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UCA Insurance Program Awarded Grant from Spencer Educational Foundation

The University of Central Arkansas Insurance and Risk Management program has been awarded a grant from the Spencer Educational Foundation, supporting a key Experiential Learning opportunity for students.

The funds were given to support the 2025 Risk Manager on Campus. For this event, a Risk Management and Insurance Professional is brought to the UCA College of Business for class visits, campus-wide lectures, panel discussions, meetings with student organizations such as Gamma Iota Sigma, and meals with faculty and other IRM community professionals. This is a valuable opportunity to allow students to network and learn from the visiting Risk Manager.

Since 1997, Spencer’s Risk Manager on Campus (RMOC) Program has offered this rewarding educational experience for students and a chance to give back to the profession. Spencer’s Risk Manager on Campus program offers grants to universities and colleges in the United States and Canada to host a practicing Risk Manager on its campus for a 1–3-day residency.

The Spencer Foundation has supported the Risk Manager on Campus program for years, most recently bringing Robin Roeder in 2024, Bailey Pipkin in 2023, and Lance Ewing in 2022.

Posted in: COB News, EFIRM, Featured News, Gamma Iota Sigma, Insurance and Risk Management program, Risk Manager on Campus, Spencer Educational Foundation, _Grants on February 17, 2025 Tagged: , , , , , ,

ARKANSAS INSURANCE HALL OF FAME OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR CLASS OF 2025 INDUCTEES

(CONWAY, Ark.) – The Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame (AIHF) has opened nominations for its Class of 2025 inductees. Nominations open February 15 and will remain open through April 15, 2025. Nominations may be submitted online at www.arinsurancehof.org. The chosen inductees will be honored in October at the annual AIHF banquet.

The Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame was created in 2015 to identify and honor distinguished insurance industry professionals with strong ties to Arkansas who exemplify innovation, social responsibility, leadership and professional excellence; have made broad-encompassing and lasting contributions to advance the role of insurance in society; and have significantly impacted the lives of many Arkansans.

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) College of Business partners with the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame to create and nurture a nationally recognized undergraduate degree program in insurance and risk management. At each annual banquet, several students are recognized as scholarship recipients. In 2023, an endowment fund was established to ensure the future scholarships of insurance students.

The Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame seeks to remind the public of the important role the insurance industry plays in securing the well-being of both individuals and businesses, to inspire the next generation of leadership to reach these high levels of accomplishment, and to encourage young Arkansans to consider careers in the insurance industry.

Learn more about the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame on its website www.arinsurancehof.org.

Posted in: COB News, EFIRM, Insurance and Risk Management program on February 14, 2025 Tagged: , , ,

COB Bulletin: December 2024

The COB Bulletin shares news and highlights from the recent success of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Notably, the UCA College of Business was named among The Princeton Review’s 2024 Best Business Schools. The College also recognized several faculty and staff for their exemplary service to students and their peers as well as for their impact in their areas of study and in the community.

ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT

pictured: Accounting Professors Dr. Patricia Mounce (retired), Dr. Stephanie Watson (Dept. Chair), COB Dean Michael Casey, Mrs. Susan Davenport, and Mary Bane Lackie, Ed.D., VP of University Advancement at UCA

  • Meet the Firms annual networking event was a success, bringing more than 25 firms to campus to speak with accounting students.
  • Alumna Susan Davenport and her husband Dean were recognized as Outstanding Philanthropists by the Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
  • Professor Anthony McMullen was named Outstanding Lawyer-Citizen by The Arkansas Bar Foundation and the Arkansas Bar Association for his work with the Arkansas High School Mock Trial Competition and particularly his efforts in hosting the 2023 National High School Mock Trial Championship. He continued his work with the UCA Debate team this semester.
  • Accounting Department alumnus John Albritton began his career with Landmark almost twenty years ago as an intern and was promoted to the firm’s member group.
  • UCA’s Theta Lambda chapter of Beta Alpha Psi nominated Richard Bell of Bell and Company for Business Information Professional of the Year, and Bell was selected for the national award. This prestigious accolade recognizes outstanding professionals in education, industry & government, and professional services.
  • The Theta Lambda chapter also achieved Gold status for 2023-2024.

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS & ANALYTICS (CISA) DEPARTMENT

  • Susan Shaw, CISA Lecturer and Co-Sponsor of Girls Who Code, helped the group participate in many activities during the semester, including giving a robotics lesson to 175 fifth, sixth, and seventh graders in Quitman, AR.
  • Jason Brown (student), Dr. K. Michael Casey, and Dr. Mark McMurtrey worked together on “Investing in Timberlands Versus the S&P 500: Which Investment Outperforms?” to appear in the Journal of Accounting and Finance.
  • Dr. Michael Casey, Dr. K. Michael Casey, and Carla Barber collaborated on “Covid-19, ESG Ratings, and Dividend Policy: Evidence from Utility Firms” to appear in Oil, Gas, & Energy Quarterly.

ECONOMICS, FINANCE, AND INSURANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT (EFIRM) DEPARTMENT

  • Gabriella Adkins, Mason Smith, Cole Vangsnes, Samuel Roper, Peyton “Kai” Davis, William Van Asche, and Emma Daughtrey were named the 2024 Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame Scholars at the banquet.

    Several guest speakers shared expertise with students in person and online, including Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Wood, Representative David Ray, EFIRM alumnus David Beale, and Mark Chambers, the President and CEO of Thrasher and Chambers.

  • Dr. Michael Casey shared “5 Ways to Pay Less Taxes” in Arkansas Flavor. The magazine is also translated into Spanish and offered for free in establishments across the state.
  • Ivan Hudson, Director of UCA’s Center for Insurance & Risk Management, moderated a session on the equity of healthcare navigation at the National African American Insurance Association’s annual conference.
  • Dr. Yiling Deng published multiple papers, including “A Dynamic Analysis of the Impact of Household Portfolio Allocation: Decisions on the Demand for Life Insurance” in the Financial Services Review and “Market Discipline and Government Guarantees: Evidence from the Insurance Industry” in the Journal of Risk and Insurance.
  • Jacob Bundrick published “Mixed Strategy and the Money Down: A Field Test from American College Football” in the Journal of Business Administration Online.
  • Dr. Joe McGarrity wrote several articles for the Log Cabin Democrat centering around relevant economic topics and the election.
  • Dr. Jeremy Horpedahl was very active checking facts, writing book reviews, and submitting regular posts for Economist Writing Every Day. Dr. Horpedahl lent his expertise to many news outlets like the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and was mentioned by others including the Wall Street Journal and Market Watch.
  • Dr. Stephen Yao contributed his expertise to WalletHub about car insurance such as types a person needs or how to keep your premium from rising.
  • Ivan Hudson and Dr. Yiling Deng brought several insurance students to Arkansas Insurance Day in North Little Rock. Connor Black, Samuel Roper, Mason Smith, and Emma Daughtrey are some of the best and brightest from our program and from Gamma Iota Sigma.
  • Dr. Huiqiong Duan, Dr. Weici Yuan, and Dr. Thomas Snyder had an article accepted in World Development, entitled “Gender Imbalance and Temporary Migration: Evidence from Rural China.”
  • Seven students received scholarships during the Insurance Hall of Fame Induction Banquet.
  • The Arkansas Center for Research in Economics (ACRE) brought Nadine Strossen to talk to our students. She is a Professor of Law Emerita and a past president of the ACLU.

MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

  • Mrs. Rhea Lana Riner, founder of “Rhea Lana” Children’s Consignment, offered her experience as the featured speaker for the John W. Allison Entrepreneurial Speaker Series this fall.

    Mrs. Rhea Lana Riner pictured with Dr. Tracy Suter, Chair of the Marketing and Management department at UCA

  • Undergraduate student Da’Mya Brittian and marketing professor Dr. JiHoon Jhang had a manuscript entitled, “The Effect of AI Disclosure on Donation Intention,” accepted for presentation at the Atlantic Marketing Association Conference in Charleston, SC.
  • Dr. Ben Britton had a manuscript entitled, “Resolving the Salesperson Competitiveness-Performance Paradox: The Role of Benign vs. Malicious Envy,” accepted for publication in Industrial Marketing Management.
  • Dr. Doug Voss Doug was interviewed by Mark Willis on SiriusXM regarding supply chain education, current events, and UCA’s supply chain program.
  • Dr. Joe Cangelosi was awarded best abstract in the health care marketing track for his manuscript entitled, “Online Sexual and Reproductive Health Information: Consumer Dissemination on Social Media and Networks,” at the Atlantic Marketing Association Conference.
  • Dr. JiHoon Jhang had another manuscript entitled, “Consumer Preferences for the Visual Presentation of Nonfungible Tokens (NFTs) of Luxury Products: The Role of Perceived Authenticity,” accepted for publication in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services.
  • Dr. Jamila Maxie, Dr. Ben Britton, Dr. David McCalman, and Dr. Tracy Suter had a manuscript entitled, “To B or Not To B: BrewDog’s Turbulent Relationship with B Corp Certification,” conditionally accepted for publication in the Journal of Critical Incidents.

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

It’s nearly impossible to highlight all the wonderful accomplishments of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. If we missed yours, please let us know!
Posted in: Accounting, CISA, COB News, EFIRM, Insurance and Risk Management program on December 12, 2024 Tagged: ,

Student Success Spotlight: Da’Mya Brittian

Senior Da’Mya Brittian, Marketing major with a minor in Computer Information Systems

How are you involved at UCA?

I work at the Veterans & Military Resource Center, and I am in the Student Veterans of America. I am able to work here and join SVA due to the courage of my parents. They both served in the military, and this is my way to show appreciation and do my part without enlisting.

I was “Most Outstanding Freshman” in the UCA Bear Marching Band for color guard. I also was “Dean for a Day” last semester, one of the few students selected to meet with their College Dean as well as the Provost.

What drew you to the business industry?

Every time I see an advertisement, I analyze every aspect of it – why they chose the colors they are using, why that font, how there is blank space on one side, and how I could make it better. This constant analysis made me want to pursue marketing to better understand and improve all aspects related to marketing for wherever I end up working.

Tell us about your experience outside the classroom that will help your career.

Research
I learned about the opportunities and joy that arise from taking the path of doing research. I did not know much about how to take this path, but presenting at the Atlantic Marketing Association conference in September increased my interest. Dr. Jihoon Jhang and I presented “The Effect of AI Disclosure on Donation Intentions.” The study examined how AI disclosure influences donation intentions. It utilized a 2×2 between-subjects design, investigating whether revealing the use of AI and whether the girl in the photo was smiling or frowning impacted people’s willingness to donate.

Internship
I learned about the internship through Handshake. I chose my internship because it was related to my field and allowed me to view other aspects of the company and paths that are not related to my major directly. I was able to spend a week with each different sector of the company and broaden my knowledge of what it takes to run a business.

Service
I have also volunteered at the Arkansas Food Bank often, and it has helped me with soft skills. I talk to strangers while I volunteer, and it helps with networking. It helps me also be grateful for the position I am in and reminds me how important it is to give back.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

After I graduate in December 2024, I plan to go into the field of marketing and use the knowledge from my degree to leverage my application above others.

What tips or advice would you give to new, current, or prospective business students?

Network with your professors. Going to my professors during their office hours or talking to them in the hallways has helped them remember me and get to know me better. In turn, they can be a reference for you or you can know them better and feel comfortable asking questions in class. That all together helps not only you and the professor, but also other students who might follow your lead.

Posted in: CISA, COB News, Featured News, Marketing & Management, _Research on November 30, 2024 Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Accounting Alumna Named Outstanding Philanthropist

In November, Susan and Dean Davenport were recognized as Outstanding Philanthropists on National Philanthropy Day by the Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Susan is an alumna of the UCA Accounting program.

They were recognized for their years of dedication to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana. Inviting Arkansas said in the Davenports’ feature article,  Susan reflects UCA’s four pillars – success, culture, wellness, and excellence – as well as the Ronald McDonald House Charities mission to provide every family comfort and care.

Several members from UCA were on hand to congratulate and thank the Davenports for their community impact.

pictured: Accounting Professors Dr. Patricia Mounce (retired), Dr. Stephanie Watson (Dept. Chair), COB Dean Michael Casey, Mrs. Susan Davenport, and Mary Bane Lackie, Ed.D., VP of University Advancement at UCA

 

Posted in: Accounting, COB News, Featured News, _Awards, _Volunteer on November 15, 2024 Tagged: , , ,

AR Insurance Hall of Fame Honors Five Inductees & Awards Seven Scholarships

Hundreds of industry professionals gathered as the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame honored five new inductees and awarded seven scholarships to insurance students at its annual Induction Banquet on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

The 2024 Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame inductees are:

Sonia Bell, LUTC Retired owner, Sonia Bell Agency, Conway, AR pictured with her daughter Angela Bickford

* Charles C. “Buddy” Campbell (1923 – 2003)
Retired Executive Vice President, Rebsamen Insurance, Little Rock, AR
Campbell’s daughter, Pam Plummer, pictured

Jim House, CHC, CLU
Retired President and CEO, USABLE Life, Searcy, AR
pictured with his wife Sue

Roland W. Julian, CIC, CLU, ChFC
President, Rogers Insurance Agency, Rogers, AR

Terry Youngblood
President, Youngblood Insurance Agency, Inc. – a division of Crosspointe Insurance Advisors, LLC, Texarkana, AR

Gabriella Adkins, Mason Smith, Cole Vangsnes, Samuel Roper, Peyton “Kai” Davis, William Van Asche, and Emma Daughtrey were named the 2024 Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame Scholars at the banquet.

Full-time UCA students qualify for the scholarship if they major in Insurance and Risk Management and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above.

The Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame was created in 2015 to identify and honor distinguished insurance industry professionals with strong ties to Arkansas who exemplify innovation, social responsibility, leadership, and professional excellence; have made broad-encompassing and lasting contributions to advance the role of insurance in society; and have significantly impacted the lives of many Arkansans.

UCA was chosen as the host and beneficiary of the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame because of their diligent work to create and nurture a nationally recognized undergraduate degree program in insurance and risk management.

The Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame seeks to remind the public of the important role the insurance industry plays in securing the well-being of both individuals and businesses, to inspire the next generation of leadership to reach these high levels of accomplishment and to encourage young Arkansans to consider careers in the insurance industry.

Posted in: COB News, Featured News, Insurance and Risk Management program, _Awards, _Scholarships on October 19, 2024 Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

COB Welcomes Rhea Lana Riner for Allison Entrepreneurial Speaker Series

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) College of Business invited Rhea Lana Riner, founder of “Rhea Lana” Children’s Consignment, as the featured speaker for the John W. Allison Entrepreneurial Speaker Series on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Students, faculty, and community members gathered to hear Riner share about how the sale for gently used children’s clothes, toys, and accessories outgrew their family living room and is now hosted at the Conway Expo Center twice per year.

Mrs. Rhea Lana Riner pictured with Dr. Tracy Suter, Chair of the Marketing and Management department at UCA

A stay-at-home mom, Riner began the small sale in 1997 to help her family and friends reduce the cost of children’s clothing and other items. Her husband Dave’s love of technology helped her namesake company grow from a few consigners to over 2,500. She explained how her strategy and leadership has grown over the years.

“My family is the reason I started doing this, but I also love helping other families,” said Riner. She added that when the company began franchising in 2008, she discovered her passion for mentoring other women to become business owners.

When asked her advice for new entrepreneurs, Riner said, “outwork everybody you know.”

The UCA Marketing and Management Department has studied Riner’s success as an entrepreneur as well challenges endured such as the company’s investigation by the Department of Labor. Several faculty members submitted a case study to the Journal of Critical Incidents about the court proceedings. Riner spoke for a short time about the challenges of the nine-year court battle, saying that the company is now better than ever.

“Hosting Rhea Lana Riner today is significant. We’ve submitted a case study about her work, and it was incredible to hear her experience directly from her,” said Dr. Tracy Suter, Chair of the Marketing and Management department at UCA. “We hope to continue this pattern of producing case studies about successful Arkansas entrepreneurs and bringing them here to share with our students.”

Rhea Lana staff member and COB alumna shares with current student

The group shared lunch before the presentation and a question and answer session. Riner also brought several of her staff, which allowed one alumna of the UCA business program to share her experience as a Rhea Lana employee with current students.

Established in 1969, the UCA College of Business offers 21 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates to equip current and future business professionals to successfully and ethically meet the changing business environment. The AACSB-accredited program offers a thorough business education as well as opportunities for hands-on experience and industry networking.

The John W. Allison Entrepreneurial Speaker Series was created to expose UCA College of Business students to successful men and women who have distinguished themselves in business by their entrepreneurial abilities. All speakers are Arkansans that have been meticulously selected to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. The series is designed for a small group of select students to allow for greater interaction between the speaker and the students. Speakers for the series have previously included business and community leaders such as: John Allison, Governor Mike Beebe, Kristian Anderson, Governor Mike Huckabee, Todd Ross, Steve Strange, Alex Lieblong, Sheffield Nelson, and others.

Posted in: COB News, Featured News, Marketing & Management, _Speaker on September 26, 2024 Tagged: , , , , , ,

COB Faculty & Staff Members Honored with Excellence Awards

Eleven College of Business faculty and staff members were honored in UCA’s opening sessions including: Dr. Michael Hargis, Mrs. Christy Peel, Dr. JiHoon Jhang, Dr. Joe McGarrity, Dr. K. Mike Casey, Dr. Karen Oxner, Mrs. Susan Shaw, Dr. Ben Garner, Dr. Jeremy Horpedahl, Ms. Deanna Abrego, and Dr. Ashley Phillips.

The faculty and staff were recognized for their exemplary service to the students and their peers in the College of Business as well as in their areas of study and impact in the community.

[Read more…]

Posted in: Accounting, CISA, COB News, EFIRM, Featured News, Marketing & Management, _Awards, _Research on August 30, 2024 Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

COB Students Study Abroad in Amsterdam

Thirty students studied abroad in Amsterdam from May 13 to 31, 2024. During this time they visited many historical sites and international businesses, while they earned course credit hours toward their degrees.

Students could enroll in multiple classes (up to 6 hours) and earn credit toward a supply chain, marketing, or management degree.  Students could also choose classes that would fulfill critical inquiry, diversity, and responsible living lower-division core requirements.

Highlights of the trip included:

    • a visit to the Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe
    • a walking tour of Amsterdam as well as a canal boat tour and a castle tour
    • a tour of the Intel distribution center, where they learned about microchip production, storage, and distribution
    • a visit to Anne Frank House, where the family hid from the nazis
    • a train to Zaanse Schaans to a tour of a working windmill, observe a craftsman producing wooden shoes, and learn how the Dutch make cheese
    • a guided tour of the Van Gogh museum
    • a lesson about the Dutch Resistance in WWII
    • many cultural cafes and restaurants

The trip was led by two outstanding faculty leaders:

  • Dr. Denise Demers, CHES, Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Health Sciences Department
  • Dr. Doug Voss, COB, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Scott E. Bennett Arkansas Highway Commission Endowed Chair of Motor Carrier Management

If you missed this trip, be sure to stay tuned for the multiple trips planned for 2025!

Posted in: COB News, Featured News, Marketing & Management, _Study.Abroad on August 9, 2024 Tagged: , , , ,

Advice from Alumni: Jessica Chavez (BBA ’21)

Jessica Chavez
COB Degree Earned: Bachelors in Business Administration in Spring 2021
Current Career: Senior HR Generalist

What drew you to the business industry?
Growing up as a child of Mexican immigrants in the small town of Lonoke, AR was a unique experience on its own. As I watched my parents take manual labor jobs, I knew from an early age that my career simply couldn’t end after high school. My ambitions were further fueled after learning that they had given up their careers in Mexico to provide me with a better education here. The inspiration they radiate to me is indescribable. I knew my passions would lead me to the right path and right school.

Watching them come home every day with the emotional toll of the prejudice and barriers they faced every day, it was devastating, to say the least. There were days when my mom would come home in tears from the comments made towards her because of her broken English. It made me wonder how I could become part of that change and how could I make an impact to those in the workplace, especially in labor-intensive jobs. It really fed this passion of being able to make the workplace a safer and more desirable place for everyone. [Read more…]

Posted in: COB News, Featured News on July 30, 2024 Tagged: , , , , , ,