COB News — College of Business

Beta Alpha Psi Hosts Escape Room to Engage Students in Career Readiness

Two days in late January, Beta Alpha Psi hosted the COB Escape Room for which the RSO created intricate puzzles students had to solve to “escape” the (unlocked) room. Over 115 people participated in the escape experience with 99 undergrads and 16 graduate students, alumni, and faculty. Most participated in person, but a few were able to take part virtually.

During the experience, participants found clues around the room and used them to solve puzzles all in an effort to build a proper resume. The engaging exercise directed teams of two to discover common mistakes and recommended practices for creating a great resume.

“It felt like the full escape room experience,” said Junior Business Administration major Noah Willis. It showed me how to get my resume in order, what to put, what not to put. I think this has taught me how to create a better resume.”

Escaping required problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Even the most experienced resume writers learned a thing or two.

See more photos

Posted in: Accounting, COB News, PAST, _Events, _RSOs on January 28, 2022 Tagged: Alumni, Undergraduate

UCA College of Business Names New Department Chair

(Conway, Ark.) – The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) College of Business has named Dr. Tracy A. Suter as the new Chair for the Department of Marketing and Management. Dr. Suter began his role at the start of the spring semester.

As Department Chair, Dr. Suter will collaborate with the faculty and supervise department activities that support the college’s mission to provide an innovative and relevant curriculum combined with hands-on student experiences in the business community. He will also teach creativity and innovation courses from a marketing point of view and continue his research interests in creative problem-solving and business innovation.

Dean Michael Hargis welcomed Suter to the College of Business saying, “Tracy is innovative, engaging, and committed to student and faculty success. He also has a long track record of success as a leader in higher education. I look forward to Tracy’s contributions to the development and continuous improvement of our college’s programs.”

Suter, originally from Russellville, brings a wealth of expertise from his 25-year academic career as he assumes the role of department chair. In addition to teaching, Dr. Suter has authored many academic articles and textbooks and served in other administrative capacities. His most extensive experience was as a 15-year faculty member at Oklahoma State University.

“As a first-generation college student from the great state of Arkansas, I do not take my opportunity or responsibility lightly to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders, thinkers and doers,” said Dr. Suter. “I look forward to working with my departmental and college colleagues in helping students grow and succeed here at UCA.”

Suter earned his Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Arkansas. Before teaching, he worked as a marketing and analysis specialist at an aviation company.

Established in 1969, the UCA College of Business offers 20 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.

Posted in: COB News on January 20, 2022 Tagged: Management, Marketing, UCA College of Business, UCA Department of Marketing and Management

COB Alumnus Joins UCA Podcast to Give Career Advice

COB alumnus Corey Parks recently joined UCA Career Services for their Noteworthy Networks podcast. The podcast serves to bring the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) students, and any other listeners, career readiness advice from prominent, or rather “noteworthy” professionals who are alumni of UCA.

Parks is certainly a noteworthy COB alumni. After earning his BBA in Insurance & Risk Management (2016) and his MBA (2018) from UCA, he now serves as the Vice President of Economic Development for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway Development Corporation. He was also named by Arkansas Business to the 2020 class of New Influentials: 20 in Their 20s.

This is a podcast no one should miss. Listen to Parks’ keys to success as he explains how to “Take on Any & All Opportunities.”

Posted in: COB News, _Networking on December 9, 2021

College of Business Advisory Board Member Karen Shaw Named 2021 CFO of the Year

Arkansas Business has named College of Business Advisory Board member Karen Shaw as the 2021 CFO of the Year.

Shaw serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Citizens Bank and is responsible for the financial management of the bank. She has over 25 years of banking experience and oversees the Bank’s Investment and Asset Liability Committee, Policy Committee, and development of financial planning and budgets to guide the Bank’s future business growth. She is also a certified public accountant.

“I loved numbers from a very early age, and my accounting classes came natural to me even though I was constantly a creative thinker. Over the years I developed a love for mentoring others and desired to use my talents and leadership skills to develop, empower and manage a team of financial professionals,” said Shaw in her Arkansas Business spotlight.

Among other public service activities, Shaw is a member of the board of directors of the University of Central Arkansas College of Business Advisory Board and the co-founder of POWER (Professional Organization of Women Empowering Relationships). She is also a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with the Highest Honors in Accounting.

Join us in congratulating Karen on an honor she very much deserves!

Posted in: COB News on November 4, 2021

COB Professor Yao Contributes Expertise to WalletHub in Totaled Car Guide

Professor Haibo (Stephen) Yao recently contributed his expertise for WalletHub as part of a panel of experts in the Totaled Car Guide: Key Things to Know in 2021.

“A totaled car is a car that would cost more to fix than it is worth, or a car that cannot be repaired safely or cost-effectively,” stated author McKayla Girardin.

The article goes on to explain the process of what happens when a car is declared a total loss and what to do. Yao gave his advice on the following questions:

Should drivers ever consider keeping a totaled car?
How can drivers get the most from their insurance companies after their car is totaled?
What is the most important thing to do after your car is totaled?
When should a person get extra insurance to protect against the possibility of a totaled car?

Check out Professor Yao’s advice here.

Haibo (Stephen) Yao serves as an Assistant Professor of Insurance & Risk Management in the College of Business Department of Economics, Finance, Insurance & Risk Management at the University of Central Arkansas.

Posted in: COB News on November 2, 2021

Drew & Suzanne May Establish Scholarship at the University of Central Arkansas

For Immediate Release:

October 20, 2021

Media Contact

Lainey Morrow
UCA College of Business
Communications & Project Coordinator
bmorrow@uca.edu | 501-852-1227

Drew & Suzanne May Establish Scholarship at the University of Central Arkansas

(Conway, Ark.) – The Drew and Suzanne May Scholarship Fund has been established at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) to support students pursuing undergraduate degrees in the College of Business.

Drew May is a 1990 Graduate of the College of Business, and he attributes much of his success to the education he received while at the University. Drew May serves on the advisory board and naming committee for the UCA College of Business as well as The UCA Foundation. The Mays’ desire in establishing this scholarship was not only to be able give back but also to assist a student in receiving a quality education.

“UCA was a wonderful environment for me to pursue my degree. The quality of education delivered within UCA’s College of Business is excellent, and Suzanne and I want to support the College and students for years to come,” said Drew May.

To be awarded the Drew and Suzanne May Scholarship, applicants must be full-time undergraduate students majoring in marketing. Students majoring in Marketing Analytics or Sales will be given first preference. Applicants must also have completed 60 hours, maintain a minimum 2.75 grade point average, and demonstrate financial need.

About the UCA College of Business

For more information about gifts to support students in UCA College of Business, contact Corey Throneberry at (501) 852-1263.

Posted in: COB News on October 25, 2021 Tagged: scholarships

Annual Mixer Connects Students and Faculty

The annual Student & Faculty Mixer yesterday hosted approximately 72 Biz@Bear Residential College students and 24 College of Business (COB) faculty members for an evening of connection. The event provided students the opportunity to meet faculty members and further explore each of the majors within the College of Business. See the photos!

“I really enjoyed visiting with so many Biz@Bear students. They are smart, engaging, and really personable,” said Tom Courtway, COB Professor of Business Law.

Students asked faculty questions about their respective fields and discussed skills businesses look for in new hires.

Biz@Bear student Emma Daughtery said, “I enjoyed this event because it allowed me to create a bond with my future professors. It also allowed me to learn more about many careers.”

Students networked with faculty, played Bingo and outdoor yard games, and enjoyed Bar-B-Que with all the fixins. The Mixer was also a good opportunity to announce Anna Turgaeva as the winner of a $200 book scholarship for the spring 2022 semester, sponsored by The UCA Bookstore.

The event was led by the Academic Director, Dr. Louisa Moseley, and the Biz@Bear Student Associate, Alyssa Theroux, who designed the event as a social outdoor BBQ that adhered to COVID guidelines.

Posted in: COB News on October 6, 2021

COB Student Awarded Granger & Jan Davis Emerging Leaders Scholarship

More than 300 scholarship recipients gathered at the Farris Center for the annual scholarship reception at the University of Central Arkansas Sept. 30 hosted by the UCA Foundation.

The theme for the evening “Celebrating 40 Years” commemorated the Foundation’s successes since its 1981 inception under former UCA President Jeff Farris. The event provided an opportunity for students to connect with scholarship donors and share stories.

President Davis told donors their gifts provide an enormous impact on students like Savannah Conly, who is a junior marketing major in the College of Business. Conly received the Granger and Jan Davis Emerging Leaders Scholarship.

“When I received this scholarship, It meant the world to me because I felt seen,” Conly said. “I felt like all my behind-the-scenes work was seen. Receiving this recognition fueled my motivation to keep working hard and to push myself toward my dreams, even on hard days.”

Posted in: COB News on October 1, 2021 Tagged: Davis, Scholarship

UCA Ranked #3 Best Online MBA in International Business Management

The University of Central Arkansas College of Business was recently ranked the #3 best online MBA in the nation for International Business Management. This online MBA allows students to earn the degree anywhere in the world even while working full-time. The program has also been ranked among the most affordable. Find out more about the UCA MBA program.

See the ranking from Best Value Schools [Read more…]

Posted in: COB News on September 21, 2021 Tagged: college of business, MBA, MBA News, University of Central Arkansas

UCA Supply Chain Program Ranked #77 for Best Affordable Supply Chain Management Degree

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management has been ranked the #77 Best Affordable Supply Chain Management Degree by University HQ.

Well-trained supply chain managers solve organizations’ most impactful challenges: purchasing, manufacturing, storing, and transporting product. UCA’s Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) program prepares students to tackle global supply chain challenges with a focus on the U.S. trucking industry. Our curriculum emphasizes trucking operations, safety, and regulatory compliance. Graduates are prepared for management positions in trucking but also learn to optimize product flow and storage, collaborate with suppliers and customers, and meet delivery expectations through innovative solutions.

For more information about our LSCM BBA, visit www.uca.edu/marketingmanagement/lscm.

Posted in: COB News on September 10, 2021