News 2019
Nick Sturgeon ’03 (Management Information Systems)
December 16, 2019
Starting with the information technology contract work, the Indiana State Police and now as director of information security for Indiana University Health, he was able to bridge his management information systems major with a technology background and enter the cybersecurity field as it was beginning to take off.
Sturgeon left Indiana after graduation and headed west until he decided to return to the state. Upon his return, his work included a contract position with the State of Indiana’s Office of Information Technology. In early 2006 he decided to pursue his interest in law enforcement by applying for the Indiana State Police’s 67th Recruit Academy. In 2009, Sturgeon sought a sergeant position working in IT with the Indiana State Police.
In 2017, Sturgeon began serving as director of security operations center for Pondurance, which sells security services to companies, and a year later he started as a cyber-consultant with Ernst and Young, working with Fortune 500 companies domestic and international helping to advise, consult and access their security.
<< Full Story >>
Milton Soto-Ferrari: "For any type of business, the most important resource is data"
December 13, 2019
Big data isn’t going away and Milton Soto-Ferrari wants to make sure Indiana State University students are knowledgable of the trend.
Soto-Ferrari, who teaches business statistics, business forecasting, and business analytics as an assistant professor in the operations and supply chain management program (OSCM) at the Scott College of Business, offered his students the opportunity to put their coursework to the test by analyzing statistical procedures on an open database of breast cancer patients.
“No matter the source of the data, the formal procedure to perform and develop the analysis will likely follow a similar path. If students know how to do a proper statistical analysis with one set of data, they will be able to apply it to any other source,” he said.
<< Full Story >>
Bhattacharyya Researches Conflict Minerals
December 13, 2019
Kuntal Bhattacharyya, who serves as interim chair of the department of marketing and operations, was working on his research into conflict minerals (tungsten, tin, tantalum and gold together abbreviated as 3T-G) when the call went out for papers to the International Conference on Sustainable Development, an initiative of the European Consortium of Sustainable Development. Dr. Bhattacharyya utilized this opportunity to not only broaden his curriculum vitae, but also to expose his graduate assistant, Achraf Zahid, to research at the International Conference on Sustainable Development in Rome this fall.
<< Full Story >>
Busy Time for Sales & Negotiations Center
December 12, 2019
It’s been a busy couple of months for our Sales and Negotiations Center students. Three national competitions since October and our own Elevator Pitch Competition.
A very special shout out to Kenadi Hollis who placed 1st out of over 1,500 students at the inaugural RNMKRS Virtual National Sales Competition on November 12.. Our students did exceptionally well in that, Indiana State had 11 students finish in the top 10% and 22 finish in the top 25% of competitors!
Congratulations to all of them. And, a big thank you to our sponsors and business partners without whose help we could not achieve so much.
Alumnus Earns Rising Star Award
November 15, 2019
Will Lehman, MBA, CPCU, ARM, Insurance and Risk Management Program alumnus, deservedly carried away the Rising Star Award at the recent Scott College of Business Day of Thanks.
AMA Chapter Featured in Video
November 8, 2019
Our American Marketing Association chapter was featured on Sycamore Video’s “Almost Live.” Check out what Lindsey Anstine (AMA President) and Tevin Rodgers (AMA Member) have to say about the opportunities with this organization.
Lindsey Anstine (AMA President) and Tevin Rodgers (AMA Member)
SMIFC Conference
November 1, 2019
The annual Student Managed Student Managed Investment Fund Concortium (SMIFC) Conference took place in Chicago on Thursday/Friday, November 31/November 1, 2019. Attending members had an interesting day of spakers and competitions and had the opportunity to visit the Chicago Federal Reserve.
<< SMIFC Conference 2019 pages >>
Indiana State Students Analyze Local Business
October 14, 2019
Students enrolled in the Financial Modeling Course (FIN 439) at Indiana State University completed the first module on financial statement modeling by analyzing a new business to Terre Haute, IN. 5th Street Nutrition is a health club that opened in downtown Terre Haute in the summer of 2019 and a unique gathering spot for students.
Each student was tasked with creating a pro forma financial statement, sales estimates, and the enterprise value of the health club in less than one week. Students spent the week analyzing the business externally, as well as sampling some of the products. The analysis was made more challenging by the fact that 5th Street Nutrition has been open for less than a year.
FIN439 students at 5th Street Nutrition
<< Full Story >>
60 Years of Delta Sigma Pi
October 10, 2019
This year the Delta Tau chapter of the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi is celebrating 60 years of being on campus.
Beta Iota Sigma was formed in 1959 for business students at Indiana State Teachers College who were not following a teaching curriculum. In May of that year, they petitioned Delta Sigma Pi to become a chapter and so Delta Tau was created on October 10, 1959.
We recently came across a scan that was made of the original petition and that can be found at https://www.indstate.edu/business/sites/business.indstate.edu/files/Docs/Beta-Iota-Sigma-May-1959.pdf
Take a look, this illustrated document has short histories of the state, the city, the college, and the original Beta Iota Sigma, the idea of which came about at a dinner conversation in October, 1958.
The image dates from January 8, 1959 and shows members of Beta Iota Sigma
2019 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
October 1, 2019
Congratulations to the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award winners, Patty Butwin, Michael Holthouse, Jamal Khashoggi and Amadou Yattassaye who will be recognized at 6:30 p.m. October 11 in the Sycamore Banquet Center.
"These alumni are great examples of the impact an Indiana State University education can have on a life, a community, and, indeed, on the world," ISU President Deborah Curtis said. "We celebrate the achievements of these four alumni who serve as an inspiration to their alma mater."
<< Full Story >>
Gamma Iota Sigma, Alpha Epsilon Chapter Earns National Award
September 30, 2019
An amazing evening in Dallas at the Gamma Iota Sigma 48th Annual International Conference!. Congratulations to the Indiana State University - Scott College of Business Gamma Iota Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chapter for earning a Well-Rounded Chapter Award this year!
Gamma Iota Sigma, Alpha Epsilon Chapter, 2019
Insurance Golf Outing Another Success
September 19, 2019
The 22nd Annual Insurance and Risk Management Golf Outing took place on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at the Country Club of Terre Haute. It was a fun day of golfing. Thank you to all our sponsors and participants. Congratulations to the winners, the team from USI Insurance Services.
The outing is the largest fundraiser for the Scott College of Business and for Gamma Iota Sigma, the international risk management, insurance and actuarial science collegiate fraternity. Proceeds from the event support a variety of student professional development opportunities, such as corporate visits, national conferences, study trips and other related activities.
The winning team from USI Insurance Services
<< IRM Golf Outing page >>
Alumnus Gains CPCU 2019 Rising Star Award
September 16, 2019
Congratulations to Insurance and Risk Management alumnus, Brent Mulvihill, CPCU on receiving the 2019 Rising Star Award at the CPCU Society Central Indiana Chapter luncheon on Friday.
Among the guests were Gongaware and Networks Financial Institute director Rebecca Wray and two current Insurance and Risk Management students, Ellei Kay and Anne Bowen.
Brent Mulvihill, CPCU with Ellei Kay and Anne Bowen.
MBA Candidate's First Paper
September 10, 2019
Congratulations to MBA Candidate and Graduate Assistant Allison Crick on her first published paper!
“A Review of the Sales Leadership Style and Type Literature with Adaptations for Sales Leadership” co-authored with David Fleming and Concha Allen appears in the Volume 19 No 2 issue of the Journal of Selling published Northern Illinois University.
The paper examines existing leadership literature to develop a typology that categorizes leadership styles based on two dimensions of employee needs, hands-on/off and transactional/transformational, to identify the optimal leadership style for each salesperson.
Fourth Cohort of Woodrow Wilson MBA-Ed Leadership Announced
August 19, 2019
Indiana State is continuing its efforts to improve student success in classrooms across the state by welcoming its fourth and final cohort of the Woodrow Wilson MBA Fellowship in Education Leadership.
The MBA in Education Leadership is a unique program designed in partnership with ISU's Scott College of Business and the Bayh College of Education's department of educational leadership along with support and leadership from the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation.
The goal of the MBA program is to recruit and prepare a new generation of educational leaders who have the knowledge, skills and tools to significantly improve learning in Indiana's schools.
The 3rd cohort complete their MBA EL
<< Full Story >>
Emerging Technologies in Accounting
August 27, 2019
Dr. Cory Campbell, Assistant Professor of Accounting, has written an interesting article “Emerging Technologies in Accounting” for the Indiana CPA Society.
Dr. Campbell facilitates CPE workshops for the Indiana CPA Society on various emerging technologies and has been a subject matter expert for the AIPCA on blockchain technology.
<< Read Article >>
Alumni Profile: Brian Kooistra, ’99
August 15, 2019
Brian serves as this year’s board chair for the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, is a YMCA board member and serves on the Wabash Valley Community Foundation finance committee.
But the married father of three and Chief Operations Officer for Garmong Construction Services decided to take on just one more thing when he returned to Indiana State this summer to begin work on his second degree – a Master of Business Administration.
Kooistra started working at Garmong in 2000, and worked his way up to become the company’s Chief Operations Officer in 2015. He oversees all of the firm’s construction activities, project management, estimating, safety, equipment management. Brian oversees more than 100 employees companywide and multiple departments including Safety, Project Management, Estimating, Equipment, Project Supervision, and Garmong Field Operations.
<< Full Story >>
Myra Janco Daniels
August 1, 2019
Myra Janco Daniels has always done what she loved. After finishing her bachelor’s degree at Indiana State University and opening Wabash Advertising, Janco Daniels decided to take a leap of faith and head to Chicago, where the two oldest ad agencies merged and hired her as the executive vice president. In her new administrative position, she reached out to Draper Daniels, who took over the creative side of the business while she ran the agency that was involved in promotion for some of the iconic companies in the 1960s, during “the heyday of advertising”.
<< Full Story >> << Short Video >> << Longer Video >>
Alumni Profile: Sampson Levingston, ‘17
July 24, 2019
Sampson Levingston, ‘17 works as the manager of marketing and social media for White River State Park in Indianapolis. As a former student-athlete, Levingston was very focused on football, giving it his all, and using his leadership skills in the classroom. After a shoulder tear sidelined him his junior year, Levingston focused all his energy towards his degree and fell in love with the business program at State. This ultimately led to his future job through networking and staying the course. Overall, Levingston took full advantage of the resources and opportunities offered and doesn’t know where he would be without Indiana State.
<< Video >>
SCoB Alumnus and Scholar to Join Indiana State University Board of Trustees
July 19, 2019
Jeff Taylor, ’75, will be joining the board as chair. He graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He worked 12 years in public accounting for Arthur Andersen & Co. in Indianapolis and Minneapolis. Taylor then joined National Computer Systems Inc. (NCS) in Eden Prairie, Minn., where he was CFO until the company was acquired by London-based Pearson plc in 2000. Taylor was responsible for government and investor relations for Pearson in the U.S. until he retired in 2013.
Casey Phillips, an operations and supply chain management major, is a President's Scholar, is participating the prestigious Networks Professional Development Program in the Scott College of Business and is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha.
The other appointee is Robert E. Casey Jr., '80. Robert began his career as a police officer in Houston before joining the FBI in 1986. He spent 25 years as an FBI agent, serving in Phoenix, Chicago, Miami, Washington, D.C., and Dallas. His last assignments were in senior leadership positions as deputy assistant director for intelligence at the FBI headquarters in Washington and as the special agent in charge of the Dallas division. Casey retired from the FBI in 2012 and became the head of global security at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis.
Jeff Taylor, Casey Phillips and Robert Casey
<< Full Story >>
Alumnus Greg Scott
June 15, 2019
A small town kid from Terre Haute, Greg Scott knew he would follow in the footsteps of his mother, aunts, uncles and siblings and become a Sycamore one day. What he hadn’t expected was all of the opportunities an Indiana State University education would present to him. Scott worked his way through college as an employee at an accounting firm, where he discovered a job opening for accountants at PriceWaterhouseCoopers and through his hat into the ring. The risk paid off for Scott, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, who worked for the company’s Paris office before moving to San Francisco to provide tax savvy for the wine industry. Scott’s story is one of hard work, staying curious and never accepting the status quo.
<< Full Story >> << Short Video >> << Longer Video >>
Concetta DePaolo's Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Project
May 23, 2019
Yesterday morning (May 22), during "Mornings in May" Dr. Concetta DePaolo presented her Scholarship of Teaching and Learning project, which was the final requirement for the Master Teacher program. Her SoTL presentation, Using Disney World Wait Time Data in Intro Analytics Classes, generated great discussion! At the conclusion of all of the presentations, each Master Teacher candidate was recognized for their effort in meeting the rigorous standards of the program.
Concetta DePaolo (far left) with the other Master Teachers
Scott College Welcomes FGV MBA Students
May 22, 2019
Welcome to the 23 MBA students and faculty from Fundação Getulio Vargas in Brazil. The students are here for their week-long International Executive Finance module that includes lectures and hands-on activities in the areas of finance, entrepreneurship, networking and motorsports.
Jack Maynard Appointed Interim Dean of Business
May 15, 2019
C. Jack Maynard, director of the MBA in Education Leadership program, will serve as interim dean of the Scott College of Business for a year while a national search for the next dean is conducted. Jack is no stranger to senior roles at Indiana State having served as dean of the college of education and provost and vice president for Academic Affairs (2003-2013). "His significant administrative experience will serve the Scott College of Business well” said Mike Licari, our current provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Dean Brien Smith, who has been with us since 2012, is leaving to become provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Youngstown State University in Ohio. There will be a farewell reception for Brien on May 30.
Networks Students’ Service Project Takes Aim at Sexual Assault
May 14, 2019
Indiana State University students worked to raise awareness of sexual assault recently as part of their yearlong community service efforts.
Their efforts to raise money for the Council on Domestic Abuse Inc. (CODA) emergency shelter in Terre Haute had the biggest impact on students.
"The CODA competition made the biggest impression on me, because it was amazing to see our scholars come together and donate so many goods to our CODA shelter," said Makayla Irish, a sophomore from Terre Haute majoring in operations and supply chain management. "I am so proud of my team and all the hard work they put into the events this year. We reached our goals and impacted many lives in the process."
<< Full Story >> << Photo Gallery >>
Princess Starts Her Engine at State
May 1, 2019
Once upon a time, a princess raced onto Indiana State University’s campus, ready to create her own fairy tale. Annie Bowen, a freshman from Terre Haute, Ind., has been selected to serve as a 500 Festival Princess during the 2019 Indianapolis 500 season.
Annie, who is studying insurance and risk management and financial services, is actively involved with the Networks Professional Development Program and the Gongaware Scholarship Program. “Both of these programs have engaged me and challenged me to be a leader, a scholar, and a diverse student through opportunities such as internships and weekly seminars with the other scholars who have become my second family,” she said. “This program is one of the top reasons why Indiana State is my dream school.”
Annie Bowen
<< Full Story >> << Anne Bowen, Honors Peer Mentor >> << National Intern Day 2019 >>
Tops for Sales
May 1, 2019
Indiana State’s Sales and Negotiations Center (SNC) has been named again as a top university for Professional Sales Education in the Sales Education Foundation’s 2019 Annual
RIMS 2019
April 29, 2019
RIMS 2019 was organized by the Risk and Insurance Management Society and took place in Boston between April 28 and May 1, 2019. Networks Financial Institute and Gongaware director Rebecca Wray attended with our Insurance and Risk Management students.
Our IRM students at RIMS 2019 in Boston
<< Photo Gallery >>
Rankin Distinguished Senior Awards
April 24, 2019
It seems we can't but help posting about our very talented students. Allison Crick (Accounting & Marketing), Katie Sullivan (Finance), and Jak Kramer (Insurance & Risk Management) along with Andrew Case (Communication) are the 2019 Rankin Distinguished Senior Award recipients.
The Alan C. Rankin Distinguished Senior Award recognizes outstanding men and women of the senior class who have contributed to the betterment of Indiana State.
Allison Crick (Accounting & Marketing), Katie Sullivan (Finance), Jak Kramer (Insurance & Risk Management), and Andrew Case (Communication)
<< More about the Rankin Distinguished Senior Awards >>
Networks Scholar Among Hines Memorial Medal Recipients
April 23, 2019
The Scott College of Business is represented by the outstanding Allison Crick (Accounting and Marketing). The other award winners were Britney Arnold (Nursing), Gabrielle Comelleri (English), Harjas Singh (Biology), and Courtney Swanson (Psychology). The Hines Medal is awarded to the students with the highest cumulative grade point average during the pursuit of a bachelor's degree.
Allison Crick receiving her Hines Medal
Beta Gamma Sigma Inductees
April 22, 2019
Founded in 1913, Beta Gamma Sigma is the international business honor society for AACSB-accredited schools. On Monday, April 22, seven new members were inducted into the organization. These were Sophomores: Nathan Bromm, Jackson Gambrill, Makayla Irish and Abby Markowski; Juniors: Eric Byers and Lauren Watson; Senior: Peter Panagouleas
Pictured are Beta Gamma Sigma inductees Junior, Lauren Watson; Senior, Peter Panagouleas; Sophomores, Abby Markowski; Jackson Gambrill; and Junior, Eric Byers
<< Photo Gallery >>
State Farm Continues to Support College
April 19, 2019
State Farm is a long-time supporter of the Scott College of Business, helping with funding for such divers programs as student retention and leadership initiatives, scholarships, the Sales and Negotiations center's "Circle of Influence" speaker program and the annual Ethics Conference and Insurance and Risk Management Golf Outing.
They proved it again on Friday by presenting a check for $15,000 to the college. Dean Brien Smith is seen here with TJ Tingley, President of Tingley Insurance and Financial Services Inc. and Jenny Davis, State Farm, Agency Field Specialist.
Dean Brien Smith with TJ Tingley, President of Tingley Insurance and Financial Services Inc. and Jenny Davis, State Farm, Agency Field Specialist.
<< Photo Gallery >>
Nicole Griffin Gains FEI Scholarship
April 18, 2019
Nicole Griffin, a junior finance student has been awarded a scholarship from the Indianapolis Chapter of Financial Executives International for having the highest GPA as a junior finance major.
College Faculty Among Winners
April 12, 2019
Residential Life recognized over 100 professors, instructors, and advisors in the Inaugural Professing Excellence and Inspiring Instruction Reception. Over 150 students nominated 115 different instructors for making a difference in their academic career.
Those nominated from the Scott College of Business were Concetta DePaola, David Fleming, Jeff Harper, Blake Rayfield, and Milton Soto-Ferrari.
<< Full Story >>
Concetta DePaola also became a Master Teacher having completed a rigorous three-semester program that required intensive reflection, meaningful investigation, and comprehensive analysis of effective teaching. These behaviors have enhanced their ability to provide quality student learning experiences. We appreciate their dedication and commitment to the foundational mission of Indiana State University!
Concetta DePaolo
The other Master Teachers are:
Bayh College of Education - Kathryn Bauserman and Bridget Roberts-Pittman
College of Arts and Sciences - Stephanie Alexander and Jennifer Schriver
College of Health and Human Services - Darleesa Doss
College of Technology - Kristina Lawyer, Ahmed Mohamed, and Sam Morgan
Cunningham Memorial Library - Karen Evans
Annual Elevator Pitch Competition
April 12, 2019
The Sales and Negotiations Center's 2019 Annual Elevator Pitch Competition took place on Friday, April 12, 2019. Congratulations to the winners: 1st Place - Rebecca Eckstein; 2nd Place - Allison Crick; and 3rd Place - Rebecca Howe.
Winners of the Elevator Pitch Competition: 1st Place - Rebecca Eckstein; 2nd Place - Allison Crick; and 3rd Place - Rebecca Howe.
<< Elevator Pitch pages >>
Risk Manager in Residence 2019: Rich Johanson
April 10, 2019
Rich Johanson, Senior Manager of Risk Management at General Dynamics Corporation gave an interesting talk about his career, responsibilities and General Dynamics as part of the Risk Manager in Residence series.
Risk Manager in Residence 2019: Rich Johanson
<< Risk Manager in Residence pages >>
Dean Brien Smith Named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Youngstown State University
April 8, 2019
Scott College of Business Dean Brien Smith has been named provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Youngstown State University in Ohio.
Smith has led the Scott College since 2012. During that time, Smith created a new center to administer student success programs and oversee student career-readiness initiatives, expanded online programs, increased the number of women leaders in the college by 30 percent, and helped raise millions of dollars in gifts and earn more than $9 million in external grants for student programming and scholarships.
"I have appreciated Brien's insights and his thoughtful approach to leadership. He's been a cornerstone of my leadership team, and I know he will bring these qualities to Youngstown State," said Mike Licari, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Indiana State.
Smith, who will be Youngstown's second-highest ranking officer and oversee all academic operations of the university, was selected after a four-month search that drew more than 60 applicants nationwide.
"My job as dean has been rewarding, and I am truly blessed to have served with so many talented people," Smith said. "I cannot say enough about State's spirit of generosity and its dedication to transforming student's lives and impacting the community. I am very excited about pursing my new role, and I am so grateful for the opportunity Indiana State University provided me."
Youngstown State is a comprehensive urban research university that offers nearly 13,000 students more than 135 undergraduate and graduate programs backed by a strong tradition of teaching, scholarship and public service.
CFA Society 2019 Investment Forum
March 27, 2019
Members of the Indiana State Investment Club attended the CFA Society’s 2019 Investment Forum in Indianapolis. Here they are pictured with Tom Harden who was once charged with felony securities fraud and the FBI’s most productive cooperating witness in Operation Perfect Hedge. The Forum brought together over 200 of Indiana’s leading investment professionals and key decision makers.
Record Breaking Year for WCISBDC
March 27, 2019
2018 was a record breaking year for the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) throughout the state for small business impact. The local West Central region was recognized as the highest performing center in the state! Business advisor, Tracie Yelich, was recognized for helping clients invest over a million dollars in rural communities. Regional Director, Courtney Richey-Chipol, was recognized for helping the most businesses launch out of any advisor and named Indiana's State Star. West Central will represent the state of Indiana at the National ASBDC conference in Long Beach California. We are thankful to the small business owners that let us be part of their amazing journey!
Faculty Profile: Jin Park
March 20, 2019
Like some of his students at Indiana State University, Jin Park didn’t know what to study when he entered college in his native South Korea.
He decided to earn his first bachelor’s degree in agriculture and had an opportunity to study English and learn about the American culture in the U.S., where he completed a second bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“The first work experience I had in the U.S. was for a small insurance agency as the office manager, helping sales agents with paperwork, underwriting, insurance applications and claims,” said Park, an associate professor of insurance and risk management at State. “I decided I needed to learn more about insurance, so I went to Minnesota State University to do my MBA and study insurance and risk management. That’s where I really developed the interest to take my studies further and decided to go for my PhD at Temple University.”
Park was intrigued by how insurance worked and benefited people in the U.S.
“Growing up in Korea, insurance was a luxury. People in the Asian culture are not actively preparing for death, so it’s a hard place to sell life insurance,” he said. “It was a cultural shock for me to learn that insurance is a necessity here, but as I worked with claims and helped clients and agents on my first job I realized how valuable insurance can be. I saw potential for insurance in Asian cultures, though I have not returned to my country.”
Instead, Park has spent the last 16 years teaching at the collegiate level. Before coming to Indiana State in 2009, he taught insurance and risk management at Illinois Wesleyan University for six years.
At State, Park teaches introduction to risk management, commercial property risk management insurance and employee benefits.
“I teach mostly undergraduate students, which is nice because they’re potentials. Insurance and risk management is not a subject that overlaps with a lot of subjects they’ve taken before and they come in thinking that they don’t know much about what my class is about,” he said. “But I tell them they’ve been practicing risk management. They’ve been maintaining good grades and talking to other students about what professors to take for different courses and that is all a part of risk management.”
Indiana State’s insurance program has been nationally recognized and was one of the first schools in the nation to offer insurance and risk management as a major. But Park often reminds people that insurance as a college major is not about sales.
“It’s about helping clients and businesses better manage their risk and insurance is a means to manage that risk,” he said.
Jin Park
<< Original Story >>
Blue is Opportunity: Kyle Varble
March 18, 2019
Kyle Varble is a 2017 Indiana State graduate, currently working at Rolls Royce as a Strategic Buyer for Defense – Naval Marine. He is responsible for preparing, planning, issuing and controlling purchasing orders. At State Varble was a part of the Network Professional Development Program where he got international experiences studying abroad in Europe, and professional development with weekly seminars, networking, interviewing and much more. Take a look at the journey that helped Varble bridge the gap between college and his professional career.
<< Full Story >> << Video >>
Give to Blue Day
March 14, 2019
"Our first university-wide giving day was a huge success, and we are so grateful for the nearly 1,700 donors who participated," said Indiana State President Deborah Curtis. "This is a wonderful kickoff to a new era for private fundraising at Indiana State. Everyone who donated has been a crucial part of this accomplishment, and it's only the beginning of more great things to come!"
Nearly 1,700 donors -- from Terre Haute to Australia -- contributed more than $430,000, making it the largest single-day fundraiser in university history.
Among other Give to Blue Day achievements:
- More than 970 alumni donated
- Faculty, staff and emeriti made up 30 percent of the donors, contributing $60,000
- The Honors College topped the donor leaderboard with 153 donors, followed by Bayh College of Education, Scott College of Business and College of Arts and Sciences
- 541 gifts of $100-plus were made
- Average gift size was $207
| Most Raised | Most Donors | |||
| 1 | Bridge the Gap Scholarships | $100,025.00 | Honors College | 153 |
| 2 | Sycamore Athletics | $43,065.00 | Bayh College of Education | 133 |
| 3 | Scott College of Business | $37,670.00 | Scott College of Business | 108 |
| 4 | The Fund for Indiana State University | $31,132.55 | Bridge the Gap Scholarships | 104 |
| 5 | College of Technology | $22,835.00 | College of Arts and Sciences | 101 |
| 6 | Student Success Initiatives | $22,590.00 | The Fund for Indiana State University | 98 |
| 7 | Bayh College of Education | $21,560.50 | Sycamore Athletics | 90 |
| 8 | Alumni Association | $20,798.33 | College of Technology | 82 |
| 9 | Charles E. Brown African American Culture Center | $20,629.00 | College of Health and Human Services | 81 |
| 10 | Honors College | $6,748.33 | Charles E. Brown African American Culture Center | 79 |
| 11 | College of Arts and Sciences | $6,153.33 | Alumni Association | 77 |
| 12 | College of Health and Human Services | $5,520.00 | University College | 76 |
| 13 | University College | $3,145.00 | Cunningham Memorial Library | 49 |
| 14 | Cunningham Memorial Library | $2,675.00 | Student Success Initiatives | 38 |
| 15 | College of Graduate and Professional Studies | $2,570.00 | College of Graduate and Professional Studies | 34 |
<< Full Story >>
Student Profile: Maya Jamison
March 14, 2019
Maya Jamison was pursuing a degree in cellular molecular biology at another school before transferring to Indiana State. She had interned with Ernst & Young and decided to pursue a degree in accounting to contribute more to the firm. With the huge jump from science to business Jamison says she started to comprehend more of what was expected of her at Ernst & Young and more knowledgeable and they noticed this as well. Which resulted in her receiving a full-time position from the firm. Jamison looked at State as an opportunity for a second chance. She loves how much more she was challenged at State than her previous school and the materials and tools she learned are with her for the rest of her accounting career.
Maya Jamison
<< Video >>
Indiana State Wins National Business Learning Competition
March 7, 2019
A big congratulations to the Indiana State University team, VicTree Insurance, for placing 1st in the College Agency Management Competition!
Kudos to the team members: Christopher Graman, James "Jak" Kramer, Seth Payton, Erika Perry, and Evan Rogers for your fantastic performance and hard work during the four week virtual competition!
A huge thank you to our corporate sponsor, Westfield Insurance, our agency mentor, Steve Danielson at ONI Risk Partners, InVEST, the Big "I" Diversity Council, and PriSim.
During the past month, students input their agency's business decisions into PriSim's agency management platform taking responsibility for strategy, carrier and customer management, source management, staffing, sales and financial statements.
Thanks to funding provided by participating Big "I" Diversity Council company sponsors, the top three teams will receive a trip to the Big "I" Legislative Conference May 8-10, 2019 in Washington, D.C.
Christopher Graman, Evan Rogers, Erika Perry, James "Jak" Kramer, and Seth Payton competing as VicTree Insurance
VicTree Insurance: Christopher Graman, Jak Kramer, Seth Payton, Erika Perry, and Evan Rogers
<< Full Story: Indiana State University Newsroom | Inside INdiana Business | Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America | Property Casualty 360 | Prisim >>
Networks 15th Annual Insurance Public Policy Summit
March 6, 2019
The 15th Annual Insurance Public Policy Summit, Common Goals & Divided Government: Insurance Public Policy After the Midterms, co-presented by Networks Financial Institute at Indiana State University and Faegre Baker Daniels took place on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Washington D.C. Networks Financial Institute and Faegre Baker Daniels collaborate to support dialogue and innovation in the evolving financial services marketplace. The Insurance Public Policy Summit has earned a reputation as one of the most engaging and thought-provoking annual events for the financial services sector, and 2019 was no exception.
Scott College of Business Dean Brien Smith addressing the 15th Annual Insurance Public Policy Summit
Scholars at the 15th Annual Insurance Public Policy Summit
<< 15AIPPS Pages >>
Ethics Conference
March 4, 2019
The 14th Annual Ethics Conference took place on Monday, March 4, 2019 in the Hulman Memorial Student Union (HMSU) Dede rooms on Indiana State University’s campus in Terre Haute, Indiana.
The Junior Class of the Networks Professional Development Program host the Annual Ethics Conference. This student-led conference covers important topics of interest to students and professionals who want to further their understanding of ethical issues in today’s business world.
Ethics Conference 2019 Juniors
<< 2019 Ethics Conferencce Pages >>
Business Undergrad Lands Job with Amazon after Wowing them During an Internship his Junior Year
March 1, 2019
Andrew VanDenburgh may be in his final semester at Indiana State, but he’s already looking beyond commencement after he accepted a position last fall as an area manager at Amazon’s fulfillment center in Denver.
“This job offer was one of the most exciting moments of my life,” said VanDenburgh, who will graduate in May with a double major in operations and supply chain management and marketing with a concentration in sales management. “I knew I wanted an internship experience my junior year. When I saw an opportunity at Amazon, I saw it as a gold standard internship in my eyes.
Congratulations Andrew
<< Full Story >>
Selling with the Bulls Intercollegiate Competition
February 28, 2019
Allison Crick recently led teammates Hannah Davis, Andrew VanDenburgh, & William Shostrand at the Selling with the Bulls Intercollegiate Competition at the University of South Florida. It included aspects of sales such as email, cold calling, web meeting, elevator pitch, and in-person sales pitches.
Indiana State Selling with the Bulls Team: Hannah Davis, Allison Crick, Andrew VanDenburgh, and William Shostrand
State Farm Circle of Influence Speaker: Chip Helm
February 19, 2019
From a Dental School drop-out to a National Sales Manager of a multi-billion-dollar medical device company, Chip Helm has honed his sales skills from the ground up. Chip knows how to develop and maintain long-term relationships to help drive sales success. If it is personal branding, practicing humility, or following-up and following-through, his practical advice is applicable to anyone at any stage in their career.
His mentoring, and leadership has helped thousands of students, and colleagues over his last three decades in sales. Chip is a regular guest lecturer at business schools around Indiana. He is also a certified coach and college lecturer. His loves are family, work, and his home in Northern Michigan.
Chip holds a BA in Biology from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of South Florida. Married for twenty-six years, Chip met his wife, Cyrilla, at USF while in the MBA program. They have three adult children all pursuing education and professions in health and medical disciplines. Chip has worked for Cook Medical for over thirty-two years.
Chip presented “Everyone is in Sales,” a motto he strongly believes in. Chip will demonstrated the “KISS” method (keep it simple stupid) to describe the life lessons and behaviors that can make you successful for your life and career. His presentation was followed by a networking session where students could interact with the companies in attendance to build relationships that have led to many job placements in the past.
State Farm Circle of Influence Speaker: Chip Helm
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Alumni Profile: Matt Mershon, '05
March 6, 2019
Matt Mershon came to Terre Haute for his freshman year of college at Indiana State University in 2001 and he’s been making a difference in the business world ever since.
Mershon, who is originally from Crawfordsville, Ind., completed several internships before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in management information systems in 2005, including one his sophomore year in Indianapolis at Inland Container, a corrugated board manufacturing company, where he worked in the corporate office.
His future in business was a no-brainer. Through high school, he started to see it was the path he wanted to take in life. His mom was in the business field and worked on computers at Inland; when he saw his mom come home and talk about her day, he’d help her troubleshoot. It got him interested in MIS and he knew that was his path coming in to Indiana State.
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Groundhog Day Economic Breakfast
February 5, 2019
A positive report on Terre Haute's direction for future economic growth came Tuesday morning during the Groundhog Day Economic Forecast. Workforce remains the greatest challenge for the Wabash Valley, as it is in many areas of the country, said Steve Witt, president of the Terre Haute economic Development Corporation. But it is also the greatest opportunity, he said, due to the post-graduate institutions and training available. Presenting the Groundhog Day Economic Forecast along with the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce were the Indiana State University Scott College of Business and Terre Haute Savings Bank.
Steve Wilt, Courtney Richey-Chipol and Gerry Dick
Courtney Richey-Chipol
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Alumni Profile: Milos Pavlovic, ’12, GR ’15
February 1, 2019
Milos Pavlovic, ’12, GR ’15, thought he would continue the acting and voiceover work he did in his native Belgrade, Serbia when he decided to pursue his undergraduate study in theater at Indiana State University.
“My interests in business grew and I decided to switch my major to insurance and risk management during my sophomore year after I took the intro class and realized the opportunities the program has to offer,” he said.
Pavlovic joined Sycamore Ambassadors, Gamma Iota Sigma, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Finance Club and worked in the Meis Center, where he taught lectures about business etiquette and diversity while earning his Master of Business Administration with a focus in finance and operations and supply chain management.
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Twisted Fry
January 7, 2019
Devyn Mikell ‘17 and DeSean Prentice ’15 ‘17
Devyn Mikell and DeSean Prentice are State alumni and the co-founders of the late-night food truck, Twisted Fry. Twisted Fry was created to help prevent students from drinking and driving to go get food after a night out in the town. Prentice handles the marketing and finance and Mikell is the director of operations. Their involvement at State goes beyond the classroom with them both being student-athletes and making connections with the vice president of finance, that has paid off, being a bridge to serving their food at different campus events from basketball and football games to the fountain party. Mikell credits his approach to entrepreneurship to one of his professors Dr. Bhattacharyya who challenged him to think logistically and analytically. On top of being operational with Indiana State the two love giving back to the students through their insight and helping them with the steps of being an entrepreneur one day.
Devyn Mikell ‘17
Hometown: Avon, Indiana
Major: Operations and Supply Chain Management
Campus Involvement: Track and Field
DeSean Prentice ’15, GR ‘17
Hometown: Queens, New York/Mishawaka, Indiana
Major: Accounting, Master of Business Administration
Campus Involvement: Track and Field
Twisted Fry - Devyn Mikell ‘17 and DeSean Prentice ’15 ‘17
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Student Profile: Emily Conrad
January 1, 2019
Emily Conrad’s resume is chockful of experiences that would catch any recruiter’s eye, thanks to studying at State. “As a prospective student, I couldn’t believe that people got to go to school in a place like Federal Hall, and I feel so now lucky that I will get to call myself an alumna of the Scott College of Business and Indiana State,” she said.
Once she found the right path, Conrad wasted no time getting involved. She served as treasurer of the Investment Club’s portfolio of stocks and bonds, got involved in the Financial Planning Association and joined Delta Sigma Pi, the professional business fraternity.
“Through the Investment Club, I got to go to the Student Management Investment Funds Consortium Conference in the fall, where we met with CFO of the Federal Reserve, got to take a tour of the Federal Reserve and met a ton of Indiana State alumni in the Chicago area who work in the finance industry,” she said.
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