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COB Professor Jeremy Horpedahl receives the Public Choice’s Duncan Black Prize

Congratulations to Dr. Jeremy Horpedahl, Associate Professor of economics at the University of Central Arkansas and ACRE Scholar, for receiving the Public Choice’s Duncan Black Prize for the best article contributed by a “senior” scholar or scholars. His award-winning article, “Bootleggers, Baptists and ballots: coalitions in Arkansas’ alcohol-legalization elections,” can be found in Public Choice 188 (1–2) (July 2021), 203–219.

Dr. Horpedahl’s article discusses what economics can teach us about political coalitions. A summary of the award-winning article can be found here.

Posted in: COB News on March 15, 2022 Tagged: ,

Risk Manager on Campus Program Welcomes Mr. Lance Ewing

On March 14, the UCA Center for Insurance and Risk Management welcomed Risk Manager on Campus, Mr. Lance Ewing, by giving him a very busy schedule. Mr. Ewing is here to share his experience from years in the industry with industry professionals and UCA students about existing risks, emerging risks, safety and motor carrier policies, employee benefits, and corporate risk management. Before he leaves on Tuesday, he will have spoken to five classes, one student organization, at a luncheon and to a dinner party.
Mr. Ewing has extensive experience in the field of risk management and insurance. He currently serves as the VP of Enterprise Risk Management and Operations for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Previously Lance was EVP of Global Risk Management for Cotton Holdings and, prior to that, VP and Industry Practice Group Leader at AIG.

[Read more…]

Posted in: COB News, EFIRM, _Events, _Speaker on March 15, 2022 Tagged: ,

COB Student Daisy Martinez Awarded UCA 2022 Intern of the Year

The UCA Internships and Cooperative Education department recently announced the 2021-2022 Intern of the Year, Daisy Martinez Carranza. Daisy is a senior Marketing major, minoring in Studio Art. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her four years at UCA and serves on many UCA student organizations.

In Summer 2021, Daisy completed an internship at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield where she was charged with the task of creating and executing a marketing plan for a national health program with low enrollment in Arkansas. Daisy’s “Healthy Blue Summer” campaign was a huge success, resulting in over 3,600 registrations (an 8.85% increase in program participation). As a result of her hard work and collaboration on this project, Daisy was also awarded the 2021 Arkansas Blue Cross Academic Scholarship. Daisy will graduate from UCA in May 2022 and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Data Analytics in the near future.

Daisy has also been selected as the honorable mention for the National Intern of the Year distinction. She will receive a certificate and formal recognition on the CEIA website and in the program at the CEIA national conference in April 2022.

Daisy was nominated for UCA Intern of the Year by Management professor and Associate Dean of College of Business, Dr. Laci Lyons.

Posted in: COB News, Marketing & Management, _Internships and Part-time on March 10, 2022 Tagged: , ,

Student Profile: Joshua Adesina

Joshua Adesina

Majoring in Finance & minoring in Data Analytics

Expected Graduation: 05/2022

Involved in: Accounting club, African Students Association, Team Global

What drew you to business? When and how did you know that an education in business is the right fit for you?

I will say I was drawn to this role because of a couple of factors, one of which is growing up with people in the business industry. My parents are in accounting & finance, so that environment made finance not as hard for me. I also have always enjoyed understanding financial concepts and analyzing business processes, especially looking at the big picture of services a company provides to bring in more revenue. Knowing how business processes are done is important, but what is more important is knowing why the business processes are done that way. And given the way I think about money, I didn’t second guess getting a financial analyst role. I had to improve on a couple of things to get the position, and it has been worth it so far. The plan is to hopefully get a consulting role later in the future to help improve the services companies provide. The minor improved my technical computer skills making me proficient in software and programs job seekers are now after.

What have you found useful in the College of Business and why?  [Read more…]

Posted in: CISA, COB News, EFIRM on March 9, 2022

Arkansas Business Leaders Share Career Advice at Annual Women in Business Development Luncheon

The UCA College of Business held its annual Women in Business Development Luncheon on Tuesday, March 8. Distinguished business leaders from across the state attended to connect with UCA’s business students. The topic of the day was the “Top 5 Things Women in Business Need to Know.”

Attendees enjoyed lunch while students connected with business leaders to ask their questions. MC Lori Melton led a panel of five women who shared advice they wish someone had told them before they began their careers. Much of the advice the leaders gave was learned the hard way as they journeyed through their careers, but they wanted these students to be set up for success before they begin.

Throughout the event, the panelists and table hosts gave students tips on how to define their own success, master their mindsets, maintain integrity, find a mentor, and know their audience and brand. The event was sponsored by First Community Bank.

The College of Business thanks the business leaders who committed their time to mentor our students and First Community Bank for sponsoring this event!  [Read more…]

Posted in: COB News on March 8, 2022

UCA Hosts FBLA Spring Conferences for Junior & Senior High School Students

Students compete at FBLA Conference in the College of Business

Approximately 675 senior high school students will be on UCA’s campus on Friday, February 11, 2022, for the District V Senior High Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Spring Conference, and another 450 junior high students will attend the District V Middle Level FBLA Spring Conference on Friday, February 17.

FBLA is a national vocational student organization for students in high schools and middle schools who are interested in business or business education careers. Students from across District V will enjoy competitive events, interest sessions, as well as officer elections. District V covers 11 counties in central Arkansas.

The senior high conference headquarters will be in Student Center 207E, while the junior high students will primarily be in Reynolds Auditorium. Some competitions will occur in the College of Business.

A special thanks is due to Marsha Carson, COB Senior Lecturer of Management, for all of her hard work to make this event possible every spring and fall for District V.

Posted in: COB News on February 10, 2022

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: ,

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: , , ,

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