Administration
Kent State Among Top 100 Public Universities in the Nation
Kent State placed among the top 100 public universities in the nation on the U.S. News and World Report Best Undergraduate Business Programs list. Kent State is also the highest-ranking public university in Northern Ohio on the Top Public Schools and Best National Universities lists in the newly released rankings.
Breaking Down Business Episode #8: The Economic Impact of COVID-19
In this episode of "Breaking Down Business," hear from Shawn Rohlin, Ph.D., professor of economics and Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation at Kent State’s College of Business Administration. Rohlin shares how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the national economy and, in particular, how smaller businesses have been affected.
Faculty News
Lockwood Reynolds, Ph.D., Featured in The Wall Street Journal
Lockwood Reynolds, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, was featured last month in an article in The Wall Street Journal, "For Some College Students, Living on Campus Helps Their GPA." The article details Reynolds’ research on the impact campus living has on positive academic outcomes for certain types of college students.
Mark Whitmore, Ph.D., Featured in CNN Interview
Mark Whitmore, Ph.D., associate professor of management, was recently interviewed by CNN on “Pandemic denial: Why some people can't accept Covid-19's realities.” Dr. Whitmore was widely featured in the media over the last year for his research related to fake news.
College Welcomes New Faculty Members
This fall the College welcomed two new faculty members: Casey Boyd-Swan, Ph.D., in the Department of Economics and Rui-Zhong (R.Z.) Zhang, Ph.D., in the Department of Accounting. Each of these faculty members bring unique research and teaching expertise to their respective departments.
Alumnus Receives the 2020 Outstanding New Professional Award
Dual degree MBA/Architecture graduate Justin Rudy Gleason was named the Kent State Outstanding New Professional Award Recipient for 2020.
College News
Bob Archer Joins the College of Business Administration National Advisory Board
The Kent State University College of Business Administration’s National Advisory Board welcomes Bob Archer, ’61. A successful entrepreneur, Archer is Board Chairman and owner of Kent Watersports and its branded companies O’Brien International, Connelly Skis, HO Sports Company, Liquid Force, Absolute Outdoor, Barefoot International, Nash/Hydroslide, Arbor Snowboards and Aqua Sports (Houjie, China). He is also heavily involved with his local community in various volunteer roles.
Michael D. Solomon Entrepreneurship Speaker Series Features Jens Molbak
Jens Molbak, CEO and founder of NewImpact, presented “Tri-Sector Innovation: A Transformative Strategy for Collaborative Entrepreneurship” at the Kent State College of Business Administration’s Fall 2020 Michael D. Solomon Entrepreneurship Speaker Series event. Tri-Sector Innovation focuses on People, Profit and Planet. As the co-founder of Coinstar (Nasdaq: CSTR), Jens discussed how his entrepreneurial experience has shaped his view of a Tri-Sector approach to business.
College of Business Administration Emergency Scholarship Fund
As our students endeavor to earn their degrees, they may encounter an unexpected hardship that has the potential to derail their academic efforts. Emergency scholarships provide needed funding to help students continue on their path to graduation.
Giving Tuesday begins Monday, Nov. 9. Make your gift during the month of November to have the greatest impact on students.
