As the door closes on the fall semester – and 2018 – it’s a great time to reflect on our many accomplishments and those who helped us achieve them.
The final steel beam was hoisted into place this month as the College of Business, DPR and LS3P celebrated a building milestone with the Topping Out Ceremony thanking the steel workers of Schuff Steel.
In my first six months as the College of Business dean, I’ve benefited greatly by listening and learning from many within the Clemson family. My interactions with alumni, students, faculty and staff have reinforced my belief in the opportunities that exist for us in 2019, and beyond.
I’ve been given the privilege to unlock the potential in the College of Business, and eagerly look forward to the next semester of that journey.
My enthusiasm and optimism for our future is borne out of the “all-in” attitude I’ve experienced from every branch of the Clemson family tree. Though, there’s plenty of work to be done, it’s become clear to me that going from very good to great is achievable due in large part to the caliber of people we have in place.
Some of those noteworthy assets, and their accomplishments in research, innovation and inclusiveness, are featured in the college’s December Monthly Exchange.
Marten Risius, an assistant professor in management, recently received an international grant to conduct research on blockchain, a buzzword many of us associate with digital currencies. But Marten and his German colleague will be exploring the many uses blockchain can bring to businesses.
Jeremy Losak, a third-year Ph.D. student in economics, has conducted some interesting research on daily fantasy sports contests and has presented that research at several academic conferences.
Studies by two other business school researchers have drawn significant media attention. Marketing’s Oriana Aragon has been very busy addressing inquiries on her cutting-edge “cute aggression” research. It’s caught the interest of the likes of NPR, The Atlantic and The New York Times, among others. And, Minxing Sun from the Department of Finance, is cited in a Fortune magazine story about research she collaborated on regarding the likelihood of female CEOs being fired.
We recently elevated our participation in the PhD Project, a program that helps universities recruit doctoral students from traditionally underrepresented groups, and in the process, attracts future faculty members.
We have several College of Business faculty who came to Clemson by way of their involvement in the PhD Project elsewhere. Through our partnership in initiatives like this, we can achieve inclusive excellence by drawing more doctoral candidates to Clemson’s management and economics programs. Representing and recruiting talent for the College of Business at the program’s Chicago event were Helen Diamond Steele, Janis Miller, Delancy Bennett and Phebe Davis.
December brings our last graduation ceremony of the year, with nearly 280 undergraduate and 80 graduate business students ready to walk across the stage and ring in the New Year as Clemson alumni.
One of our best and brightest December marketing graduates was introduced to the PhD Project this year. Chris Norman is a remarkable young man who is weighing career choices – whether to pursue an advanced degree or embark on a career in medical sales. I think you’ll find his prerequisite for a career choice interesting. It is clear that Chris and his fellow graduating business students have bright futures ahead of them.
In the spirit of bringing creative and innovative ideas to fruition, the college’s Arthur M. Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Learning recently held its Pitch Smackdown competition. Open to all students from every major, twenty young entrepreneurs within the Clemson community competed for $30,000 in prize money at the 5th annual competition.
Our MBA program shined brightly in the event with current and former MBA students being recognized for presenting many of the most creative and viable business ideas.
Last, but certainly not least, are our storied ROTC programs. Sixteen officers are being commissioned into the Army and Air Force ranks. The second lieutenants will begin their service to our country following graduation.
It is my sincere hope that the holidays bring you and yours comfort and happiness, and that in the New Year you return inspired to experience all that lies ahead.
Wendy York
Dean, College of Business
