University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Twenty-two College of Business students were inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma during the spring ceremony.

Beta Gamma Sigma is the honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International. These students represent the best of the best in business colleges throughout the world.

Juniors: Leah Fahlenkamp and Grace Tilley

Seniors:Gaylon Black, Carla Blackwell, Grant Clark, Mason Collar, Matt Herron, Mindy Inman, Barrett Kerth, Rebecca McEachern, Chrystal Paul, KImberly Rhodes and Robert Wilson

Masters:Amber Furgerson, John Heckman, Blake Jones, Lindsey Kenny, Jaivijay Ramu, Rebecca Van Den Houte (Second Recognition), Megan Gammill, Oliver Sobik (Second Reognition) and Apurva Vyas.

Dr. Frank Hall, professor of management, was presented a plaque for 25 years of service to Beta Gamma Sigma.

Dr. Steve W. Edison, professor of marketing was awarded the 2012 Harper W. Boyd Jr. Professor of Excellence at UALR’s College of Business’ 36th Annual Honors and Awards ceremony May 4.

Edison came to UALR after a 30-year career in technology, marketing, and sales. Working for Fortune 100 firms and start-ups, Dr. Edison held the positions of salesman, sales manager, marketing director, and marketing vice president and president. Fortunately, Dr. Edison did not become wealthy in these endeavors, and he chose another path — higher education. Entering the Ph.D. program at Texas Tech at the advanced age of 50, he earned his Ph.D. and came to UALR where he has been ever since. Dr. Edison teaches marketing and professional selling courses in the College of Business. He is a member of Sales & Marketing Professional Association and co-director of the UALR Academy for Teaching and Learning.

The Boyd Professor of Excellence was established to recognize a professor for his or her distinction as a scholar, a teacher, and a leader in the college, university, and community.

The College’s Business Beta Gamma Sigma chapter recognized Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Brown, as its honoree May 4.

Beta Gamma Sigma is the international honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a program accredited by AACSB.

Brown began his career with ABCBS in August, 1974 and has held numerous positions throughout the enterprise including Manager, Blue Cross Claims; Manager, Project Management; Director, USAble Administrators; Executive Director, HMO Arkansas, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Networks, and Executive Vice President of External Operations.

Brown received his B.B.A. from UALR in 1973. In 2002, Brown was recommended by ABCBS senior staff to attend the University of Michigan’s School of Business Executive Education Program. He has also earned the designation of Fellow in the Academy of Health Care Management.

Presented by the dean, the Chapter Honoree award goes to someone who has achieved distinction in business and administration and possesses qualities that Beta Gamma Sigma fosters in its commitment to the advancement of business thought and practice to encourage lifelong learning.

The College of Business awarded $140,100 in scholarships and recognized the achievements of its students and faculty at the 36th annual honors & awards ceremony May 4.

Aileen McCoy Shinn Scholarship: Daniel Cline

Ben Hardy Scholarship: Grant Clark, Mark Dixon and Rebecca McEachern

Distinguished Alumni Scholarship: Eric Bowers

Distinguished Young Alumni Scholarship: Jason Davis

Elizabeth S. Lang Scholarship: Ramya Muddaragada and Ashley Stepps

Gibson Duncan Trust Scholarship: Ricardo Alvarez, Crystal Freese-Baker, Lauren Brown, Felicia DeBlock, Yan Dong, Michael Holland, Wendy Lyons, Michael Marchand, Apoorva Mittal, Carissa Noriega, Lucia Okaro, Haley Perrigan, Kristen Semko, Darius Toney and Carolyn Washington

Harper Dabney Boyd Scholarship: Khrysanthia Banks and Meagan Corkins

Harper W. Boyd Scholarship: David Tidwell and Grace Tilley

Jane Kittle and Vaughan Dabney Scholarship: Samantha Breeding

Julie Dabney Taylor and Bertie Vaughan Dabney Scholarship: Troy Cheatham

Julie V. Bova Scholarship: Daniel Vent

Louise & Jack T. Lynn Scholarship: Kristen Anderson, Kyle Steed and DeKendria Young

Nuvell Financial Services Scholarship: Jennifer Cockerham

Simmons National Bank Scholarship:Araya Charles

Suzanne and Paul Davis Scholarship: Raven Adams and Larissa Cantarella

Tom Steves Memorial Scholarship: Issac Kurtz

William Andrew Treadway, III Endowed Scholarship: Todd Parent

William H. McLean Fund: Brian Fellone and Eric Villafranca

Department of Accounting

Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants Scholarships: Megan Corkins, Kelly Issacson, Thomas Thompson, Grace Tilley and James Weatherford

Barbara S. Angel Scholarship: Mark Dixon

BKD LLP Scholarship: Mark Dixon, Rebecca McEachern, Kristen Semko and Grace Tilley

George W. Foster, Jr. and George W. Foster, III Scholarship: Meagan Corkins

Robert C. Culpepper Scholarship: Yan Dong

Terri D. Thompson Endowed Scholarship: Michael Holland

Department of Economics and Finance

Arkansas Life Underwriters Trust Fund Scholarship: Justin Turner

Arkansas Real Estate Scholarship: Laura Criner

Bill B. May Endowed Scholarship: Bryant Adams

Charles M. Taylor Scholarship: Khrysanthia Banks, Eric Bowers, Luis Cabnellas, Larissa Cantarella, Laura Criner, Gabriela Guardado, Dreykus Lowe, Matthew McKay, Todd Parent, Haley Perrigan, James Price, Kyle Steed, David Tidwell and DeKendria Young

E. Grainger & Frances B. Williams Endowed Insurance Scholarship: Justin Turner

Jimmy R. Newell Endowed Scholarship: Justin Turner

Norman Farris Bank Award: Haley Perrigan

Raymond Rebsamen Insurance Endowed Scholarship: Justin Turner

USAble Life Insurance Company Endowed Scholarship: Justin Turner

William C. Goolsby Endowed Scholarship in Real Estate: Laura Criner

Department of Management

Paul Williams Memorial Endowed Scholarship: Noah Hankins, Lucia Okaro, and Paul Rainwater

Virginia Bailey Little Rock Rotary Club Entrepreneurial Education Scholarship: Jonathan Medel

Department of Marketing Scholarship: Josh Robertson and LeCorey Smith

SMEI Scholarship: Darius Toney

The college recognized the year’s outstanding undergraduate and graduate students selected by the faculty at a May 4 ceremony.

In the accounting department, the Outstanding Undergraduate Student was Rebecca McEachern and the Outstanding Graduate Student in the Master of Accountancy program was Susan Regan.

The Department of Economics and Finance recognized finance student Carla Blackwell and economics student Larissa Cantarella.

Jaivijay Ramu was the Outstanding MBA Student.

In the Department of Management, Charlie Hammons was the undergraduate Outstanding Student for General Management; Matt Herron and Aaron Rothberg were chosen for undergraduate management information systems. Human resource management was Amy Adkins, and the online management program was Mindy Inman. Outstanding Graduate Management Information Systems Students chosen were Jie Wang and Keith West.

Marketing and advertising faculty selected Kimberly Rhodes for marketing and Evan Nguyen for international business.

Four UALR students working with the College of Business’s Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center are helping UALR and other research universities in the state gauge the commercial potential of their discoveries and new technologies.

Students Rebecca Van Den Houte, Lacey Greer, Brandon Burroughs and Brett Clark review university researchers’ initial invention disclosures for market potential under the direction of ASBTDC business consultant Nancy Knighten. Inventors furnish the disclosures to their university upon the creation or conception of a new technology or invention, and the university commercialization offices’ share the ones they want reviewed with ASBTDC.

The screenings provide the universities with valuable information about the potential return on investment in further research. ASBTDC established the technology screening team earlier this year as part of its continued emphasis on encouraging technology transfer.

“Everyone agrees. Innovation is an important part of economic development and job creation in Arkansas. Commercialization of university research is a vital component to increasing the state’s innovation profile,” said Michael Singleton, ASBTDC Innovation and Market Research manager.

Students on the technology screening team receive unique exposure to technology- and innovation-based business concepts, ASBTDC State Director Janet Roderick said.

“As part of an educational institution, we need to provide students with opportunities to understand what new-to-market product development might entail and prepare them to be future managers in the technology business arena,” said Roderick.

Van Den Houte, a graduate assistant at the center, will complete her MBA this month. Greer is a senior pursuing a BA in both English and Professional and Technical Writing. Burroughs is a senior Economics major, and Clark is a sophomore focusing on Nanotechnology. The undergraduates are employed by ASBTDC as student workers.

With a variety of inventions coming out of UALR, UAMS and other state research institutions, the multidisciplinary team of students allows for a broad, unbiased review of each technology and an objective assessment of commercialization potential.

“By working together, we complement each other,” said Van Den Houte. “For example, I have more of a business background, while Brett has a scientific background. He can help me understand the technical side, while I can help him understand the business side.”

Typically, the students begin by reviewing the invention disclosure then evaluating the technology’s potential domestic and international markets. They then research potential uses for the invention in addition to the initial purpose identified in the invention disclosure. Next, they evaluate industry trends and concerns and apply the information to the technology’s potential uses. Lastly, the students review the intellectual property landscape for any patents filed with a similar setting or use to that of the invention.

Each screening takes about two weeks. Upon completing a review, the team prepares a polished, informative brief detailing how to proceed with patenting the technology or advancing a business.

Van Den Houte believes the experience will serve her well in her professional life.

“Being able to process a lot of information and then condense it into a short summary will definitely prove valuable in the future,” she said. “I think these projects force me to look deeper and think outside the box and take into consideration the technology side, too.”

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center program is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the UALR College of Business. ASBTDC assists new, existing and expanding small businesses and innovation-based ventures. Learn more at asbtdc.org.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock students: Jess Blackwell, Larissa Cantarella and Kyle Steed traveled to Omaha on May 4 to hear the world’s most famous investor, Warren Buffett, at his annual Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting.

In 2007, Delta Trust & Bank partnered with the College of Business to create the Berkshire Hathaway independent study program. Each year, three senior level economic or finance students are accepted into the program to study the investment style of Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO, Warren Buffett. This program is under the direction of Finance Professor Dr. Larry Holland.

The program culminates with a trip to the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, Nebraska that typically draws a crowd of over 30,000. Delta Trust & Bank CEO French Hill hosts the students while in Omaha and has designed a weekend full of fun, learning and unique experiences. Students attend the Young Presidents’ Organization panel discussion and reception, Borsheims brunch and world-champion chess match and dine at all of Buffett’s favorite restaurants.

These students also interned at Delta Trust and were able to gain insight into the financial services of: trust administration, estate planning, portfolio management, financial planning, insurance, investments, trading, employee benefits, wealth transfer, and lending and credit analysis.

The 2012 UALR/Delta Trust & Bank Berkshire Hathaway Independent Study students are: Jess Blackwell of Little Rock, Arkansas graduating in May 2012 with a general finance degree; Larissa Cantarella of Vitoria, Brazil graduating in May 2013 with a degree in economics & finance; and Kyle Steed of Star City, Arkansas graduating in May 2013 with an accounting & finance degree

University of Arkansas at Little Rock students: Jess Blackwell, Larissa Cantarella and Kyle Steed are traveling to Omaha on May 4 to hear the world’s most famous investor, Warren Buffett, at his annual Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting.

In 2007, Delta Trust & Bank partnered with the College of Business to create the Berkshire Hathaway independent study program. Each year, three senior level economic or finance students are accepted into the program to study the investment style of Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO, Warren Buffett. This program is under the direction of Finance Professor Dr. Larry Holland.

The program culminates with a trip to the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Omaha, Nebraska that typically draws a crowd of over 30,000. Delta Trust & Bank CEO French Hill hosts the students while in Omaha and has designed a weekend full of fun, learning and unique experiences. Students attend the Young Presidents’ Organization panel discussion and reception, Borsheims brunch and world-champion chess match and dine at all of Buffett’s favorite restaurants.

These students also interned at Delta Trust and were able to gain insight into the financial services of: trust administration, estate planning, portfolio management, financial planning, insurance, investments, trading, employee benefits, wealth transfer, and lending and credit analysis.

The 2012 UALR/Delta Trust & Bank Berkshire Hathaway Independent Study students are: Jess Blackwell of Little Rock, Arkansas graduating in May 2012 with a general finance degree; Larissa Cantarella of Vitoria, Brazil graduating in May 2013 with a degree in economics & finance; and Kyle Steed of Star City, Arkansas graduating in May 2013 with an accounting & finance degree

Jimmy D. Threet saw a commercial need and came up with an idea for a new business to meet that need. To make his dream come to fruition, Threet called the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center.

Today, Threet is president of Arkansas Genomics, the state’s first and only private DNA laboratory that opened last September. It provides DNA analysis for state, county, and city crime laboratories.

In addition to forensic DNA testing, the company also does paternity testing, siblingship and other relationship analysis, and other human identity analysis.

Arkansas Genomics was one of 103 new startup companies that opened in 2011 with the assistance of ASBTDC.

“We help businesses of all sorts start, grow, and develop, resulting in jobs and revenue for our state,” said Janet Roderick, ASBTDC state director. “In fact, ASBTDC client businesses created 10,304 new jobs over the last decade.”

Threet and two other DNA analysts at Arkansas Genomics are helping reduce the national backlog of forensic cases. With the rapid technological advancements of recent years, laboratories like Arkansas Genomics are able to produce a greater number of test results in a shorter amount of time.

“The backlog samples have been there accruing on evidence shelves for years, before the DNA technology came to what it is today,” he said. “When courts close out one case, they are finding that they close out six or seven other cases.”

By collecting and processing DNA swabs upon arrests and convictions, Threet said, crime labs can build more thorough databases of DNA profiles, often finding that convicted criminals are guilty of multiple rapes or homicides.

Arkansas Genomics recently received accreditation that qualifies it to handle a greater number of outsourced forensic cases from all over the country.

Getting Arkansas Genomics started was a lengthy process for Threet, as he dealt with lease negotiations, construction of the facility, and loan applications. Since 2009, Threet has met regularly with ASBTDC’s Michael Singleton and Nancy Knighten for assistance in conducting and analyzing market research, preparing a strong business plan and loan application, creating a successful website, and other aspects of the development of Arkansas Genomics. He received a $600,000 Small Business Administration loan in 2010.

Another company created with the help of ASBTDC is Pitza 42, serving pizza built on pita bread crust and salads. The Conway restaurant opened in September.

Following the new company’s motto, “Eat Good, Do Good,” owners Austin and Ashton Samuelson donate the funds necessary to purchase one meal for every meal they sell to the charity Feed My Starving Children.

ASBTDC assisted the couple with business and financial planning, market research, and website optimization during the startup process. John Twyford, ASBTDC Startup Arkansas business consultant, began working with them in May. Austin showed him an outline of their plan, and Twyford helped them get from grand idea to grand opening.

“We loved working with the ASBTDC. John Twyford and the rest of the staff were extremely helpful throughout the entire process,” said Austin Samuelson. “They helped us with everything from developing our business plan and marketing plan to helping us search out the best financing options.”

In December, April Mayfield of Little Rock opened her new pet store, Bow Wow & Meow Bakery and Boutique in Maumelle. She began working with Kayla New at ASBTDC in February 2011, starting with writing a business plan.

Even though she knew the type of business she wanted to open, Mayfield needed to decide where to locate her store. ASBTDC provided market research on her target market and GIS (geographic information system) market potential maps of her proposed sites.

“The ASBTDC assisted me in reviewing multiple locations and making the best choice for my business,” Mayfield said. “I will continue to use the ASBTDC as my business grows.”

A first step for anyone considering opening a business should be attending ASBTDC’s basic “Starting a Business in Arkansas” seminar. The program, offered regularly in locations around the state, outlines the major steps in the startup process and discusses startup requirements and common pitfalls entrepreneurs face.

The ASBTDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the UALR College of Business. In addition to startups, ASBTDC assists existing and expanding businesses and innovation-based ventures.

Dr. Jane P. Wayland has been named the Stephen Harrow Smith dean of the College of Business, according to Dr. Sandra Robertson, interim provost.

Wayland, who was appointed acting dean of the college last month, had been serving as chair of the college’s Department of Marketing and Advertising. She previously was associate dean of Graduate Studies and interim dean of the college for two years.

According to Robertson, Wayland received a strong endorsement from the College of Business Advisory Board that encouraged foregoing any other interim arrangement or a national search. She also received a majority endorsement from the college’s faculty.

“In light of the confidence expressed by the board and the faculty, I believe Jane an excellent choice to fill this position,” said Robertson. “She is familiar with the goals of the college and the university and has already worked in collaboration with faculty and many central Arkansas business and industry leaders. Her experiences as interim dean before and as chair of the marketing department will be invaluable to her.”

Prior to coming to UALR, Dr. Wayland taught for 16 years at Eastern Illinois University where she was a full professor and served as MBA coordinator, associate chair, and chair of the School of Business. She received the 1998 School of Business Distinguished Professor Award in recognition of distinguished teaching, research, and service. She received a Ph.D. in marketing from the University of North Texas and an MBA and B.S. degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

During her tenure at EIU, she was active in the community serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce, chair of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Foundation Board, and member of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Board. She was a founding member of the Women Connected Giving Circle of SBLH System and a member of the Women’s and Children’s Capital Campaign Committee, the City of Charleston Strategic Planning Committee, and the Charleston Tomorrow Steering Committee.

Wayland currently serves on the boards of Economics Arkansas and Sales and Marketing Executives International-Arkansas, is founding member of the College of Business AME Giving Circle, serves on the Delta Trust Women’s Advisory Committee, and is a member of the Arkansas Women’s Leadership Forum.

The UALR College of Business encompasses two statewide economic development and outreach programs, the Institute of Economic Advancement and the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center. This year, the college, which has the largest accredited MBA program in the state, was ranked for the second consecutive year among the Best Undergraduate Business Programs by U.S. News and World Report.