the dean`s perspective - University of Nebraska at Kearney

THE DEAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Dear Friends of UNK:
Two short years ago I was solidifying plans to start a new position at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a
new life in the community. The experience has exceeded my expectations, and I am proud to be a part of an organization that continues to make phenomenal strides. Partnering is a term spoken of frequently when one talks
about Kearney and UNK. I am excited to say that partnering here is an enjoyable experience due to the high level
of commitment of the participants. Our global interests are expanding daily, and the faculty and students at UNK
continue to impact one another and society in awesome ways. I encourage you to read about some of the activities
of the College of Business and Technology in this newsletter.
Sincerely,
Bruce A. Forster, Dean and
John Becker Endowed Professor of Business
E-mail: unkbt@unk.edu
Jerry Fox, Director of International Education, Professor
Wei Min, Shandong University at Weihai, China, Dr. Bruce
Forster, CBT Dean, during a relationship building trip to
China. Pictured at what the Chinese refer to as “the end of
the earth” on the east coast of China, a place where the first
emperor to unite China visited about 221 B.C.
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COLLEGE OF B & T
2006/07
Volume 1, Issue 10
Ron Williams: First Ron Landstrom
Executive in Residence
The first “Ron Landstrom Executive in
Residence” was Ron Williams,
President and CEO of Gary-Williams
Energy Corporation and recipient of the
2006 Distinguished Alumni Award.
He earned his bachelor of arts in
Business Administration with a minor
in French from Kearney State College
and a Master’s degree from UNL.
While working for the Arthur Andersen
Accounting Firm in Denver, he met
Sam Gary who spoke to him of his
dreams, dreams unrelated to business.
By the end of their long conversation,
Williams was impressed and intrigued
with the man’s value system and
surprised when Gary asked him to leave
his job and come work for him at what
would become the Gary-Williams
Energy Corporation. The company,
headquartered in Denver, is an
independent oil and gas company with
operations primarily in the MidContinent region of the United States.
Although the managing partners at
Arthur Andersen asked Mr. Williams to
stay, he knew that he was ready to
pursue a different career. The
opportunity and the match felt so right
that he accepted the offer without
asking how much he would be paid.
Today Mr. Williams is responsible for
policy development, planning and
overall management of all operations
including refining, wholesale
marketing, oil and gas exploration, and
real estate development activities.
Williams is quick to note that the value
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COLLEGE OF B & T
of his career goes beyond making a
profit. “Have passion for what you do...
always be interested...always be
interesting. Recognize that sometimes
things happen serendipitously, said
Williams.” Further, he told the students
that problems and opportunities are
typically about people. Speaking to a
packed crowd in the Ockinga
Auditorium, he pointed out two former
professors in the room who had an
impact on his academic development,
Ron Landstrom and Dale Ingram.
When asked about ethics in business, he
indicated that it is sometimes a few who
can bring down a company. He shared
an early 80’s incident where an
employee unknowingly misrepresented
the company’s potential profits in order
to secure funding from a bank. The
employee was retired, yet, Williams’
concern was in doing what was right.
His solution ultimately cost the
company $100 million, but he said, “it
was the right thing to do.” They could
have abandoned the subsidiary, but
chose an alternative that saved their
reputation. “Do what is right...cross
check...if you don’t know what to do,
talk about it to others until you arrive at
a solution,” stated Williams.
Ron spoke to the issues of social
responsibility taken on by the GaryWilliams Company. The company has
established a foundation which supports
non profit groups requesting aid. The
Foundation and the Company have
invested over $150 million in the
community in the last thirty years.
Annually employees decide how to
spend an additional $100,000 - $120,000
on a local, worthy cause. They have a
matching fund where the company will
equal what the employee has donated. In
addition, the company funds a volunteer
grant award that allows an employee
who volunteers, but can’t make a cash
donation, to request the company to do
so. The company also donated $1 million
to the Red Cross to aid Hurricane
Katrina victims. One can quickly see that
part of his personal value system is
reflected in the organization’s
commitment to social responsibility.
When asked to comment about
alternative energy sources he said, “I
don’t think that ethanol is the
environmental savior that some do.” He
anticipates the overbuilding of ethanol
plants and believes that biodiesel will be
a big player in the future. He said, “We
should lean toward diesel. It is
efficient….better mileage. However, the
raw materials needed can create
logistical problems.”
Williams Shares Ideas With UNK
Student.
(Continued on page 7)
Far East Bound:
Professors and
Administrators Develop Insight
UNK faculty have headed to the far
east to develop relationships...not Lincoln, Omaha, or New York City, but
the Far East as in……China.
The human connection that comes
through shared activities between
China and UNK is expected to develop
knowledge and understanding between
the cultures. UNK, along with five
other American universities, has partnered with over 20 Chinese universities
in developing a faculty and student
exchange program along with a 1-2-1
program with Shandong University of
Weihai, P.R. China. The first five students in the College engaged in the 12-1 China Program arrived on campus
in August of 2006. Four students are in
business and one is in economics. This
dual degree program between the U.S.
and China brings the students to UNK
their sophomore year to complete two
years within our institution and then go
back to their homeland to graduate.
Dr. Sri Seshadri, Marketing, traveled to
China in the spring of 2006 with a
delegation of UNK professors to learn
more about the program and the culture. Dr. Kennard Larson, Industrial
Technology, and Dr. Susan Jensen,
Management, spent two rewarding
weeks in China in August of 2006,
while Dean, Bruce Forster, and Associate Dean, Tim Burkink, traveled at
different times.
The faculty’s days on the Shandong
University campus, located in the province of Shandong which has a population of 90 million and is the birthplace
of ceramics and Confucius, started at
6:30 a.m. with Tai Chi led by a Master
in the art and a professor of PE. Tours,
formal banquets, an insight into the
educational system, and an overall
emersion into the culture changed the
perspective of each visitor. One faculty member who had taken the trip
indicated that there were no photos
allowed to be taken in banks or grocery
stores. The university students were required to have one year of military training before they began their studies. Another’s observation was regarding the
living accommodations while guests in
China. He indicated that some of the student dorms had no showers. They had a
special building on campus which was
designated as the shower “hot spot.”
However, some of the faculty stayed in
the Foreign Experts Building where there
were showers in the room. Each bed had a
mosquito netting above it. However, malaria from the mosquitoes was not an issue here, but in the southern area. The
highlight of their day seemed to be the
conversations with the locals and the reuniting with colleagues to discover what
they had learned that day. “Everywhere
we went there were people wanting to
practice their English. They are gracious
people who are anxious to please and very
eager to learn about the United States,”
said Jensen.
The Chinese high school students, who
wear uniforms, no jewelry, and sport their
“The remarkable
economic growth and
emerging entrepreneurial energy in China
was very evident on
my visit,” said Tim
Burkink, Associate
Dean.
issues within education. China’s teaching is very teacher centered utilizing
lectures with little time for students to
ask questions. The students are very
inquisitive. There are many budding
entrepreneurs,” remarked a UNK faculty member.
"The remarkable economic growth and
emerging entrepreneurial energy in
China was very evident on my visit. In
addition, China is one of the world's
most ancient civilizations and unique
cultures, making it a fascinating place
to visit. We look for this exchange program to grow substantially, increasing
the international profile of our campus
to the benefit of the entire UNK community," said Associate Dean, Tim
Burkink, about his adventure to China.
In January of 2007, a pilot group consisting of faculty and administrators
from Purdue, Illinois State, and UNK
met in Beijing to discuss business and
industrial technology internship programs in collaboration with Chinese
businesses.
About his adventure to China, Dr. Larson said, “As always, traveling to other
countries and cultures affords one an
education that cannot be experienced in
books or movies. One really must engage all the senses to really appreciate a
particular culture. Not only did I make
some new friends in another part of the
world, but also had the opportunity to
become better acquainted with my
UNK colleagues right here in my own
backyard.”
individualism through their shoes, spend
significantly more time in classes than
U.S. students. There is a race to get into a
university since there are not enough of
them in the country; thus, a good reason
for the developing relationship.
Those involved in the trips have indicated
that the personal connection with students
and faculty have made their travel rewarding.
Tim Burkink on the Great Wall of China
“We have many of the same problems and
(Continued on page 12)
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COLLEGE OF B & T
Power …
Partnering
Strategic alliances power the business
world nationally, as well as internationally. The strength of a company is
enhanced through its ability to partner
with the right organizations and have
the foresight to see the benefits that
can be derived through helping others.
CBT students are taught this in the
classroom and can see it at work
within their own College.
Colleges on university campuses don’t
necessarily need to view one another
as competitors for students. Each has
the same goal of educating and developing students to be productive workers and life-long learners. The College
of Fine Arts and Humanities and CBT
provide an excellent example of this
through their collaborative effort in
bringing Brad Colerick to campus to
present “Making Your Passion Become Your Career.” He built a successful career writing and producing
music for commercials and film. His
clients include McDonalds, CocaCola, Sears, JC Penney, Budweiser,
Nokia, and HP, to name a few. He is a
partner at DeepMix, a music supervision and production company, located
in Hollywood. Business is everywhere...including the fine arts and
humanities.
“CBT’s support of the Native American Storyteller and support of MultiCultural Day emphasizes the commitment to enhancing an appreciation and
understanding of diversity in our business students,” said CBT Dean, Bruce
Forster. CBT has cosponsored programs with the Center for Teaching
Excellence, the Career Services Office, and the World Affairs Program.
We are all made stronger through
these efforts to provide a comprehensive education for our students.
Outreach Coordinator, Deb Murray,
understands the concept of partnering
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COLLEGE OF B & T
well, as it has become an integral part
of her job at UNK. Through her efforts, CBT and Wells Fargo Bank
have jointly brought a “Financial
Seminar Series” to students throughout the academic year. This is a partnership that will obviously continue to
prosper.
Although UNK and the Buckle have
experienced a positive relationship for
many years, efforts have been made
recently to further enhance the understanding between the organization,
faculty, and students. As a result, the
Buckle extended an invitation to CBT
faculty and students to tour their facilities and to update them on opportunities that exist for students in management training as well as internships at
the corporate offices and in the retail
setting. “We learn from one another
and prosper as a result of these relationships,” said Dean Forster.
Since we function in a global economy, international exchanges are becoming more powerful and influential
for today’s career minded student.
Strategic alliances in this arena also
play into better preparing the UNK
student for the challenges of their future career. Currently, UNK has 427
international students from Albania,
Bahamas, Belarus, Brazil, Canada,
Chile, China, Colombia, Cote
D'Ivoire, France, Gambia, Germany,
India, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan,
Kenya, Lebanon, Malawi, Malaysia,
Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Rowanda,
Saudi Arabia, Spain, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey,
Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Republic of Georgia, Zambia,
and Zimbabwe. Study Abroad advisor, Ann Marie Harr said, “Those with
knowledge and experience in international issues will stand out from the
rest by being better prepared for the
future of the business world. UNK
offers study abroad opportunities in 28
countries. Each program has varying
destinations, lengths of duration, costs,
areas of study, and amount of UNK
credits earned.” For additional information, email harram@unk.edu.
At UNK partnerships benefit students.
Aviation Program
Gets Stamp of
Excellence
The National Association of Industrial
Technology (NAIT) has reviewed the
self-study done by faculty, conducted
an on-site visit, which included interviews of faculty, students, administrators, and staff, and found the program to
be in compliance with the 90 plus standards required by NAIT. UNK’s aviation program complied with all of the
standards. The chair of the accreditation
team, Dr. Mahyar Izadi, of Southern
Illinois University, said, “Finding zero
‘non-compliance’ to the standard is
highly unusual.” “Construction Mgt.,
Industrial Distribution, and Telecommunications Mgt, were reaccredited,”
said Chair, Ken Larson.
According to Terry Gibbs, Director of
the Aviation Program, this program is
the only one in the state that is totally
accredited. “The accreditation might
help us in setting up some internships
and other professional activities. There
is a small movement for the legacy carriers to work only with accredited
schools, but in reality they go with the
best candidate,” said Gibbs. He further
indicated that the process has aided in
the development of an assessment process and the creation of an advisory
council which will continue to improve
the program. When asked why an accreditation through NAIT and not the
Council on Aviation Accreditation
(CAA), Gibbs replied, “The CAA requirements were so detailed that there
was essentially no room left for general
technical and/or business classes. I have
seen many of my graduates, as well as
those from other disciplines, change
careers one or more times. I believe that
while we need to prepare students for
their initial career choice, we are not
serving them adequately if that is their
only preparation. The NAIT standards
allowed and embraced this philosophy
by requiring aviation specific requirements as well as a business and general
technology component. I feel this offers
the best ‘life’ preparation for our students.”
FACULTY
EXCEL
Dr. Steven Hall, Accounting, and Dr.
Kyle Luthans, Management, were
promoted to full professor during the
2005-2006 academic year. Dr. Vijay
Agrawal, MIS, was tenured during the
2005-2006 academic year.
Dr. Bev Frickel and Dr. Janet Trewin,
Accounting & Finance, Dr. Stan
Lightner, Industrial Technology, and
Dr. Vijay Agrawal, MIS, were elected
to serve on Faculty Senate for the 20062007 academic year.
Dr. Tim Burkink, Marketing, had a
paper presented at a special session at
the Association for Consumer Research's
2006 Asia Pacific Conference in Syndey,
Australia. The session, titled "Obesity
and Adolescent Consumer Behavior:
Why Are Young People Getting Fat?,"
included Burkink's paper, "Socially
Constituted Food Consumption by U.S.
Adolescents: The Retail Environment."
The paper was presented by Dr. Patricia
Kennedy from UNL.
This special
session was covered in the June 20th
edition of the Sydney Morning Herald
under the title "Heavy Guilt Trip for
Working Parents." In addition, he has
been invited to serve on the Manuscript
Review Board of the Journal of
Macromarketing from 2007-2010.
Dr. Ronald Shava, Industrial
Technology, presented a paper,
“Perceived Importance of National
Occupation CADD Skills Among
Faculty Teaching NAIT Accredited
Programs,” at the 2006 NAIT
Convention in November in Cleveland,
Ohio.
Dr. Jeanne Stolzer, coauthored a paper,
“Low Income Women and Physician
Breast-feeding Advice: A Regional
Assessment,” published in the Health
Education Journal. She and her
coauthors also had a paper, “Physicians,
and Breast-feeding Advice: A Regional
Assessment,” published in the May 06
edition of Ethics and Medicine, An
International Journal of Bioethics.
Dr. Tami Moore, & Dr. Sylvia Asay,
FSID, had a paper, “Listening to
Stakeholders: Exploring Possibilities for
Family and Consumer Science
Education,” published in the fall 2006
edition of the Journal of Vocational
Education and Training. Moore is also
the faculty sponsor of the newest student
organization, The Family Studies
Organization.
Dr. Stan Lightner and Dr. Richard
Meznarich, Industrial Technology, had
an abstract, “Students Outcome
Assessment: Improving Student
Learning through University/Industry
Collaboration at the University of
Nebraska at Kearney, Department of
Industrial Technology,” accepted by the
2006 IJME/Intertech International
Conference Review Committee. They
also have a paper accepted for
presentation and publication at the 9th
annual IJME-INTERTECH Conference
at Kean University, New York. Stan
Lightner and Greg Arbuckle, Western
Kentucky University, had a paper, "ISO
9000 in the Iberian Peninsula and
America," accepted for presentation and
publication in the proceedings at the
International Journal of Modern
Engineering Conference at Kean
University in November.
Dr. Vani Kotcherlakota, Economics,
coauthored with Dr. Gandhi V. Veluri,
Andhra University, India, and presented
“Gains and Losses of India Immigrants
to the USA” at the Pennsylvania
Economic Association Annual
Conference at Indiana University of
Pennsylvania in June 2006. “Analysis of
SAARC Trade Direction and
Composition 1991-2004” was presented
at the Western Economic Association in
San Diego, July 2006. She also
participated in a workshop at the
conference: "Workshop on Teaching
Economics with Computerized
Experiments." The paper she coauthored with Dr. Gandhi Veluri at the
Western Economic Association
International meeting on January 12,
2007 in Bejing, China was entitled
"India-China Trade—Direction and
Composition.”
Dr. Greg Broekemier, Marketing/MIS
Chair, has a manuscript, "An
Exploration of Happy/Sad and Liked/
Disliked Music Effects on Shopping
Intentions in a Women's Clothing Store
Service Setting," accepted for
publication in the Journal of Services
Marketing. The paper was co-authored
with Dr. Ray Marquardt, Arizona State
University, and Dr. James W. Gentry,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
D r .
T i m
O b e r m i e r ,
Telecommunications, wrote and received
funding for the following grants for the
Aurora Technology Learning Center:
TIGER Grant ($5,000); Microsoft
Unlimited Potential Grant ($464,000);
Rural Business Enterprise Grant
Program (RBEG) United States
Department of Agriculture ($99,999);
and the Hamilton Community
Foundation ($10,000). For four years,
Dr. Tim Obermier has been a board
member of the Hamilton County
Information Technology Corporation,
which operates the Aurora Technology
Center. On September 27, 2006, there
was a ribbon cutting for the Microsoft
grant. He, along with the Hamilton
County Information Technology
Corporation grant task force, was
awarded the Aurora Area Chamber and
Development Corporation's "Member of
the Year" award at the AACD annual
banquet held January 11, 2007. His
refereed manuscript, "Accreditation SelfStudy Management Using a Website
Content Management System," was
accepted for publication in the Journal
of Industrial Technology. His refereed
paper presentation, "Perceptions
Regarding an Online Accreditation SelfStudy," was presented at the National
Association of Industrial Technology
Annual Convention in Cleveland, Ohio
in November. In addition, he received
the 2006 UNK Innovation, Development
(Continued on page 7)
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COLLEGE OF B & T
ALUMNI NEWS
Nicholas Abegglen, MIS graduate, is an
Account Executive with Intellicom of
Kearney. He manages the information
technology needs of their customer base
and consults with engineering teams to
recommend appropriate technology
solutions for their customers.
Kristie Andrews, 2006 Marketing
Emphasis graduate, is the Marketing
Director for Eclaims in Kearney.
Cristy Brooke, Family Studies graduate,
is currently pursuing a master’s degree
in counseling at UNK. She plans to work
with children who have attachment
disorders or behavioral problems. She
will specialize in play therapy.
Cory Dosland, 1998 Business Education
graduate, teaches and coaches in the
North Platte Public Schools.
Nicole Dusenbery, 2006 Marketing
Emphasis graduate, is the Marketing
Coordinator for Principal Financial
Group in Lincoln.
Maria Hernandez, 2005 Music/
Business graduate, works with the
professional development department
and the meetings & events department
with the NAMM, the International
Music Products Association in Anaheim,
CA, where she develops promotions for
the trade association.
Julie Boukal Hodges, Marketing
Emphasis graduate, is the Marketing
Assistant at the Town Center Plaza
Shopping Center in Leawood, KS.
Cory Jensen, Marketing Emphasis
graduate, founded I-Spy Mystery
Shoppers about three years ago. The
company typically has a roster of about
100 plus mystery shoppers who help
their clients improve their customer
service.
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COLLEGE OF B & T
Katie Johnson, 2004 Marketing
Emphasis graduate, is the Event
Coordinator/Assistant General Manager
of the Pacific Spring Golf Club in
Omaha.
Tami Matson Johnson, 1996
Management Emphasis graduate, is the
Production Scheduler for Baldwin Filters
in Gothenburg.
Mike McGlade, KSC 1980 Business
Administration graduate, is the Associate
Dean of Finance at UNMC.
Kristen Miller, 2005 Marketing
Emphasis graduate, is a Web
Development Representative for
Sandhills Publishing in Lincoln where
she manages five of their ten web sites.
David Reid, 2005 Management
Emphasis graduate, is working in sales
for Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. in
Fredericksburg, VA.
Larry Roepke, Business Administration
graduate, is a Financial Consultant with
AXA Financial Protection in Kearney.
Trisha Scott, 2003 Business
Administration graduate, is the City
Clerk of Alma. She and husband, Travis,
have a daughter, Riley Kathleen, born
October 1, 2005.
Scott
Sheldon,
2004
Telecommunications Management
graduate, is a senior technician with
Intellicom. He is responsible for
implementing, supporting, and
troubleshooting leading edge technology
solutions for clients.
Tom and Heather Tang were 1999 and
1997 graduates. Tom is employed as an
Investment Representative with Edward
Jones Investments in Colorado Springs.
They have adopted Ella Neilien Tang
from China. She was born February 16,
2005, in Yiyang, Jiangxi, PRC. She joins
her brother, Devon, and two sisters,
Kaiya and Miyana.
Krynn Zeller, 2006 Family Studies
graduate, interned with the Kearney
Evangelical Free Church.
Julie Boukal Hodges’
Internship At The Hilltop Mall Helped Her Land This Job In
Kansas City.
Brooks
Director of Safety
Center
Gordon Brooks comes to the College
of Business and Technology from
Pocatello, Idaho where he was Director of the Center for Business Services
and Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs at Idaho State University. Before joining the administrative team in
Idaho, he was the President and founder of Long Pine Continuing Education Center in Long Pine, NE. Mr.
Brooks has extensive military experience. He holds a class “T” commercial
driver’s license and is an instrument
rated pilot, certified military analyst
through Northrop Grumman Information Technologies, a grade 5 certified
water operator in Nebraska, as well as
being certified to airlift USAF hazardous materials. He has a Bachelor of
Science from the University of California at Davis and an MBA from
Idaho State University.
When asked about his new position,
Brooks said, “My wife and I are very
happy to be in Kearney. The city appears vibrant! UNK is an impressive
University and the people are all very
helpful and friendly. Safety doesn't
‘just happen.’ We are all very pleased
with the education services, research,
and coordination provided by the Nebraska Safety Center. I look forward
to continuing to connect our competent and able Nebraska Safety Center
staff and Nebraskans interested in
safety stewardship. Buckle your seat
belt; the life you save may be your
own!”
(Continued from page 5) Outstanding faculty
(Continued from page 2)Ron Williams
and Entrepreneurship Award which
carries with it a $500 award to be
transferred to the UNK account of his
choice. He received this award for
extending his academic expertise beyond
the University in ways that have
enriched the broader community.
The Nebraska Economics in Business
Conference (NEBA) was held on the
Nebraska Wesleyan campus Friday,
October 27, 2006. Dr. Allen Jenkins,
Economics, is the Past President of the
organization and Dr. Ron Konecny,
Management, is on the Executive Board.
Dr. David Palmer, Management, was
the NEBA Chair for Presentations of
Student Award Winning Papers. "Issues
Affecting Economic Development of
Rural Communities in Nebraska as
Perceived by Civic, Social, and Business
Entrepreneurs" was the paper presented
by Dr. Ada Leung, Marketing, and Deb
Murray, Outreach Coordinator.
"Spontaneous Geoengineering" was
presented by Dr. Craig Marxsen,
Economics.
Dr. Srivatsa Seshadri, Marketing, and
Larry Carstenson, Accounting/Finance,
have a publication, "The Perils of E-mail
Communications in Nonprofits," that
will be published in the Nonprofit
Management and Leadership Journal.
Dr. Allen Jenkins, Economics,
coauthored "Tax Revamp Needs Careful
Study" which appeared October 19,
2006, in the Omaha World Herald.
Dr. Larry Hughes, Management, was a
discussant at the symposium, "Recent
Experimental Research on Positive
Forms of Leadership" put on by The
Society of Industrial/Organizational
Psychology (SIOP). "Transparency,
translucence or opacity? An
experimental study of the impact of a
leader’s relational transparency and style
of humor delivery on follower creative
performance" was also presented.
Dr. Laurie Swinney, Accounting,
received the "Outstanding Accounting
Educator Award" for 2006 at the
Accounting Society's Annual Meeting in
Lincoln on November 7, 2006.
Dr. David Palmer, Management, has an
article, "The polychronic leader: What
would leadership research look like if we
considered polychronicity?," published
Later in the day, faculty, administrators,
college friends, and business
representatives from the community had an
opportunity to socialize with Mr. Williams.
(Continued on page 12)
Mr. Williams visited several classes and
had lunch with a small group of CBT
student leaders. One of those students, Jake
Riley, said, “Having speakers like Ron
Williams at UNK greatly enhances our
perspectives as students. College students
tend to get caught up in titles and
buzzwords, and may neglect the reality of
the fields or positions which we plan to
pursue. Having seasoned professionals
visit our campus gives us the opportunity
to glean some of the benefits of a lifetime's
worth of experience. For me, the most
memorable statement made by Mr.
Williams concerned the necessity to be
passionate about your career, no matter
what it may be. It was refreshing to hear
Mr. Williams emphasize the aspects of
professional life which are often neglected
in classroom curriculum and are usually
left to be resolved by job experience. The
unbiased insight gained from experienced
professionals like Mr. Williams is an
invaluable resource, and paramount to a
successful transition from college to the
career field.” Riley, a senior Business
Administration student with a minor in
Sociology, from Buena Vista, CO,
represented the Collegiate Chapter of the
American Marketing Association. He said,
“Upon graduation, I hope to get a job
utilizing my education, engage in Christian
mission and outreach, and possibly attend
graduate school.”
Ron Williams is a member and past
Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Children’s Hospital and a member of the
Board of The Children’s Hospital
Foundation of Denver. Currently, Mr.
Williams is serving as a Co-Chair of the
Imagine the Miracles Campaign for The
Children’s Hospital. He is on the Board
and Executive Committee of the National
Western Association, Vice-Chairman of
the Piton Foundation, and is also on the
Board of the Denver Public Schools
Foundation. He and his wife Cille have
three grown children, a daughter and two
sons.
Seshadri: International
Adventure & Challenge
Dr. Sri Seshadri, his wife, Kathy, and
daughter, Devi, embarked on an amazing adventure in July 2006 when they
headed to the American University in
Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. Seshadri was a
visiting Professor in Business teaching
marketing and other business courses.
For 10 months the family lived in a
1,200 sq foot apartment with a balcony
view of the mountains and a small river
flowing north to south in front of the
house. Sri said, “We lucked out that the
landlady, Rumy, her husband, Bogdan,
and her son, Boris, all speak English.
The hospitality is wonderful.”
The Seshadri family took advantage of
numerous side trips during their stay.
One of these trips was to Egypt. Kathy
said, “I love to shop. I didn’t like shopping in Egypt.” The markets are open
air with shops much like a booth, goods
with no price tags, and a dusty street in
front. The salespeople are highly aggressive and make promises they don’t
keep. After a long exhausting negotiation to purchase a pink galabia for Devi,
she finally got the price she wanted. The
galabia, which is also worn by men, is
much cooler and more comfortable in
warm temperatures than pants and
shirts.
Dr. Seshadri will be back teaching at
UNK in the fall, sharing significantly
more knowledge than one can imagine
regarding life, culture, and international
marketing.
Ice Cream Shopping
In Switzerland Must
Be Done Before 7:00
p.m. When Shops
Close.
Look Familiar?
7
COLLEGE OF B & T
New Pursuits
Gold: Guard Officer
Leadership Development
Safety Center Director,
Dr. Darrel Jensen, retired his position
in December 2006, a post he held since
1976. As an Associate Professor, he
taught Driver Performance Measurement, Traffic Safety One and Two,
Management of Safety Programs, General Safety Education, Occupational
Safety and Health, and Curriculum in
Driver Education, just to name a few
courses. Whether it was his first grant
in 1979 for $6,000 for Advanced
Driver Education, or a grant for
$86,000 through the United States
Mine Safety and Health Administration, Dr. Jensen has been tenacious and
resourceful in obtaining grant money
for a variety of purposes in order to
catapult the Center to its present position. He earned a Ph.D. in Education
with an Emphasis in Curriculum and
Safety in 1982 from Michigan State
University, the Education Specialist
degree in Education with Emphasis in
Safety in 1976 from Central Missouri
State University, as well as the Master
of Science in Education with Emphasis
in Safety in 1974 from the same institution. One can surely see that his expertise and passion were and continue
to be in the area of safety.
“CBT is delighted to have Military Science back on campus. I look forward to
partnering with the National Guard to
provide a value added program to our
students,” said CBT Dean, Bruce
Forster, about the GOLD program.
Reflecting on his years of service to
the state, Darrel said, "It was very informative to interact with many fine
people in many different organizations
and institutions. I especially value
working with Senator Ron Cope as the
Nebraska Safety Center was established. I learned that some politicians
are actually very good people, and Ron
was among the best. I also enjoyed
working on a day-to-day basis with
Center personnel who were dedicated,
loyal, and capable. They contributed
to a working environment that made
going to work every day a very enjoyable experience." He has been amazed
at the details and paper work necessary
to go through the retirement process.
Further, he said, “I continue to walk
and garden, and I am especially looking forward to doing things with my
six grandchildren.”
8
COLLEGE OF B & T
Darrel & Grandson, Jadyn Jensen
WHAT’S UP ?
The following employees began their work
in the College during the 2006 – 2007 academic year: Barb Wayman, Secretary for
the Management Department; Justin
Pierce, Safety Center, Agricultural Transportation & Research Coordinator; Cindy
Houlden, Safety Center, Coordinator of
Pupil Transportation; and Lori Skarka,
Secretary for the MBA program.
Dr. Ken Larson, Industrial Technology
Chair, Dr. Richard Meznarich, and all
those involved in helping the Department on
assessment, received the following awards
during the Assessment Luncheon, February
7, 2007: Use of Assessment Data Award,
Research on Assessment, and Exemplary
Contributions to Assessment.
The UNK Center for Economic Education is
hosting a study tour for two economic educators from Indonesia, May 5 - May 12,
2007. A grant to fund this was received by
the Center from the National Council on
Economic Education. The goal is to provide economic educators from countries
partnering with the Council experiences that
will strengthen their ability to deliver economic education in their home countries.
Following the tour, Mary Rittenhouse,
Director of the Center for Economic Education, returned with the guests to Washington
DC and attended a debriefing with Congressional representatives. In addition, Ms. Rittenhouse received the following award:
"Women in Business Champion of the Year
for the State of Nebraska."
UNK and the Nebraska Army National
Guard will be providing a unique leadership development program for the
civilian, career-minded student. Programs will aid in developing students in
the areas of decision making, goalsetting, team-building, and small-group
leadership. A variety of classroom and
outdoor activities have been created to
physically, mentally, and emotionally
challenge and build the self-confidence
and leadership skills of those enrolled
in GOLD. Upon graduation, those who
qualify can earn a commission as an
Army officer in the Nebraska Army
National Guard. The introductory
courses require no military commitment. However, an adventurous outdoor spirit can be a plus as one gains
insight into military service, basic soldiering, and leadership. To move on
into the advanced courses, one must
join the Guard and complete Army Initial Entry Training. In April of the junior year, students enroll in the state Officer Candidate School at the Nebraska
Military Academy and train as an Officer Candidate during the summer. Summer training consists of 15 consecutive
days after the junior year and another
15 consecutive days after the senior
year. Staff Sergeant (E-6) pay is earned.
During the junior and senior years, students enroll in 300-400 level Military
Science and Army Physical fitness
classes.
"I am excited about this partnership
between the Nebraska National Guard
and the University of Nebraska - Kearney. I look forward to working with
UNK students and providing them opportunities for leadership development," remarked Major Will Prusia,
Director of the program.
For additional information, contact Major Will
Prusia, Professor of Military Science, william.prusia@us.army.mil or call 308-865-5340.
THE SCOOP ON STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
AND OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
Dawn Marie Schemper, UNK business
student from Holdrege, is the 2006
Sigma Beta Delta Fellowship recipient.
She received $750 for the 2006-2007
academic year.
The Association of Information
Technology Professionals (AITP)
elected the following officers for the
2006/2007 academic year: President:
Anna Cziria Gregory, Omaha;
Secretary: Cory Rutten, Columbus;
Treasurer: Krishna Dallakoti, Nepal.
Their advisor is Ross Taylor, MIS.
Sean Atwell, Fremont, was the
2006/2007 President of Omicron Delta
Epsilon's Epsilon Chapter, the
international honor society of
Economics.
The Financial Leaders Association
elected the following officers for the
2006/2007 academic year: President:
Anna Gregory, Omaha; Vice President:
Eddie Larraga, Gibbon; Treasurer:
Steve Meier, Grand Island; and
Secretary: Melinda Rasmussen,
Franklin.
The Collegiate Chapter of the
American Marketing Association
(AMA) elected the following officers:
President: Matt Wallace, North Platte;
VP: Jake Riley, Buena Vista, CO; VP
Programs: Alysa Heithold, Wayne; VP
Finance: Kim Dennison, Washburn,
North Dakota; VP Membership: Ryan
Kulhanek, Lexington; VP Promotions:
Francesca Hunt, Kearney; VP
Communications: Sonja Lange,
Fullerton. Speakers from Storm Hockey,
the YMCA, NTV, Cash-Wa
Distributing, and the Buckle shared their
expertise with the group.
Storm Hockey Voted “Marketer of the Year”
By AMA.
Family Studies Organization officers
for the 2006/2007 academic year:
President: Suzanne Riley, Albion; Vice
President Traditional Students: Danielle
Strickland, Red Cloud; Vice President
Non-traditional Students: Nicole
Atterberry, Lexington; Secretary:
Justine Derr, Kearney; Treasurer:
Becca Juranke, Schuyler; Publicity:
Kadi Ryan, Broken Bow.
Phi Beta Lambda officers for the
2006/2007 academic year: President:
Mike Eiberger, St. Paul; Vice President:
Brian Fandry, Grand Island; Treasurer:
Tom Stehno, North Platte; Secretary:
Eric LeMunyon,
Atkinson;
Parliamentarian: Alec Kudra, Omaha;
Historian: Chelsey Bellamy, Elwood;
Recruitment: Melissa McMinn,
Gothenburg; and Craig Beaman, Grand
Island; Community Relations: Lance
McKenney, Broken Bow; and BrenDee
Brauer, Sidney. Grand Island native
Brian Fandry, Phi Beta Lambda Vice
President, attended the National Phi Beta
Lambda Conference in Nashville, TN
this past summer. He placed fifth in the
Sports Management and Marketing
competition. Alex Kudra is also the State
VP for Information Technology. PBL
teamed up with Future Business Leaders
of America (FBLA) from Kearney High
to collect food and clothing for the
Jubilee Center. Two members, Megan
Friesen, Hastings, and Dawn
Schemper, Holdrege, were recognized
by The Nebraska Department of
Education by being awarded a $2,500
scholarship/loan. Both of these students
are in Vocational Business. UNK
winners of the State Phi Beta Lambda
Conference in April were: Brian
Fandry, Grand Island: Accounting for
Professionals 4th, Bus Law 1st, Mgt.
Analysis & Decision Making 5th; MKT
Concepts 3rd, Excellence Award All
Gold Level Winner, Scrapbook
Certificate, Who’s Who in PBL.
American Enterprise Project 2nd, 07/08
State Asst. VP; Nicole Kaelin, Ansley:
Business Communications 5th; Eric
LeMunyon, Atkinson: Econ
Concepts 1st, Community Service
Proj.4th; Mike Eiberger, St. Paul:
Impromptu Speaking 2nd, Sports Mgt/
Mkt. 5th; Craig Beaman, Grand
Island: Impromptu Speaking 5th, 1st
Community Service Proj. 4th; Alec
Kudrna: Excellence Award All Gold
Level Winner, Scrapbook Certificate,
Who’s Who in PBL. Chapter
Business Report: 2nd.
The Students In Free Enterprise
(SIFE) elected the following team
officers for the 2006/2007 academic
year: President: Chelsey Brock,
Gothenburg; Co-Vice Presidents:
Logan Cope, Hastings; and Keith
Stritt, McCook; Secretary: Kim
Kuhlenengel, Syracuse; Treasurer:
Kelsy Matthes, Wisner; Historians:
Chris Fisher, Missi Nelson,
Kearney; and Kristen Longnecker,
Indianola.
Students from 12
Nebraska high schools learned what it
takes to create a new business venture
at “Entrepreneur Day 2007,” an
event hosted by SIFE in January. The
SIFE team partnered with the "Better
World Books" program to conduct a
book drive which will support
worldwide literacy efforts. The team
came back from competition in
Chicago with a "First Runner Up" in
their overall league competition, and
they were also named one of the "Top
20 National Finalists" in the financial
literacy individual topic competition.
Service Leadership Award Winners:
Chelsey Brock, Logan Cope, Keith
Stritt, Kim Kuhlenengel, Missi
Nelson, Kelsee Sharp. and Kelsy
Matthes. The group was recognized
as a Nebraska Governor's Points of
Light winner during the Governor's
Proclamation Signing Ceremony in
April.
The following students are finalists in
the GE Kitchen Design Charrette
Competition: Stephanie Vipond,
Grand Island, Stephanie Liss,
Columbus, Amanda Hanquist,
(Continued on page 12)
9
COLLEGE OF B & T
New Faculty Join in the Pursuit
of Excellence in Education
Dr. Larry Hughes, Dr. Suzanne Hayes,
Peggy Johnston, and Dr. Frank
Tenkorang have joined the College in
the Departments of Management, Accounting/Finance, Family Studies and
Interior Design, and Economics respectively.
Dr. Hughes is no stranger to Kearney as
he earned both his undergraduate degree
in Business Administration and his Master of Business Administration at UNK.
His Ph.D from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2005 was in Leadership, Organizational Behavior, and Research Methods with a minor in MIS.
Upon graduation, he began teaching at
Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. His
research focuses on a variety of issues
related to leadership. “Transparency,
translucence or opacity? An experimental study of the impact of a leader’s relational transparency and style of humor
delivery on follower creative performance” was the title of his dissertation,
which has also provided additional avenues for further study.
Dr. Suzanne Hayes earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration at Nebraska Wesleyan University,
Master of Business Administration from
East Carolina University, and her Ph.D.
in Management Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. Her background in banking has provided her with
a wealth of experience in the financial
industry. She has been a credit analyst,
commercial loan officer for asset based
lending, commercial loan officer dealing
with asset recovery, and was the manager of the asset based lending group and
the Assistant Vice President of Zion's
First National Bank of Phoenix. Her
experience as an online finance coach
for the Global MBA Corporate Finance
course and the MBA Refresher course,
along with her teaching assistantship
have aided her in becoming a valued
member of the UNK faculty.
Peggy Johnston is a lecturer with the
10
COLLEGE OF B & T
Family Studies and Interior Design Department where she is teaching courses in
dietetics. Her Master of Science from the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln was in
Human Nutrition and Food Service Management. She has been a licensed Medical
Nutrition Therapist in Nebraska since
1996 and a Registered Dietician since
1980. Her work as a clinical dietician in
the
Healthy
Lifestyles
De-
“I can't express the enthusiasm
I felt when the opportunity
arose for me to return to UNK
as a professor. I can honestly
say that without UNK's
graduate program I would not
be in academe and certainly
would not have the opportunity
and pleasure of working with
central and western Nebraska's
brightest young people. These
students are my sunshine and I
wouldn't change my decision
to be here for anything. Go
Lopers!,” said Dr. Hughes.
partment
with Good Samaritan
Hospital provides her with a great deal of
practical experience in her field. In addition to educating UNK students, she provides her expertise to recovering heart
patients, those suffering from diabetes, as
well as individuals who are interested in
managing their weight. In 2002, she attended the Ornish Program for Reversing
Heart Disease Training Program. She has
been on the Kearney Public Schools
Wellness Policy Committee and continues
to serve as co-chair of the Buffalo County
Partners Weight and Wellness Committee.
Dr. Frank Tenkorang graduated with a BS
in Agricultural Economics from the Uni-
versity of Ghana in Legon, Ghana. The
University of Wyoming in Laramie conferred upon him the Master of Science in
Agricultural Economics in 2002, and he
earned the Ph.D. from Purdue University
in West Lafayette, IN in 2006. As a research assistant at Purdue University, he
worked on a sponsored project, “Fertilizer
requirement in 2015/2030 revisited.” The
first stage of the study involved reviewing
fertilizer consumption characteristics of
fertilizer consuming regions of the world
and proposing appropriate forecasting
methodologies based on the findings, followed by the implementation of the methodologies to project fertilizer nutrients
requirement in 2015 and 2030. His work
with the World Health Organization focused on interviewing health workers and
patients and analyzing data in a project
titled “The Impact of Revolving Drug
Fund on Health Seeking Behavior.” This
research background, interest in production economics, econometric and statistical analyses with emphasis on forecasting, as well as his education makes him a
great fit for the Agribusiness program.
Dr. Hughes Discussing Management Issues
With UNK Students.
Beta Gamma Sigma
Honor Society
More than 560,000 top business professionals are members of Beta Gamma
Sigma, International Honor Society.
The organization recognizes students
enrolled in collegiate business and management programs accredited by
AACSB International-The Association
to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
John Munn, Director of the NE Dept. of Banking
& Finance, Shares Expertise With UNK.
Professor Bob Young, Scholarship Donors Carol
Cope & Ellen Schroeder.
In 1913, the organization was founded
by merging three separate national
honor societies in business at the University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois, and the University of California.
Honor, Wisdom, and Earnestness are
signified respectively with the name
Beta Gamma Sigma.
Dean Forster, a member of the organization, attended a seminar for organizing new chapters during the spring of
2007. Since the College has achieved
Initial AACSB International Accreditation, Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society
was replaced.
Inductees during spring 2007 were:
Everett Mayberry, Kristina Selvage,
Kristin Moncrief, Dawn Schemper,
Holly Bonner, Eric LeMunyan, Jaime
Coolidge, Sara Glidden, Ryan Kulhanek, Sarah Blecha, Chance Klasek,
Hugo Longoria, BrenDee Brauer,
Megan Friesen, Toan Nguyen, Stephanie Buller, David Drees, Benjamin
Brummels, Eduardo Larraga, Kassandra
Swanson, Sara Rodenbaugh, Heather
Hansen, Kayla Petersen, Rebecca
Eggert, Thomas Stehno, Sachin Piya,
Chelsey Bellamy, Brittany Davidson,
Lindsey Struckman, Kassandra
Schuppe, Shannon Niemann, Matthew
Bjornsen, Brian Gough, Angela Reynolds, Chelsey Brock, Phillip Erb, Ashley Sadd, Tram Nguyen, Laura Hines,
Gregory Fisher, Linda Kalkowski, and
Jeremy Brockman. Administrators inducted were: Chancellor, Douglas Kristensen, and Vice Chancellor, Finnie
Murray.
Wells Fargo President, Kirk Kellner, Answers
Questions From a Student Following His Presentation on Banking.
Grand Champion Winners SIFE Entrepreneur Day
back row left to right: Alex Monter, Centura; Tom
Marshall, Overton; Blake Teichmeier, Ravenna;
Front row left to right: Courtney Kohmetscher, Blue
Hill; Kylee Schweitzer, Shickley; Anna Roth,
Centura; and Celia Schinkel, Pleasanton.
Annual and Endowed
Scholarships
CBT’s scholarship recognition night began
with a reception for donors and faculty
followed by the presentation of approximately $190,000 in scholarship money
awarded to 169 students through 81 different scholarships.
International Student Presents Money From India at
“Money Around the World”...Part of $mart Money
Week’s Second Year of Educational Opportunities.
Shawn Tjaden, Construction Mgt, Receives Ora & Zelma
Lindau, Landstrom/Taylor, & N.Assoc. of Home Builders
Scholarships From Faculty, Dr. Ron Tuttle.
Andy Litinsky, President Trump Productions and
Contestant on “The Apprentice,” Gives Tips to
UNK Students.
11
Dr. Phyllis Markussen & Megan Fong, Recipient of
the ASID & Outstanding Junior Scholarships.
COLLEGE OF B & T
(Continued from page 7) Outstanding Faculty
(Continued from page 3) East Bound
in the 2006 Journal of Business and
Leadership: Research, Practice, and
Teaching. In addition, he and
Michelle Fleig-Palmer coauthored,
with C. Rathert, "Minimizing medical
errors: A qualitative analysis of health
care providers' views on improving
patient safety" which was published
in the Journal of Applied
Management and Entrepreneurship,
October 2006.
Dr. Richard Meznarich, Industrial
Technology, has been named to the
National Electronic Distributors
Association Board for 2007-2009. He
and Dr. Stanley L. Lightner’s paper,
"Student Outcome Assessment: A
C o mp r e h e n s i v e Co l l a b o r a t iv e
Assessment Process between Industry
and the Department of Industrial
Technology at the University of
Nebraska at Kearney," was published
in the spring 2007 issue of the online
j o u r n a l f o r t h e e n g in e e r i n g
technology profession, Technology
Interface.
Dr. Vijay Agrawal, MIS, presented
the following at the Midwest DSI
Annual Meeting in April: "The OffShore Outsourcing of Information
Technology Function: Identification
of Determinants." He and co-author,
Vipin K. Agrawal, were the recipients
of the 2007 Midwest DSI Best Paper
Award. Their paper, "Evaluation of
Overall Effect of Firm's Outsourcing/
Offshoring Activities," was also a part
of the meeting’s proceedings. In
addition, he received the Faculty
Mentor Award for exceptional service
as a student research mentor in April
of 2007.
The following faculty were
recognized for the 2006/2007
academic year: Scholarship Award
Tenured Faculty: Dr. Sylvia Asay,
FSID. Scholarship Untenured
Faculty: Dr. Kathy Zuckweiler,
Management. Teaching Award
Tenured: Dr. Ron Tuttle, Itech.
Teaching Award Untenured: Terry
Gibbs, Itech. Service Award: Dr.
Tami Moore, FSID.
Wang de Ping, is a visiting professor from
Shandong University, currently teaching
Chinese in the Department of Modern
Languages at UNK. There is the expectation that additional faculty exchanges will
take place.
12
COLLEGE OF B & T
July 21-August 2, 2007 there will be another ten faculty members traveling to
China to learn about the country, study
Chinese, meet with Chinese students, and
participate in a program developed to
teach UNK faculty about China: past,
present and future.
UNK Faculty Learn Tai Chi
(Continued from page 9)Outstanding Students
Grand Island, and Alison Copple,
Kearney. Thirty-nine UNK students
competed in the competition at UNK.
These students have received a $100
scholarship from GE and their entries will
be forwarded to the national competition.
ID Magazine, the flagship publication in
the industrial distribution industry,
featured ID student, Melissa Huffman, in
the "Next Generation" Department of
their December issue.
Megan Dozler, UNK Economics major
and honor student originally from Albion,
will be the 07-08 President of the Epsilon
Chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the
International Honor Society for
Economics.
Family Studies’ students, Shayna Fruit
and Valerie Burrows, were inducted into
UNK's Mortar Board Society.
Dr. Tami Moore's Family Studies
Professional Practice students have
written five grant proposals and have
participated in fundraising activities to
benefit the Kearney Humane Society and
Care Packages for Soldiers.
The following CBT students are
recipients of the 2007 Mary Jane and
William R. Nester Student Leadership
Award: Eric J. Seitz, Omaha;
Matthew K. True, Kearney, Scott A.
Vincent, York.
B&T Honors
Graduates
Annually, before spring graduation,
CBT recognizes outstanding graduates
for the academic year. 2006-2007 honorees are: Finance: Eddie Larraga, Gibbon. Accounting: Dana Meier, Elm
Creek; Kristin Moncrief, Kearney. Economics: Sara Glidden, Benkleman;
Tanner Holscher, Ogallala. Family
Studies: Kadi Ryan. Interior Design:
Sydney Marshall. Aviation Systems
Mgt.: Jacob C. Barth, Pilger. Construction Mgt.: Lucas L. Simonsen,
Osceola. Industrial Distribution: Carrie A. George, Fort Collins, CO; Jennifer N. Wilton, York. Telecommunications Mgt.: Dustin Boyd, Holyoke, CO.
Management: Holly Bonner, Minden;
David Drees, Fairbury; Kayla Krotzinger, Superior; and Kathryn Ohri,
Spencer. Management Information
Systems Debra J. Remter, Shelton.
Marketing: Ryan J. Kulhanek, Lexington; Ashley E. Solt, Central City.
MBA: Jeremy C. Brockman.
John W. Allen, CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital and member of CBT’s
Advisory Council, addressed the faculty, administration, honorees, and their
parents with an inspiring message.
Kay Payne Case Competition 1st Place Winners Greg
Graham & Shannon Ryan (not pictured: Takehiro Kurebayashi and Kaede Nishida) & 2nd Place Winner Alysa Heithold
(not pictured: Brent Benson, Chelsey Brock, William
Jacome & Justin Rolfes.)