Events

Business Dean Offers Seminar Series in Leadership

Dr. Denise Rotondo, Dean of the School of Business, will share her expertise in leadership with MBA students in a trio of seminars that take place this summer. Rotondo put together this co-curricular series to further enhance the leadership focus for the MBA students. In the seminars, Rotondo will focus on specific managerial and leadership topics which are essential to career success in any organization. The seminars will be interactive, informative, and practical—designed to improve the participants’ skills regardless of their current level of responsibility. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear guest speakers from the business community and network with Business Advisory Board members in a special reception.
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2009 Senior Celebration and Honors Ceremony

The 2009 Senior Celebration and Honors Ceremony was held Friday, April 17th at 10 a.m. in 214 Harris.  The event honored School of Business May graduating seniors, student award winners, and new members of Delta Mu Delta, the National Honor Society in Business Administration. 

Dr. Jeff Langenderfer was recognized as an Honorary Member of Delta Mu Delta, and Ms. Kristy Eubanks received the Teacher of the Year Award. 

Student award winners included Margaret Armstrong, *Lois Frazier Award; Nancy Senter, *Sandra Hanner Award and Hanna Slomianyj, *Wall Street Journal Award.

Delta Mu Delta new inductees included Lacey Burt, Brittany Cornelius (President), Renata Heineman (Treasurer), Marjorie Hicks (Vice President), Nancy Senter, Hanna Slomianyj, Tesia Theriot, Sara Uniacke (Secretary), Virginia Wilkerson, and Katie Young.   Students qualifying for Delta Mu Delta must be juniors or seniors ranked in the top 20% of their class who have earned at least 21 credit hours in accounting, business, or economics.

Dr. Denise Rotondo and Dr. Susan Wessels recognized students and presented awards.   Afterward, business faculty and students enjoyed conversation and light refreshments.
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*Lois Frazier Award -- To honor the School of Business student who excels in scholarship, leadership, and service.  Presented in honor of Professor Emeritus Lois Frazier.

*Sandra Hanner Award -- To honor the School of Business student who exhibits academic excellence and leadership.  Presented to honor former business professor and MBA Director Sandra Hanner.

*Wall Street Journal Award -- To honor the School of Business student who exhibits high academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, meaningful contributions to class, excellence in research and/or writing, and synthesis of knowledge.

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Celebrating Student Achievement Day April 23rd

Celebrating Student Achievement Day is a day to extol the results of a year well spent in intellectual and creative growth.  Throughout the day, students present the results of the last year's endeavors.   These presentations represent the best of Meredith College student achievement.

Business majors Sara Roberson and Caitlin Dillon gave excellent presentations during Celebrating Student Achievement Day. 

Sara Roberson, a double major in Economics and Biology, discussed "Trends of Gender Distribution in Veterinary Medicine."  Her research revealed how over the twentieth and now twenty-first centuries, the status of women in the labor market has risen to be closer to that of men, particularly in the healthcare field.  Women entering the healthcare field tend to congregate in certain medical professions.  This trend is especially apparent in veterinary medicine, which has become a predominately female profession.  Using economic theory, she explained the increase of women and the decrease of men in veterinary medicine.  Her research reveals how the number of female applicants in the field of veterinary medicine has risen since the 1960's when less than 10% of vet school applicants were female.  More recent data indicates nearly 80% of all vet students are women.  Sara's research explored reasons for this increase, including a decrease in male applicants, politics of the 60's and 70's to benefit women, growth of the small animal industry, and more effective tools and sedatives in the veterinary field.  Sara's research also examined the prevalence of women owning veterinary practices as compared to men.

Caitlin Dillon, a Business Administration/Management concentration with a double major in Spanish -- worked with Dr. Tony Bledsoe on an undergraduate research project that resulted in a published article in a scholarly journal.  "Raleigh-Cary: Best Metro for Women Entrepreneurs?" has been accepted by the Journal of Business and Economics Research.  The paper is a gender-specific investigation into what makes a certain city the best place for women entrepreneurs.  Caitlin's research noted that several national studies have highlighted the Raleigh-Cary area as the "best place" to do business, but not as many have specifically said it is best for women.   This study was based on one of the few that did.  Data was gathered from a broad range of 22 women entrepreneurs through a survey and interviews.  The survey was based on national data of the best business location factors.  Results of the study in Raleigh-Cary were consistent with the top national factors determined from the non-gender specific studies.  However, women entrepreneurs articulated newly identified factors which may indicate some business location factors are gender specific.

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Student Internship Panel Event

Last fall, six business majors participated in a panel discussion about the value of internships.  Each student revealed how they gained relevant, professional experience that will distinguish them upon graduation.

Three students are Business Administration majors concentrating in Finance with very different internships.  Emily Harper is a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.  Emily was one of four women in a class of 23 students who began the required training in June.  This included completing a 40-hour on-line class as well as successfully completing two state exams and two Northwestern Mutual exams.  Emily is now licensed in life, health, and disability insurance and will soon be licensed in long-term care.  She looks forward to becoming a full-time Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual upon graduation from Meredith in May.   Taylor Chryst interned with Sagemark Consulting during the summer and discovered that she wants to become a Certified Financial Planner after graduation.  Taylor found that working directlywith clients to create and update financial plans was very rewarding. Margaret Armstrong spent the summer working as a Software and Peripherals Business Analyst for Lenovo in RTP.  She gained valuable experience analyzing and reporting on price trend data.  With Lenovo having headquarters both in RTP and Beijing, Margaret was exposed to the challenges and opportunities in a global company. 

Stephanie Farmer and Ashley Purnell are both Business Administration majors with concentrations in Marketing.  Stephanie's desire to intern in Nashville with a major record label required perserverance.  After sending her resume to many individuals, she was one of four interns hired out of 300 applicants by Universal Music. She became in charge of promotion for George Strait's Christmas album.  Stephanie has received calls from Sony and BMI to talk about her plans after graduation.  Ashley, now a senior, will have almost two years of experience when she graduates, having started last year as an intern with Paragon Commercial Bank.  Ashley works with market development and helps plan and execute events sponsored by the bank.  Her internship underscores the importance of networking and connecting with the community.

Lacey Burt, a Business Administration major with a concentration in Human Resource Management, interned at EEOC during the summer.  She investigated various discrimination and Title VII cases.  She now has direct experience with employment law, a valuable asset to any firm she works for after graduation.

The success of these students, and many other Meredith interns, proves that internships are vital to maximzing the value of any degree.  For more information, contact Kristy Eubanks at eubanksk@meredith.edu

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RBC Business Week at Meredith College

RBC Business Week at Meredith College was the week of September 15-19, 2008, with discussions and presentations focusing on "Green Business and Sustainability." Seven different interactive activities were held featuring presenters from 12 different companies.  Over 500 Meredith students participated in RBC Business Week.

The kickoff event was a panel discussion featuring Katherine Henderson, Associate, Sustainable Planning and Development, Cherokee Investment Partners; Martha Gettys, Business Development Manager of NC GreenPower; and Mike Nuckolls, Institutional Specialist, Specialized Markets, Shaw Contract Group. 

Joyce LaValle, a Senior Vice President at InterfaceFLOR, shared her company's commitment to having zero environmental impact, called "Mission Zero."

Laura Rowell, Director of Sustainable Packaging and Corporate Stewardship for MeadWestvaco, spoke to four undergraduate business classe, engaging students in a lively discussion of various sustainability challenges in her industry.

MBA students, faculty, and members of the business community gathered over dinner to hear a panel of experts share their vision of our green and sustainable future.  Rob Caldwell, Vice President for Efficiency and Innovative Technology at Progress Energy; Mike Nicklas, architect and owner of Innovative Design; Heather Denny, VP and COO of McDonald-York; Fred Dean, Regional Property Manager with Drucker & Falk; and Verna Gessaman, Senior Manager for Community and Economic Development at RBC Bank.  Ms. Gessamn explained the bank's new commitment to provide grants for projects that deliver clean water to needy areas.

Credit-Suisse hosted 25 business students in their LEED certified building in RTP.  Seventy-five students from selected classes toured Mez, the first "green" restaurant in North Carolina.  Mez was honored as the 2007 NC Sustainable Business of the Year. 

Fifty students participated in an all-day workshop entitled "The Green Game," originally created for companies.  Meredith College was the first higher-education institution to invite Medard Gabel from BigPictureSmallWorld to facilitate the session. Working in small groups, students were given actual cost data to use in calculating Meredith's options for becoming a greener campus.  Laura Fieselman, the new Sustainability Coordinator at Meredith College, joined the students for the Green Game and helped them tie together the concepts with the college environment. 

Students will use the projects developed in the game throughout the semester to create promotion campaigns and prepare news releases for the media.  The students' ideas are being compiled into a proposal for the Board of Trustees with the goal of moving toward a more sustainable campus environment.

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Meredith College MBA Study Abroad BUSINESS IN CHINA

Last summer, Dean Denise Rotondo, Dr. Ying Liao, Ms. Page Midyette, and six MBA students traveled to China, visting four cities and seven businesses in two weeks.  The students were able to experience the cultural differences that characterize business in China as compared to the U.S.  The course is the first at Meredith to focus on business in its global setting and the first to explore China.

The group visited companies engaged in global business in Beijing, Dalian, Shanghai, and Suzhou, including Danaher, General Electric, Genpact, the Dalian Commodities Exchange, Lenovo, and China Citic Bank.

Discussions with leaders such as Mr. Jack Wen, President of GE Energy in China, about the future of sustainable energy alternatives underscored the need to apply a global perspective to business, societal, and environmental problems.  Lenovo Senior Vice President Fran O'Sullivan made it possible for the group to make a direct comparison between the business environment in RTP and Beijing.

The trip has created opportunities for the School of Business to offer an intensive professional development experience for managers and executives at China Citic Bank.  Dean Rotondo is working with representatives of the NC China Center and the NC Bankers' Association to develop a program that draws upon the history and extensive presence of banking in North Carolina.

Business in China will become a regular component of the business program and the School plans to expand the international focus with new faculty, courses, and business partnerships.

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Faculty News

Meredith Research Makes New York Times Blog

Research by Meredith College Associate Professor of Economics Anne York is the topic of discussion on "The New York Times" College Choice Blog.

York's research examined 150 valedictorians to determine how the student's gender affected his or her college choices, intended majors and career plans.  Her paper was published in the peer reviewed Journal of Advanced Academics, in its summer 2008 edition.

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2009 Professor of the Year Awards

The School of Business congratulates Dr. Ying Liao and Ms. Kristy Eubanks.  Dr. Ying Liao was selected by a vote of the MBA students to receive the 2009 MBA Professor of the Year Award, and Ms. Kristy Eubanks was selected by a vote of the seniors to receive the 2009 Undergraduate Professor of the Year Award.  Dr. Liao teaches courses in Data Analysis for Business and Operations Management.  Ms. Eubanks teaches courses in Human Resource Management and is the advisor to SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management.)

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Faculty Experience Global Business First Hand

To incorporate a global perspective into their classes, School of Business faculty have traveled far and wide as part of their ongoing professional development activities.  Others bring international experience directly to Meredith. 

Dr. Tony Bledsoe attended the 2008 European Applied Business Research conference in Salzburg, Austria in June to present a paper entitled: "Graduates: Perceptions of MBA Value."  He also chaired a session where faculty from all over the globe presented research.  Dr. Bledsoe's co-author, Dr. Becky Oatsvall, has been involved with the study abroad program in Sansepolcro, Italy for five years and served as the director for four years.  Dr. Oatsvall is a strong advocate for study abroad experience.

In July, Dr. Mary Jane Lenard spent five days in Sydney, Australia attending the annual conference for the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand.  She presented a paper titled, "An Investigation of Adverse Internal Control Reports and Changes in Discretionary Accruals."

Dr. Stephanie Hurt spent the summer conducting research on international business strategy in France. She also traveled to India where she saw the Taj Mahal. 

After saying goodbye to the MBA students in Beijing, Dean Rotondo and Dr. Ying Liao traveled to Guangzhou, China for a meeting with China Southern University, Nanhai Campus.  Dean Rotondo also attended a global conference on work and family research in Barcelona, Spain.  She presented conclusions from a body of research she has conducted on coping with work and family conflict.

Bringing international experience to the classroom is vital for students entering the business world today.  The School of Business strives toward excellence in business education that prepares students to inspire, create, and lead with integrity in the global environment.

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Speakers

Distinguished Speaker 2009

Suzanne Sutter, CEO and President of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern NC spoke on "Leadership: You Can Make a Difference," for the 2009 Distinguished Speaker event held Thursday, April 9th, at 6 p.m. in the Harris Building. 

Previously Sutter was President of Things Remembered, Inc.  During her 10-year reign as President, she more than doubled earnings through merchandise and marketing innovation, as well as expanded channels of distribution beyond the 650+ store chain. With her leadership, the company developed an outstanding reputation for compassion, giving, and commitment to charities.

Sutter’s passion for the cause motivated her to become a leader with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. After serving as a member on the Board of Trustees at both a state and national level, Suzanne was elected to National Board Chair. During her leadership, she spearheaded significant change in the national governance structure, dramatically increased the headquarters’ net assets, and upgraded quality of national leadership.

Sutter received a graduate degree in Organization Behavior and Change from Case Western Reserve University. She serves on the advisory committee of the School of Entrepreneurial Studies at Thunderbird University and on the advisory committee of Give Kids the World.

Suzanne Sutter (left) and Dean Denise Rotondo

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Business Advisory Board Member Kelly Cobb Speaks to Business Classes

Kelly Cobb, President of The Kelly Cobb Home Team, Inc., Fonville Morisey Realty, and Meredith College Business Advisory Board member, recently visited Dr. Jeff Langenderfer's Sales Management classes.  Ms. Cobb recounted her methods for the growth of her business, techniques for mangaging relationships, ways to encourage communication, and provided tips for cultivating business.  She impressed students with her boundless energy and enthusiasm as well as with her success as Raleigh's top real estate professional.

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30-Second Commercials in ACC 331

Accounting students recently engaged in a series of career preparation events such as writing effective resumes, creating appropriate cover letters, developing job search strategies and participating in mock interviews.

In April, accounting students prepared a "30-second commercial" about themselves for use in networking events.  The students met in small groups to receive candid, constructive criticism and tips for improvement from Credit Suisse and Micromass Communications.  Three students were selected to present their commercials to the entire group followed by final thoughts and recommendations from the employers.

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Student Achievements

                                                          
MBA Students Rank in Top 10% of World in Strategy Competition

An MBA student team participating in a competitive strategy simulation, ranked in the top ten percent of almost one thousand teams that participated this year. The Capstone simulation creates a challenge for students to go through the steps of running a virtual company in a competitive setting. College, university, and corporate teams from across the globe compete to see which team is most effective at running a company. This course and simulation pulls together all that the students have learned and gives them an opportunity to implement what they have learned. Read more about the experience from one of the participants.

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Meredith MBAs Outperform Their Peers on National Test

Meredith MBAs recently scored better than 85% of other MBA students from colleges and universities across the nation who took the ETS Field Test of Business, MBA. The nationally-normed test is used to assess mastery of business concepts, critical thinking, and reasoning ability for MBA students. Meredith gives the test to its graduating MBA students. These positive results provide confirmation that the curriculum has the breadth and depth to assure a strong MBA preparation. Learn more.

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Student Activities

Meredith SHRM Outstanding Student Chapter Award

Meredith SHRM was selected as one of ten Outstanding Student Chapters for 2008-09.  This award recognizes SHRM student chapters whose programs, activities, and levels of participation during the academic year distinguish them from other chapters.  The Meredith College Student Chapter led a number of community oriented projects specifically focused on providing assistance to individuals affected by the recession and job loss.  SHRM first participated in an "Employer Resource Workshop" by educating employers on the advantages of hiring people with disabilities and understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Next, they conducted fundraisers for the "Dress for Success" program and held a clothing drive for the Healing Place of Wake County.  Chapter members showcased great leadership and organizational skills with these projects, and these projects emphasized to chapter members how they can have an impact on our community through volunteerism. 

All SHRM student chapters are eligible to apply for the award, provided that the chapter receives a Superior Merit Award for that current academic year.

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Meredith SHRM Teams Compete in Southeast Regional Games

On Saturday, April 18th, the Meredith SHRM Teams competed in the Southeast Regional Games.  Participants included Anne Frazier Elliott, Lacey Burt, Jennifer Cooke, Ashley Stein, Misty Hyde, Virginia Wilkerson, Brittany Morrison, Sydney Benjamin, Mayah Collins, and coach Melissa Singleton.  From a pool of 28 teams, Meredith finished 11th beating out teams from all over the Southeast.

Back row (left to right):  Misty Hyde, Virginia Wilkerson, Lacey Burt, Melissa Singleton, Mayah Collins, Anne Frazier Elliott.

Front row (left to right):  Sydney Benjamin, Jennifer Cooke, Ashley Stein, Brittany Morrison.

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SHRM and SBAB Do's and Don'ts Fashion Show

On Wednesday, February 18th, The Society for Human Resource Management and Student Business Advisory Board sponsored a fashion show that demonstrated attire do's and don'ts for business interviews. 

Admission was only $1.  All proceeds benefited Dress for Success.  

   
The event began at 6:30 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium.  Refreshments were provided in Kresge lobby prior to the event.

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Study Abroad

Accounting Majors Travel to Danish Institute for Study Abroad

Accounting majors Belinda Boone, Chrissie Deguzman, Jeaneane Labombard and Beth Sprinkle studied abroad this summer at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) located in Copenhagen.  All studied European Business Strategy, a case-oriented approach to the strategies of European businesses in the global marketplace.  In this three-week program, students worked on concrete group projects in cooperation with actual companies, and within industry sectors, to gain a holistic understanding of how businesses can create value through their strategies and the nature of the business environment in the EU.  In addition, students learned from course-integrated study tours to academically inspiring destinations across Europe. 

DIS, established in 1959, is a specialized Danish institution offering study abroad programs in English for primarily American university students in their third or fourth year of study.   DIS offers a challenging educational environment, helping students prepare for the international job market, enhance their majors, get to know Europe, and broaden their intellectual horizons.

 

 

 

Left to right:  Beth Sprinkle, Jeaneane Labombard, Belinda Boone.

Kneeling in front: Chrissie Deguzman.