News 2016

Programs Recognized with ‘Provost’s Award for Excellence’

December 9, 2016

This is the inaugural year for the Provost's Award for Excellence in Student Learning Assessment and Improvement, which is designed to recognize programs for exemplary assessment but also to help embed assessment in Indiana State University's culture.

It was won by the Scott College of Business for its BS in Accounting. Susan Moncada accepted the award and congratulations to all the Accounting faculty for their hard work toward this effort, and particularly to Susan who is a leader and mentor in so many ways.

<< Full Story >>

2016 Provost's Award for Excellence

President’s Scholar, Donors Make Lasting Connection

December 9, 2016

Larry BouletFor Larry and Elizabeth "Buffy" Boulet, endowing a scholarship at Indiana State University seemed like a no-brainer. They had attended several campus events that helped to spark their interest in giving. Following the Presidential Scholars dinner and meeting a student, the couple settled on the creation of a President's Scholarship as their means of giving.

In 2014, Tanner Smith, a supply chain management major, became the third recipient of the Boulet Scholarship and has had developed a lasting relationship with the Boulets.

"As a business student, I was able to connect with them about their careers. Our conversation ranged from travelling the world to artificial intelligence in marketing," Smith said. "To be honest, it was awesome. The people whose incredible generosity made my college experience possible also happened to be genuinely interesting and caring people."

<< Full Story >> << Also see alumni page >>

Marketing Major Sycamore Ends Six-Year Journey as Commencement Speaker

December 2, 2016

A sixth-year senior.

Mostly online student.

Left school twice.

Maybe marketing major Mikaella dela Pena wasn't exactly who the selection committee envisioned when they sent email to the graduating class seeking applicants for the student speaker at Indiana State University's winter commencement. After overcoming several obstacles Mikaella graduated and is now Indiana State's 2016 winter commencement speaker.

<< Full Story >>

Mikaella dela Pena

Mikaella dela Pena

Scott Molander, ’16

November 29, 2016

There is something fitting about the final hats off to Indiana State University’s Class of 2016 being delivered by alumnus Scott Molander at the Dec. 17 commencement ceremony.

Co-founder of Hat World and now executive vice president for BSN Sports, Molander, MBA ’16, knows a thing or two about headwear and the heavy lifting required — not only to get an idea off of the ground, but also to nurture it into a successful, multi-million dollar endeavor.

Scott Molander

<< Full Story >>

Scott Molander, Commencement Speaker; Zachary Wittmann, President’s Medal Recipient

November 29, 2016

This year’s Winter Commencement ceremony will feature somewhat non-traditional speakers. Our alumni speaker will be entrepreneur Scott Molander. Scott is the co-founder of Hat World, a company which quickly grew its business through the sales of logo baseball hats for college and professional sports teams. The company eventually cornered the retail headwear market with its acquisition of Lids Corp., its largest competitor. Earlier this year, BSN Sports acquired Lids, and Scott now serves as the executive vice president of the combined group. A graduate of Dickinson State University in the late ‘80s, Scott decided to further his education with an MBA from Indiana State which he completed this summer.

Zachary Wittmann is the Winter Commencement’s recipient of the President’s Medal for Leadership, Scholarship, and Service. Zach has been an active student leader on our campus serving on the executive board for SGA, as chair and executive board member of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, and as a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He has also volunteered for more than a dozen charitable organizations off campus and started his own business during his freshmen year. 

<< Full Story >>

Spark Innovation Seminar

November 17, 2016

The Spark Innovation Seminar packed the Scott College of Business Courtroom yesterday. Reginald McGregor, Manager of Engineering Employee Development, Research & Technology Strategy Group, Rolls-Royce; Jeff Hock, Terre Haute Brewing Company; Bob Baesler, Baesler's Market; Shelley Klingerman, Launch Terre Haute; Dana Vicars and Brooke Schmidt, Brooke’s Candy; Tracie Yelich, Indiana Small Business Development Center; Larry Heath and Bernard Ridens, SCORE gave their insights into business and entrepreneurship.​​

Spark Innovation Seminar 2016

<< Spark Innovation webpages >> << Photo Gallery 1 >> << Photo Gallery 2 >> << Television Report >> << Newspaper Report >>

Alpha Epsilon Recognized by Gamma Iota Sigma

November 17, 2016

Gamma Iota Sigma logoAlpha Epsilon, the Indiana State chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, the International Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science Collegiate Fraternity, , has just been awarded the Well-Rounded Chapter and International Chapter Award by the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee of the GIS.

The award was given during the 45th Gamma Iota Sigma Annual International Conference in Columbus Ohio. The Conference drew over 500 top risk management, insurance, and actuarial science students and advisors from 57 colleges and universities throughout North America, plus 71 sponsors, 62 career fair exhibitors, and over 250 industry representatives. More than 400 interviews for internships and entry-level positions were conducted on-site during the 2016 conference, with multiple offers reported from participating companies and organizations.

The purpose of this Gamma Iota Sigma is to promote, encourage, and sustain student interest in insurance, risk management, financial services and actuarial science as professions; to encourage the high moral and scholastic attainments of its members; and to facilitate interaction of educational institutions and industry through networking and by fostering research activities, scholarship, and improved public relations.

Congratulations to Alpha Epsilon and their advisor, Rebecca Wray.

Alpha Epsilon Recognized by Gamma Iota Sigma

L-R: Dylan Hollar, Madeline Sherbondy, AJ McNeil, Alex Howdeshell, and Nate Jones with their award

New NFI Working Papers Available

November 15, 2016

Reza HoustonReza Houston, Networks' Director of Research, has recently made three new working papers available. 2016-WP-01 - "Friends in the Right Places: The Effect of Political Connections on Corporate Merger Activity" examines how the appointment of former politicians and regulators to boards of directors or management teams influences corporate acquisition activity and performance. 

2016-WP-02 - "Firms Behaving Badly: How Law-Trained Executives Affect Investor Reaction to Corporate Social Irresponsibility" investigating the association between the percent of law-educated board members and top management team executives in a firm and investor reaction to corporate social irresponsibility (CSI).

2016-WP-03 - "It’s a Sweetheart of a Deal: Political Connections and Federal Contracting" examines whether political connections measured by political contributions influences the choice of terms included in government contracts awarded to firms.

All three papers have been added to our Working Paper series page and will shortly be available from RePEc and SSRN.

Lucas Oil Stadium

November 14, 2016

Several of our students visited Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on a risk management tour during the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana Convention. Pictured are Meagan Steger, Evan Rogers, Trevor Steiner and Madeline Sherbondy.

Lucas Oil Stadium - November 14, 2016

Lucas Oil Stadium - November 14, 2016

Ethics Bowl 2016 - What Would You Do? #WWYD

​November 10, 2016

Ethics Bowl - November 2016 header

Congratulations to the Investment Club team for winning this year's Ethics Bowl. For more details see the Ethics Conference webpages.

Ethics Bowl 2016 - Investment Club team

Meet our Scholars: Christopher Moghadam

November 9, 2016

Christopher Moghadam - Class of 2019Christopher Moghadam, sophomore from Cloverdale, Ind., is a recipient of the President's Scholarship, the university's most prestigious award presented to 20 incoming freshmen.

Moghadam describes his time at Indiana State so far: "Hectic, but in a positive way."

Moghadam, majoring in business management, is active in the Honors Program, Networks Professional Development program, Creative Writing Society and is an RA in Pickerl Hall. Monghadam is interested in pursuing entrepreneurship after he graduates. He plans to get involved with Small Business Development program and Launch Program Terre Haute.

<< Full Story >>

Meet our Scholars: Austin Angel

November 9, 2016

Austin Angel - Class of 2018Austin Angel of Newton, Ill., is a recipient of the Networks Scholarship, awarded to business majors interested in pursuing a career in the financial services industry. Angel says he is grateful for all of the opportunities given to him so far.

Angel, junior, is majoring in finance with a concentration in financial planning and financial services with a concentration in accounting. He says, "ISU has helped me see who I really am and where I want to go."

<< Full Story >>

NSWC Crane’s Pathways Intern Program

November 4, 2016

Larynda KeithFor Larynda Keith, the goal has always been clear – Earn a degree in business, then get a job at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane).

Through NSWC Crane’s Pathways Intern Program, Keith has been able to work on both of those goals at the same time.

Keith, a senior at Indiana State University triple-majoring in finance, insurance and risk management, and business administration, has been a Pathways intern at NSWC Crane since May 2015, working within the Business and Financial Management Division.

<< Full Story (NSWC Crane News) >>

Indiana State MBA Ranked Among Top Programs Nationally

November 3, 2016

MBA Graduate ProgramIndiana State University has earned a spot on two rankings of the nation's top Master of Business Administration programs.

The academic test preparation and admissions counseling company included Indiana State's MBA program in "The Best 294 Business Schools," the 2017 edition of its annual guidebook after analyzing institutional data and reviewing student surveys from the past three academic years.

The Princeton Review highlighted multiple positive aspects of the program, including smaller class size and the university's proximity to Indianapolis, St. Louis and Chicago, and Terre Haute's low cost of living that makes it a desirable place to live, work and play.

<< Full Story >> << Indiana State MBA >> << Indiana State ProMBA >> << Indiana State MBA in Education Leadership >>

The Deserving Dozen

October 31, 2016

Seven State Alumni Among “12 Under 40” Honorees

Presented by the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce and Tribune-Star, "12 Under 40" recognizes young professionals who are making great contributions to the community. This year, several of the honorees are well-known to the Scott College of Business.

Jeffery Clutter, GR’14, works for the Vigo County School Corporation as the assistant career and technical education director, where he oversees the Adult Education Program. He is also enrolled in the new Woodrow Wilson MBA in Education Leadership at Indiana State and serves as president of the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education.

Brandon Henman, Finance '11, GR '15, is a vice president at Terre Haute Savings Bank, where he works as a mortgage loan officer. He serves on the boards of the nonprofits organizations Terre Haute Area Meals on Wheels and TREES Inc.

Courtney Richey, GR '10 works as regional director of the Small Business Development Center at Indiana State -- the "perfect career move for me as it is a perfect combination to satisfy my love for business with my philanthropic spirit," she said. Richey also serves on the board of directors of Junior Achievement, United Childcare, FSA Counseling Center and Young Leaders. In 2015, Richey was named Young Leader of the Year.

Congratulations to all the recipients of the “12 Under 40” award

<< Full Story >> << 12 Under 40 website >>

Jeff Cutter, Brandon Henman and Courtney Richey

Jeff Cutter, Brandon Henman and Courtney Richey

2016 IRM Honors Corps

October 28, 2016

Ten scholars were inducted into the Insurance and Risk Management Honors Corps at a luncheon and ceremony on Friday, October 2016.

The inductees were Joshua Bruce, Gregory Darling, Chevy Elliott, Elaina Freesmeier, Addison Grooms, Samantha Hightower, Seth Payton, Erika Perry, Laiya Sultan, and Justin Tolliver. Unfortunately some could not attend the ceremony due to internship commitments and others were studying abroad. Inductees must be in good standing with the University and have at least a 3.6 GPA.

The Insurance and Risk Management industry were represented by Steve Duff, Executive Vice President - Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana; Mike Janicki, Managing Director, Risk Control; Kevin Kelly, VP of Sales and Strategic Initiatives, Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Company; Gary Kupec, President, Corporate Insurance Consultants, Inc.; Mike Lopeman, Vice President, Artex Risk Solutions; John Lurker, Vice President of Sales - Key Accounts, United Healthcare; Wes Mantooth, Principal and Employee Benefits Practice Leader, Gibson; Brian McLeish, Sales Leader, State Farm; and Chad Trainor, Vice President & Manager, Arlington/Roe.

The entire Scott College of Business Insurance Advisory Council should be thanked for their support and participation.

<< More Photos >> << Program (PDF) >>

2016 IRM Honors Corps Luncheon

Pictured L-R at today’s luncheon and ceremony are MCs Meagan Stenger and Trevor Steiner, with inductees Justin Tolliver, Joshua Bruce, Greg Darling, Addison Grooms, and Seth Payton.

Students Meet with Retired Linebacker Gary Brackett MBA

October 19, 2016

Madeline Sherbondy, Meagan Stenger, Nate Jones, and Evan Rogers pictured with Gary Brackett and Indiana State professor William Warfel. Brackett was keynote speaker at today's Central Indiana CPCU Society Chapter meeting at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, Indiana.

Gary Brackett is a former American Football Linebacker in the National Football league (NFL). He played with the Indianapolis Colts from 2003-2011.  He was the Defensive Team Captain, Superbowl Champion (XLI) and 2x AFC Champion (2006, 2009). He played college football at Rutgers University.  In 2009, Brackett was the 11th annual recipient of the Arthur S. Arkush Humanitarian Award, presented to the NFL Player “whose contributions to the community and charitable organizations are especially outstanding.”  He won the award for this work with the IMPACT Foundation, a charity he founded in the spring of 2007.

In 2011, Brackett published Winning:  From Walk-On to Captain, in Football and Life, a memoir about his life, including his accomplishments and struggles with family, college and the NFL. Brackett earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from George Washington University after retirement. He owns and operates Brackett Restaurant Group in Indianapolis.  He started in the restaurant business as a partner of two Stacked Pickle locations. Brackett then opened Georgia Reese’s Southern Table & Bar.  In November 2014, he purchased all the Stacked Pickles and has since opened three more. Brackett was nominated by the Indianapolis Business Journal as one of “Indy’s 40 Under 40” in 2016. 

Students meet former NFL football player Gary Brackett

Madeline Sherbondy, Meagan Stenger, Nate Jones, and Evan Rogers pictured with Gary Brackett and Indiana State professor William Warfel

Todd Wilkowski, Attorney at Law at Frost Brown Todd LLC talked about Crisis Management, sharing lessons learned from project incidents he was involved in as the leader of Baker’s crisis response team. Linda Ferguson, CPCU, Senior Vice President of the Technical and Educational Products Division, The Rough Notes Company, Inc. presented an interactive educational seminar exploring personal and commercial lines coverage issues.  Attendees were required to work in a team to evaluate loss situations and determine if coverage is available under various commercial lines and personal lines policies.

Scott College of Business – Inspiring Innovation

October 1, 2016

Business incubators around the world — and at Indiana State — help start-ups get a stronger footing during the precarious beginning stages.  The corporate world isn’t for everyone, and Indiana State students interested in being part of the next generation of creators, inventors and moguls can learn what it will take to spread their wings through the Scott College of Business.

<< Full Story from STATE Magazine >>

SCOB professors and students visit a Thai incubator in 2016

Nati Sang, left, CEO and founder of Makerspace Thailand, talks with Indiana State professors Aruna Chandra and Bill Wilhelm and students who were studying abroad to learn more about the country’s entrepreneurship and sustainability practices.

New NFI Working Paper Available

September 30, 2016

Reza HoustonA new working paper, Friends in the Right Places: The Effect of Political Connections on Corporate Merger Activity, co-authored by NFI's Director of Research, Reza Houston, Stephen P. Ferris and David Javakhadze is now available for download from their webpages. The paper was originally delivered to the 2016 Insurance Reform Summit in Washington D.C. and published by Elsevier B.V.

The paper examines how the appointment of former politicians and regulators to boards of directors or management teams influences corporate acquisition activity and performance. It found that bidders with political connections are more likely to acquire targets and avoid regulatory delay or denial. The merger premium paid increases with political connectedness. The announcement period returns show that investors recognize that bids by politically connected acquirers are more likely to create firm value. Connected bidders make more bids and bid on larger targets. Connected acquirers also enjoy superior post-merger financial and operating performance.

All of NFI's Working Papers can be found on their pages and on the RePEc website.

2016 IRM Oktoberfest Golf Scramble - The Freshman Organizers

September 20, 2016

The Oktoberfest Golf Scramble is a fundraiser that helps support different opportunities for students such as corporate visits, national conferences, study trips and other activities.

Every year, the event is coordinated by a different junior at Indiana State University. This year, Trevor Steiner is in charge of organizing the outing.

<< Full Story >>

Sycamore Sam Golf cover

Panel: Indiana well poised as "Crossroads of America"

September 12, 2016

A panel of four logistics specialists addressed about 40 students at Indiana State University’s Scott College of Business about how to prepare for success in the industry. Indiana is the “Crossroads of America” and its central location is ideal for the logistics industry, which is expected to double in the state by 2035, according to Conexus Indiana, a private sector-led group focused on advanced manufacturing and logistics.

<< Full Story from The Tribune Star >>

Conexus Indiana / MSDC Panel Discussion

Strengthening Links with Thailand

September 12, 2016

Indiana State prides itself on its global outlook; our student body alone represents more than 50 countries. Globalization has become the cornerstone of our way of life in the 21st century - corporations, academic and financial institutions, governments, people, and entire economies throughout the world are linked at a multitude of levels.

Sustainability is essential in today’s environment as it affects both business practices and everyone’s quality of life. Ethics and corporate responsibility are also important and affect everybody.

Indiana State faculty and students have been particularly busy in Thailand this year with business students studying corruption, sustainability, business practices and marketing in this beautiful Asian country. Indiana State has had Thai students for decades and the stories of some of them also appear on our special Thailand feature page - http://www.indstate.edu/thailand

Some useful links:

Center for Global Engagement - http://www2.indstate.edu/ips/Mission.htm
Ethics Conference - https://www.indstate.edu/business/ethics
Institute for Community Sustainability - http://unboundedpossibilities.com/institute-for-community-sustainability/about.aspx

<< Full Story >>

Thai visit

Bo Knows State

August 22, 2016

A new video featuring accounting major and Presidents Scholar Bo Turner talking with Indiana State University President Dan Bradley about the recent additions and improvements to our campus has been released on YouTube.

<< Watch Video >>

Bo Turner

Scholars Added to MVC Athletics Honor Roll

August 9, 2016

Congratulations  to student-athletes Julia Linton, Katie Sullivan and Trent Lunsford who have all earned Missouri Valley Conference’s Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award, which requires a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for the previous two semesters, a minimum 3.2 cumulative grade point average, and participation in athletics.

The three have also joined the Missouri Valley Conference 2015-16 Honor Roll, which recognizes the academic achievement of student-athletes. To qualify for the Valley Honor Roll, a student-athlete must have recorded a minimum 3.2 grade point average for a specified term (Fall 2015/Spring 2016), must have been a member of an athletics team, and must have a minimum of 12 hours of enrollment during the fall or spring semesters.

Julia and Katie’s achievement was in soccer and Trent’s in baseball. Julia is a Networks Scholar working towards a degree in business administration. Katie is a President's Scholar studying finance and Trent is also a Networks scholar, also studying finance.

A full list of the awards can be found at http://cdn.streamlinetechnologies.com/mvc/BB84E3A9-225B-4DFE-A5CE-AEACE0DE15E0/2015-16%20Honor%20Roll%20Release_FIX.pdf

2015-2016 MVC Honor Roll

Bob Heaton ('80) Earns Distinguished Alumni Award

August 1, 2016

Bob HeatonBob Heaton, played alongside Larry Bird on the 1978-79 men's basketball team that competed for a NCAA championship. He was known as "Miracle Bob" for his late-in-the-game shots that kept the Sycamores' dream season alive.

Heaton is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and was a Blue Beret while he earned a business administration degree with a concentration in marketing.

President of Heaton Financial Services since 2003, Heaton (R-Terre Haute) has represented District 46 in the Indiana House of Representatives since 2010. He was voted chief majority whip of the House Republican caucus and serves on the financial institutions committee as vice chair, insurance committee and natural resources committee. Heaton previously worked for Forrest Sherer Inc. as an insurance sales person.

Heaton and his wife, Jane Ann, have two children and four grandchildren. Lifetime residents of the Wabash Valley, he serves the community through several community organization boards including the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau, Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, Wabash Valley Youth for Christ and Leadership Terre Haute Class 5.

<< Full Story >>

Business Students Examine Corruption in Thailand

August 1, 2016

The faculty of political science and public administration at Chiang Mai University extended an invitation to Bill Wilhelm, who is collaborating with professors at the institution for an ongoing research study measuring moral reasoning to learn how Thai students and young professionals handle ethical decisions.

Corruption in the United States tends to be at the top, he said. As with many southeast Asian nations, Thailand’s corruption occurs at all levels of society, and Chiang Mai University is turning to Wilhelm to provide education on ethical decision-making to help turn the tides.

<< Full Story >>

Prof. Bill Wilhelm with students Katelyn Haase and Laura Johnson in Thailand
Prof. Bill Wilhelm with students Katelyn Haase and Laura Johnson in Thailand

Will Lehman Named One of "10 Under 40"

July 28, 2016

Will Lehman, ARM, CRIS was recently named one of Bloomington, IN., Chamber of Commerce “10 Under 40.” The award ceremony took place at Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington on July 28. Will is currently an insurance specialist at Cook Medical Group and was a 2014 Indiana State insurance and risk management graduate and Networks scholar.

“Each of these young professionals, with their impressive work ethic and dynamic leadership, has already made a significant impact in their business and in our community,” said Jeb Conrad, President and CEO of The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.

Photo: Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. Will is back row, center.

<< Bloomington Chamber of Commerce >> << Inside Indiana Business >>

2016 Bloomington 10 Under 40

Donors Recognized at Foundation Awards Banquet

July 26, 2016

Among those recognized at Saturday's March On! Awards event were friends of the Scott College of Business, Lilly Endowment and Don and Susan Scott.

The Lilly Endowment has provided more than $45 million in philanthropic support of programs, scholarships and initiatives across Indiana State's campus and has been a partner in fulfilling the university's mission to prepare leaders. Launched in 2003, the Networks Development Program provides full in-state tuition scholarships to Scott College of Business students. To date, more than 130 graduates have completed the intensive experience.

Don and Susan Scott's personal connection to Federal Hall, formerly the Federal Building built in 1935, inspired the largest individual gift in university history to name the Scott College of Business.

The Scotts' generosity enhanced the renovation of the 1930s-era structure. The couple's connection to Indiana State and the Terre Haute community was a catalyst for the transformation of the facility into a state-of-the-art educational space for one of Indiana State's largest colleges. The Scotts are members of the ISU Foundation's Book & Torch Society, 1865 Society and President's Society. Don Scott received an honorary doctorate from Indiana State in 2015.

Sarah Cobb and Don and Susan Scott at the March On! 2016 awards

Sarah B. Cobb, Lilly Endowment's vice president for education and Don and Susan Scott accepting their rewards at the March On! 2016 awards banquet.

<< Full  Story >> << Photo Gallery >>

Indiana State Students Awarded Lilly Endowment Scholarship

July 15, 2016

Kyle CollinsTwo incoming Indiana State University freshmen have been awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Now in its 19th year, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has awarded more than $333 million. Taylor Thrasher of Sullivan County and Kyle Collins of Pulaski County are recipients of this prestigious award that provides four years of full-tuition scholarships and book stipends to Indiana students. Kyle is a Networks Scholar and a member of the Class of 2020 Networks Professional Development Program.

"I am extremely grateful for the Lilly Endowment Scholarship and the Pulaski County Community Foundation for selecting me among a great group of peers," Collins said. "In high school I had the chance to learn the importance of philanthropy, academic excellence and community involvement. Being given this honor, I have realized that it is my responsibility to make my hometown proud with what I do."

<< Full Story >>

Welcome to the 2016 University Honors Scholars

July 12, 2016

Indiana State University has awarded the University Honors Scholarship to 31 outstanding freshmen set to begin their studies this fall.

The students chosen for these competitive scholarships demonstrated high levels of academic achievement throughout high school and during an on-campus interview process. Specifically, students are required to have at least two of the following: a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale, a score of 1200 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT and a ranking within the top 10 percent of their high school class.

Congratulations to all 31 students and welcome to the Scott College of Business to the three taking business degrees, Alison Dial (accounting), Taylor Yates (business administration), and Taylor Morris (finance). All three are also joining the Networks Professional Development Program, class of 2020.

<< Full Story >>

2016 Honors Scholars - Alison Dial, Taylor Morris &amp; Taylor Yates

Welcome to the 2016 Networks Scholars

July 8, 2016

Eight incoming Indiana State University students have been awarded the Networks Scholarship for 2016.

Networks Financial Institute Scholarship provides first-year students with full in-state tuition for four years and a $3,000 professional development account. Recipients of the Networks Scholarship have also been presented the opportunity to become part of the prestigious Networks Professional Development Program in the Scott College of Business. The Networks Program is intended to develop future leaders of the financial services and business fields.

There is a heavy focus on both professional and personal growth through hands-on learning, industry relationships and personalized coaching through participation in weekly educational seminars, student-led planning and execution of projects that impact the program and the university and community with events like the annual Ethics Conference held at Indiana State each spring.

Congratulations and welcome to Gretchen Burkhart, Kyle Collins, Kyle Deters, Luke Fleck, Jacob Kissick, Samantha Lewis, Andy Mersman, and Allison Meyer.

<< Full Story >> << Class of 2020 NPDP Scholars >>

2016 Networks Scholars

Sophomore Crowned 2016 Vigo County Fair Queen

July 1, 2016

Makayla Herring crowned 2016 Vigo County Fair QueenCongratulations to Makayla Herring, 19, of West Terre Haute who withstood the challenges of 12 other contestants in being named 2016 Miss Vigo County Fair queen last month at Indiana State University’s Tilson Auditorium.

A 2015 West Vigo High School graduate, she is an ISU President’s Scholar and a member of the Networks Professional Development Program sophomore majoring in insurance and risk management.

She also will try to be the first Vigo County representative to become Indiana State Fair queen since 1972 when Vicki Ann Sotak earned that title after winning the Vigo County queen contest in 1971.

“I’m beyond blessed,” she told the Tribune-Star afterward. “I feel extremely happy, excited, nervous, anxious all at once. Young Herring also received the Sarah Roberts Norton Legacy Award and Miss Congeniality Award. 

(Photo: Tribune Star/Jim Avelis)

<< Full Story >>

Brandon Nettrouer Awarded Indiana State University's President's Medal

June 16, 2016

Brandon NettrouerGongaware scholar Brandon Nettrouer was awarded the President's Medal for Leadership, Scholarship and Service at Indiana State University.

The medal is awarded to a junior or senior who has exhibited a passion for service, leadership and academic merit. Nettrouer of South Whitley graduated with an insurance and risk management degree and an insurance sales certificate. He has already started his career in South Bend with Gibson, an independent insurance agency, as an associate risk advisor.

<< Full Story >>

First Chicks Since Peregrine Relocation

June 9, 2016

Peregrine FalconIn February 2015, just before their demolition, the peregrine falcons that nested on top of Statesman Towers were moved to the Sycamore Building.

The pair attempted to start a family last year prior to a nest box being built, but the eggs rolled off because of the slope of the ledge. This year they were more successful with three chicks being hatched.

Indiana currently has about 20 falcon territories, 14 of which include nests with eggs. The population is a part of the best large-scale restoration effort for peregrine falcons, coordinated by the Midwest Peregrine Society.

This image is of one of the falcons above Statesman Towers in 2012.

<< Full Story >> << Nest Relocation >>

Welcome to the 2016 Gongaware Scholars

June 2, 2016

Four students have been selected to participate in the 2015-16 class of Gongaware Scholars in the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University.

The Gongaware Scholarship provides recipients with a full in-state tuition scholarship, a $3,000 professional development account and creates networking opportunities through involvement in various events and activities. Students are given multiple professional and developmental opportunities including paid internships, professional mentors and leadership roles. Gongaware Scholars also participate in the Networks Professional Development Program and receive a laptop computer through the ISU Laptop Award.

Congratulations and welcome to Addison Grooms, Erika Perry, Gregory Darling, and Chevy Elliott.

<< Full Story >>

2016 Gongaware Scholars

Woodrow Wilson Foundation MBA Fellows in Education Leadership

June 2, 2016

Woodrow Wilson FoundationIndiana State University continues its efforts to improve student success in classrooms across the state by welcoming its inaugural cohort of Woodrow Wilson MBA Fellows in Education Leadership.

The MBA in Education Leadership is a unique program designed in partnership with Indiana State’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.

Blending clinical practice in schools with innovative business school coursework, the MBA in Education Leadership is designed to ensures graduates have the knowledge and skills not only to guide schools and districts in a changing education environment, but also close achievement gaps between America’s lowest- and highest-performing schools and between the country’s top-performing schools and those around the world.

​<< Full Story >>

Welcome to the 2016 President's Scholars

June 2, 2016

The President's Scholarship, awarded to 20 incoming students, provides full, in-state tuition and premium housing and has a total four-year value of more than $78,000.

"Although only 20 of the approximately 180 applicants receive the scholarships, each student is already a winner by the mere fact they qualified receive this honor. This event is truly wonderful to take part in, as these students are a delight to meet and engage in conversation," said John Beacon, senior vice president for enrollment management, marketing and communications.

Especially welcome are the four scholars entering the Scott College of Business, Courtney Ferguson, Brooke Hendricks, Joshua McCammon, and Katelyn Nuthak

​<< Full Story >>

2016 Presidents Scholars

MBA Students Research Marketing Tactics Used in Thailand

June 1, 2016

MBA students Meryem Sqalli Houssaini and Salma Chakour participated in a spring study abroad trip to Thailand led by professors Aruna Chandra and Bill Wilhelm.

With guidance from Chandra, Houssaini and Chakour began researching marketing tactics at elephant parks by grouping parks based on their marketing approaches into elephant friendly versus not-so-elephant-friendly parks. They used social media to also group the tourists visiting these parks based on the focus of their park experience; “the fun factor” versus eco-tourism and elephant welfare

<< Full Story >>

MBA students Salma Chakour and Meryem Sqalli Houssaini in Thailand

MBA students Salma Chakour and Meryem Sqalli Houssaini  in Thailand

Scholarships Awarded to Financial Planning Majors

May 20, 2016

Congratulations to Finance Program juniors Tyler Pfaff and Kaitlin Goings for their scholarship awards. Tyler, a Financial Planning Major and Financial Services Minor, was awarded the 2016 Northwestern Mutual Financial Planning Scholarship. Kaitlin, a Financial Planning Major, was awarded both the Dr. Eurico Ferreira Finance Scholarship and Forrest Sherer Scholarship​.

Tyler Pfaff Kaitlin Goings

Indiana State Status Reconfirmed by CFP Board

May 16, 2016

CFP LogoIndiana State University has maintained its registration with Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) to provide a financial planning program with Bachelor of Science in Finance. Students completing the financial planning program at Indiana State University will have met the education standard of the education, examination, experience, ethics and other requirements needed for CFP® certification.

“As student interest in financial planning as a career continues to grow, we anticipate that Indiana State’s program will contribute significantly to the number of qualified candidates seeking to attain the certification, the standard of excellence for competent and ethical financial planning,” said Richard P. Rojeck, CFP®, chair of CFP Board’s Board of Directors.

Today, CFP Board partners with over 360 programs at more than 225 institutions that meet specific criteria for educating individuals who wish to fulfill the education component for obtaining CFP® certification. More than 70,000 individuals have currently successfully completed the initial and ongoing certification requirements.  

Networks Scholars get Down to Business on the Golf Course

May 9, 2016

"Being able to play golf and be professional on the course is always a good thing to learn in business," said sophomore insurance major Ryan Polito. "It is also an event that helps us, as Networks Scholars, to have fun and build relationships with other students who are in the program."

While the golf activity has been an annual end-of-the-year event for all members of the Networks Professional Development Program for several years, this was the first time the group played at Hulman Links in Terre Haute and received direction from eight members of Indiana State's women's golf team.

<< Full Story >> << Image Gallery >>

NFI 2016 Golf Pracrice

Networks' Scholars Abby Shanks, Bo Turner, and Chris Moghadam

Tim Leman ('97) Speaks at Commencement

May 7, 2016

Scott College of Business '97 Insurance and Risk Management alumnus and Gibson Insurance CEO Tim Leman spoke on the importance of graduates not setting limits on themselves.

"If you set limits, you will only get there. To be unconditional, you have to have no limits," Leman said, using his rise through the business world as a model. "Being unconditional is not just about not setting limits, though. It's about setting higher and better ones."

<< Full Story >>

Tim Leman - Commencement 2106

Indy 500 Attracts Brazilian MBA Students to State

May 1, 2016

Indiana State’s proximity to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway helps attract students from one of Brazil’s leading MBA programs to the Scott College of Business for an annual seminar on finance.

Now in its third year, the week-long program for students at Fundação Getulio Vargas, a university and think tank, is timed to include the Indianapolis 500. It also features three days of classes and visits to the Federal Reserve Bank and Money Museum in Chicago.

Aruna Chandrasekaran, professor of management in the Scott College who coordinates the seminar, calls Fundação Getulio Vargas “the Harvard of Brazil” and notes that Indiana State is one of only three American universities with which it partners on such programs. 

The Brazilian students will be here from May 22 to May 30, 2016.

<< Full Story >> << Photo Galleries >> << FGV Program >>

2015 FGV students

The  2015 FGV Students

Spring 2016 Edition of State Magazine

May 1, 2016

State Magazine Spring 2016The Indianapolis 500, the most prestigious event of the IndyCar calendar, has its 100th running on May 29. State Magazine celebrates the occasion with articles about the event and Indiana State's connections; from alumni at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to Team Sycamore Racing, now in its 9th year.

There's an interactive copy of the magazine at https://issuu.com/indianastateuniversity/docs/indianastate_2016  or you can view the articles as normal webpages at http://statemagazine.com/

The university has strong ties with the industry with the minor in Motorsports Management being introduced a decade ago.

Gibson CEO, Tim Leman, to Speak at Commencement

April 29, 2016

Tim Leman '97 AlumnusOnce he became a Sycamore, Leman knew he had made the right choice. He enjoyed being active in campus organizations and getting to know fellow students and faculty. "I liked that I knew everyone. ISU is small enough that you can have a personal relationship with your professor, with the dean of your college and with many, many students," he said. "I got to know lots of the other fraternity guys and sorority girls."

Some of his campus activities included Lambda Chi Alpha (social fraternity treasurer), Gamma Iota Sigma (business fraternity president), Alpha Omicron Pi (social sorority "Sweetheart Guy"), intramurals, math lab tutor and much more. "I got to be involved and active on campus," he said. "I feel like I got the full college experience."

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Networks Professional Development Program Year End Review and Awards

April 29, 2016

Congratulations to all our award winners but everyone in the program are exemplary people.

<< NPDP Awards Winners >> << Photo Gallery >>

2016 NPDP Year End Review and Awards

Scott College of Business Honors Day

April 29, 2016

Outstanding students, staff and faculty were recognized at the annual Honors Day awards.

<< IRM Honors Photo Gallery >> << Honors Photo Gallery >>

2016 Honor Day

Professor Recognized for Paper

April 27, 2016

Reza HoustonNetworks Financial Institute's Director of Research and  Assistant Professor, Reza Houston's recent publication in Managerial Finance "Does the Revolving Door Swing Both Ways? The Value of Political Connections to U.S. Firms” published in Managerial Finance 2015 Vol 41 10 E received their Highly Commended Paper in the 2016 Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence. .

<< About the Emerald Literati Awards >>   << 2016 Awards for Excellence >> << Dr. Houston's Paper >>

Networks' Fellow and professor at the University of New Orleans, M. Kabir Hassan, has been awarded the Islamic Development Bank Prize in Islamic Banking and Finance for 2016.

<< 2016 IDB Prize in Islamic Banking and Finance >> 

Financial Planning Association Student Day April 21, 2016

Yesterday's event was organized by FPA of Greater Indiana. Our students were sponsored by Focus Indiana with the help of the ISU Career Center and the students had a wonderful experience.

The students “shadowed” a financial planner in the morning, and attended a networking luncheon with Secretary of State Securities Commissioner, Alex Glass and Investor Education Coordinator, Kelly Griese.

Financial Planning Concentration webpage

FPA Student Day 2016

Scholars Present at NCUR

April 11, 2016

Following a trip to Italy with the Networks Professional Development Program in August,  Kyle Varble, Breanna Blythe, and Monica Griesemer worked with Dr. Aruna Chandra and Kim LaGrange to prepare a case study about understanding the business environment of Italy through the eyes of a start-up company.  This past week they had the opportunity to present their research in Ashville, North Carolina at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

 NCUR 2016 - Kyle Varble, Breanna Blythe, and Monica Griesemer

Meis Student Development Center Executive Dining Experience

April 6, 2016

The Meis Student Development Center held the 16th semi- annual Executive Dining Experience on April 6th in Indianapolis. Students had a chance to network and dine with professionals at the Skyline Club. Here are a few shots from the evening. This is one of our favorite events each semester! These students were nominated by faculty and staff to represent not only the Scott College of Business but also Indiana State University.

2016 MSDC Executive Dining Experience

State Farm Circle of Influence Speaker: Melissa Bowler

April 5, 2016

Melissa BowlerGuest speaker Melissa Bowler showed how you can improve your sales performance by using improv!

Melissa is a founding member and the Executive Director of the Providence Improv Guild, and will share how useful improv can be in training salespeople as well as improving sales performance.

<< Event Flyer >> << Photo Gallery >>

Alumni Profile - Jim Elliott '81

March 31, 2016

Jim Elliott - Alumni '81Jim Elliott would likely agree that we are all pawns of the market. We go where the jobs are, and we sell what people want to buy. Were it not for both of these conditions, Elliott — a Lowell, Ind., native who graduated from Indiana State in the winter of 1981 — would have ended up starting his career with a marketing firm in Chicago or perhaps Indianapolis.

Instead, his destiny lay in Texas, where he would log time not only in marketing, but also retail management and high school teaching. All of that, however, was arguably a prologue for Elliott’s signature professional contribution as the entrepreneurial owner and operator of Cedar Creek Brewery nestled in the small town of Seven Points.

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Students Talk Insurance in Foreign Markets During Trip to United Kingdom

March 29, 2016

Eleven insurance students traveled to London,March 12-19, to study the insurance market were accompanied by Rebecca Wray, director of Indiana State University's Networks Financial Institute and Gongaware Center for Insurance & Financial Services, and John Liu, associate professor of insurance and risk management. An Unbounded Possibilities grant from the Indiana State University Center for Global Engagement and assistance from the insurance program helped the students fund their travels.

Insurance students at the Chartered Insurance Institute, London

Insurance students at the Chartered Insurance Institute, London

The students had the opportunity to visit Lloyd's of London - the world's largest independent market and oldest continuously active insurance marketplace; Crawford & Company - the world's largest-independent provider of claims management solutions to insurance companies and self-insured entities; Lockton Companies - the world's largest privately-owned insurance brokerage; Aon Benfield - the world's leading reinsurance intermediary and full-service capital advisor; and Chartered Insurance Institute - the world's largest professional body dedicated to insurance and financial services.

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Houston and Varble Present at Insurance Summit

March 17, 2016

Networks Financial Institute's Director of Research, Reza Houston and Networks Scholar Kyle Varble both talked at the recent Network's Annual Insurance Public Policy Summit in Washington D.C.

Links to the paper Reza presented, "Friends in the Right Places: The Effect of Political Connections on Corporate Merger Activity" and Federal Insurance Office director, Michael McRaith's prepared speech can be found on the Insurance Summit webpages.

Reza Houston and Kyle Varble - March 2016

Policy Summit to Address Election Year Effect on Insurance Industry

March 10, 2016

Congressional, government and industry leaders will discuss ramifications that the upcoming presidential election could have on insurance regulation at the 12th annual Networks Financial Institute Insurance Public Policy Summit on March 17.

Organized by Indiana State University's Networks Financial Institute in the Scott College of Business with support from Faegre Baker Daniels and FaegreBD Consulting, the summit is themed Decision 2016: The Impact on Insurance Regulation.

NFI 12AIPPS 2016 Title

"As we move closer to decision 2016, it was important to incorporate the political climate and the effect the result will have on the future of the insurance industry," said Rebecca Wray, director of Networks Financial Institute. "Attendees will benefit from the summit by hearing first-hand from Members of Congress, key Congressional staff, federal and state regulators, and industry leaders on how they anticipate decision 2016 will impact insurance regulation."

The summit will run 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on the 8th floor of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. It is free and open to the public.

<< News Story >> << Summit Pages >>

Brandon Nettrouer: Making an IMPACT

March 8, 2016

Brandon Nettrouer - Class of 2016Indiana INTERNnet celebrated internship excellence on Feb. 3, 2016, at the 10thAnnual IMPACT Awards luncheon. Though the event is over and the winners have been announced, we are continuing to celebrate the nominees’ successes.

Brandon Nettrouer will graduate from Indiana State University this May. Then he will relocate to South Bend to start a full-time career with Gibson, the company he completed an internship with last summer.

<< Story from Indiana Intern >>

Alumni Profile: Kent Kramer '90

February 29, 2016

Kent KramerAs a high schooler, Kent Kramer worked part time in a grocery store in his Muncie hometown. That’s when he discovered the profession he would like to pursue.

“I loved working at the grocery and knew that I wanted to get into the retail business,” he said. “Although retail is just a part of what I do today, I still enjoy it a great deal.”

In his senior high school year, Kramer was offered an Indiana State academic scholarship and visited the campus. “I fell in love with it,” he said. Once a Sycamore, Kramer became involved in campus activities, which added immensely to his college experience and future career.

“I greatly appreciate the leadership opportunities that ISU provided,” Kramer said. “I held officer roles with my Sigma Nu fraternity, was an SGA senator, participated in Leadership Task Force, worked on Tandem and Greek Week steering committees. I also enjoyed the classes and internship opportunities provided by the school of business.”

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Bank Fraud, Professional Responsibility on Docket for 11th Annual Ethics Conference

February 23, 2016

Juniors in Indiana State University's Networks Professional Development Program in the Scott College of Business will show that there is more to ethics than meets the eye at the 11th annual Ethics Conference on March 2 in Hulman Memorial Student Union.

2016 Ethics Leadership Team

"This is a big project for students to put together, and I've learned the importance of being proactive when working as a team and making sure that you know all of the details of what the other groups are doing," said Ben Weber, a junior finance and financial services major. "There are a lot of steps that go into planning an event like this, and I'm looking forward to seeing it all come together on March 2."

<< News Story >> << Ethics Website >>

Students Turn Abroad Experience into Undergraduate Business Research

February 22, 2016

If undergraduates Breanna Blythe, Kyle Varble or Monica Griesemer choose to seek advanced degrees, or work for a global firm their experiences traveling abroad, conducting research and preparing to present at a national conference while students at Indiana State University will go a long way. Last August, the Networks Scholar trio visited Rome, Italy on an eight-day trip as part of their Networks Professional Development Program. The program partnered with the Scott College of Business' Aruna Chandra, professor of management, and management instructor Kim LaGrange, who led the trip that included tours of four businesses, St. John's University, European Space Agency, UniCredit Bank and a BIC Lazio business incubator.

Breanna Blythe - Class of 2018 Kyle Varble Monica Greisemer - Class of 2018

Breanna Blythe, Kyle Varble, and Monica Griesemer

The research was funded in part by a Creative Research Grant from the Center for Student Research and Creativity. At the urging of Tom Steiger, an Indiana State psychology professor and director of the student research and creativity, the students submitted their case study National Council on Undergraduate Research and were selected as part of a competitive process to present their work at the council's research conference in Ashville, N.C., April 7-10. spent several months conducting research to write a case study on an Italian ride sharing start up business following their short-term study abroad trip to Italy last August as part of a class on Entrepreneurship in Italy taught by Aruna Chandra, who secured a grant from the Center for Global Engagement to support a portion of the travel costs of the study abroad trip.

<< News Story >>

Chris Penn: Traveler, Entrepreneur, and Social Media Marketeer

February 16, 2016

On February 9, "Chris Penn presented in our beautiful former courtroom about his lifestyle revolving around his YouTube Channel, “Chris and G Travels.” In his presentation, Chris talked about how the ISU Study Abroad Program motivated him to travel during his life. He graduated from ISU in 2008 and began his adventure evolving into where he currently is able to earn a living via his YouTube Channel network and the resulting connections to businesses YouTube has facilitated. He and his girlfriend, Gina, are truly Digital Marketing Entrepreneurs. The students in my Promotional Strategies unanimously voted that his presentation was “worth their time” while also being “inspiring” for them to integrate digital marketing tools into their professional lives." said Dr. Vernon Sweetin, Assistant Professor of Marketing and Operations.

Chris Penn - February 9, 2016

Thanks go to to our Digital Marketing team of Dr. Bhowmick, and Dr. Mikeska, with special praise to Ishaan Vadhera, Director of the ISU Student Marketing Company. Kaitlin from the Meis Center was very helpful with the launch of our promotional activities and many other aspects.  Betsy Simon, Assistant Director of Media Relations wrote some very favorable articles helping to increase our attendance.  Dr. Schikora generously facilitated financial support. Thanks again to all the faculty who assisted in numerous ways.

The videos can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-C419jn1Ok and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owqQMwWwNGg and have been added to the playlists on our own YouTube channels at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtQjn2SNLjheebPj1-BH-BA/playlists and https://www.youtube.com/user/NFINPDP/playlists 

<< News Story >> << Previous News >> << Photo Gallery >>

PI Kappa Alpha Helps Local Girl Celebrate Valentine’s Day

February 15, 2016

Gongaware scholar Brandon Nettrouer is a senior in Insurance & Risk Management and he is getting his Insurance Sales Certificate; he also serves as the Indiana State chapter president of PI Kappa Alpha.

He spearheaded an effort this past weekend to provide a special Valentine’s Day for a local girl who is battling a rare disease and cannot attend school to celebrate with her friends.

<< WTHITV News Story >>

Risk Manager in Residence - Carolyn Snow

February 10, 2016

Carolyn Snow is Director of Risk Management at Humana Inc. and is also the current Risk Manager in Residence at the Scott College of Business.

Her presentation was interesting and covered the upcoming mergers between Humana and Aetna, between Anthem and Cigna and the recent one between UnitedHealth and Catamaran.

She also talked about the risk management and what it means for sharing economy companies such as Uber, Lyft, Airbnb and Alibaba.

Another hot topic in the insurance world at the moment is cybersecurity and she briefly touched on the methods used by Humana to protect their data.

2016 Risk Manager in Residence - Carolyn Snow

If you remember, both the shared economy and cybersecurity were featured in Networks Financial Institute’s forum, “Insuring the Future and Beyond” in Indianapolis last October - http://www.indstate.edu/business/NFI/2015PCIF/ - and will be again in their 12th Annual Insurance Public Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. in March - http://www.indstate.edu/business/NFI/12AIPPS/

<< Photo Gallery >>

Indiana State Grad Talks Travels, Digital Marketing World with Students

February 3, 2016

"Where do you live?"

It's a simple question for most people but not 2008 Indiana State University alumnus Chris Penn and his girlfriend, Gina Valdez.

"Everywhere, I guess you would say," Valdez said before she and Penn took the floor to talk to a few dozen current Sycamores about their story and how today's social media tools allowed them to begin making side money by posting videos of their travels to YouTube.

Chris Penn - February 9, 2016

The couple, who have been traveling in their RV for the past few years and have attracted more than 47,000 subscribers to their channel, Chris and G Travels, shared their story and the benefits of the effective use of social media in today's digital world during a presentation Tuesday.

<< News Story >> << Previous News >> << Photo Gallery >>

Indiana State Grad to Present on Effective use of Social Media in Marketing

February 4, 2016

Chris Penn - Chris &amp; G Travels"During his college internship, 2008 Indiana State University graduate Chris Penn, learned the 9-5 life was not for him and he began searching for an alternative lifestyle, which he did by traveling shortly after he graduated from Indiana State," Vernon Sweetin, assistant professor of marketing.

Penn, who travels with his girlfriend Gina, eventually began making extra money through social media and posting travel videos to YouTube, where the couple has attracted more than 47,000 subscribers to their channel, Chris and G Travels.

The couple will share their story and discuss the benefits of the effective use of social media in today's digital world during a presentation at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Federal Hall courtroom, Room 223. The presentation is open to the university community.

<< Read full story >>  << Photo Gallery >>

Love of Learning

February 3, 2016

Working together as undergraduate students on the Purdue University yearbook, Connie and Bruce McLaren developed a rapport that continues today. After more than 40 years, they are still partners — in work and in life.

Bruce and Connie McLaren

In 1979, the two returned to Indiana to join the faculty of Indiana State University. Bruce is associate dean and professor in the Scott College of Business. Connie is professor of operations and supply chain management in the marketing and operations department of the college.

<< Read full story >>

Annual Groundhog Day Event Yields Contrasting Views for 2016

February 2, 2016

Economic predictions for the year ahead were made during the annual Groundhog Day Economic Forecast event, sponsored by Indiana State University's Scott College of Business, Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce and Terre Hate Savings Bank & Financial Service.

2016 Groundhog Day Economic Forecast

Indiana's gross domestic product of $290 billion and substantial growth in personal income level has put the state on an OK path in the new year, Bob Guell, professor of economics, said. In contrast, he described economic conditions in Terre Haute as "tolerable," as the unemployment rate comes in at 5.6 percent and personal income levels continue to be "stuck in the mud."

Steve Witt, president of the Terre Haute Economic Development Corp., sees a more hopeful year for the Wabash Valley, which attracted attention in the last year from international companies in Italy and Belgium and domestic businesses in New Jersey, California and North Carolina.

<< Read full story >> << Photo Gallery >>

Mari A. Swayne, '95, GR '98 

January 31, 2016

A “double Sycamore,” this alumna hopes to some day earn her Ph.D. at Indiana State and become a “triple.”

Mari SwayneGreek life is an important part of the university community, Swayne said. “I’m happy to hear that many of the chapters are working their way back on campus,” she said. “I look forward to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority returning in the very near future. It definitely made a large impact on who I am today.”

While at Indiana State, Swayne also was a resident assistant and later a graduate assistant hall director. “That afforded me the opportunity to get involved in higher education administration,” she said.

It was at Indiana State that Swayne first became acquainted with the man who would later become her husband, Romel A. Swayne. “We met at ISU many years ago and got re-acquainted during a homecoming weekend,” she said. “We went on a date the Wednesday after homecoming and have been together ever since — almost 10 years.”

Both husband and wife are two-time degree alumni of Indiana State. Mari Swayne earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business education and her Master of Science degree in student affairs and higher education. Romel Swayne graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and a Master of Science degree in human resources. The couple lives in Indianapolis.

“I am proud to be a double alumnus (double Sycamore) of Indiana State University. Working in a high school affords me the opportunity to brag about ISU and encourage students to attend,” Swayne said. “I hope to return to begin my doctoral degree in the future — triple Sycamore. Go Sycamores!”

<< Read full story >>

Dena Irwin is Leading the State Program for Business, Information Technology, Entrepreneurship and Marketing Education

January 19, 2016

Dena IrwinBusiness education is about more than teaching for Dena Irwin, ’94. The Indiana State University graduate and teacher is ready to take her passion for the subject to the state level after being named the state program leader for business, information technology, entrepreneurship and marketing education.

“I was invited by the Indiana Department of Education to apply for the position this fall, and I was honored to be a candidate and to be interviewed,” she said. “As program leader at the Indiana Department of Education, I will work with Indiana business teachers and school administrators to develop new courses and update existing ones with new standards and content. I will be working with Indiana’s universities on their pre-service education programs while seeking educational resources that help teachers to be more effective.”

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Well Done Meagan!

January 12, 2016

Meagan StengerCongratulations to Indiana State University junior Meagan Stenger who has been recognized as the Greater Fort Wayne Fellows Program's 2015 Intern of the Year.

An insurance and risk management major, Meagan received the award after completing an internship at MedPro in Fort Wayne, which was among 15 companies participating in last year's fellows program.

"Perhaps the best way to judge the effectiveness of an intern is the impact left behind by the absence of the student in September." Meagan's MedPro's nomination letter stated.

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This Week in Florida with Dean Smith

January 12, 2016

If you are in Florida this week, we hope you will attend one or both of the ISU Alumni Receptions which Dean Smith and John Heintz, Senior Vice President of Development at Indiana State University Foundation, will be at, along with President Daniel J. Bradley and First Lady Cheri Bradley.

Sarasota Reception | Wednesday, January 13 
Hosted by Jay McHargue, '80
Marina Jack's | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
2 Marina Plaza | Sarasota, FL 

Naples Reception | Friday, January 15 
Hosted by the ISU Alumni Association and 
Roger Schorr, '65, GR '67 and Glenda Schorr, GR '68
Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
851 Gulf Shore Blvd North | Naples, FL 

Hope to see you there!

Networks 12th Annual Insurance Public Policy Summit Announced

January 7, 2016

NFI 12AIPPS 2016 header
NFI 12AIPPS 2016 Title

#insummit

Washington, D.C. - Thursday, March 17, 2016

<< NFI 2016 Events page >> << NFI main page >>