Dean's Message: December 2024

Dear Schmidthorst College of Business Alumni and Friends,
As the fall semester comes to a close, I’m excited to share this edition of our Insider’s Newsletter, reflecting on a season of innovation, growth, and community within the Schmidthorst College of Business. This semester has been filled with remarkable achievements, and I am thrilled to provide updates on the many ways we’ve moved forward together.

Growth of Programs

This fall, we welcomed our largest cohort of first-year students—over 550 strong! This growth reflects the vibrant energy and reputation of our college. I am grateful to the advisors, faculty, and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure these students felt supported from their first day on campus. Our momentum continues, with record attendance at preview days and personal tours and applications and admissions for Fall 2025 already showing impressive growth, up 14% and 11%, respectively. Several of our specializations, such as Finance (40% increase), International Business (42% increase), and Supply Chain Management (68% increase), are experiencing unprecedented interest.

Our Doctorate of Organizational Development and Change program also welcomed one of its largest cohorts, with students joining from across the United States, further enhancing our national impact.

Faculty Recruitment and Transitions

As we celebrate growth, we honor two esteemed faculty members who retired this semester: Dr. Sherry Sullivan, Professor of Management, and Dr. Paul Schauer, Professor of Accounting. Their decades of dedication have inspired countless students and advanced their fields.

We are actively conducting 14 faculty searches to meet our expanding needs, focusing on bolstering expertise in business analytics, economics, and management. We’re also excited to welcome back Dr. Jan Hartley and Dr. Zubair Mohamed from their administrative leaves this January to continue enriching the learning experiences of our students, particularly in the field of supply chain management.

Innovations in Undergraduate Education

This semester, we implemented an updated quantitative core curriculum that positions our students for success in data-driven business environments. New first-year business math and applied calculus classes and a foundational data literacy course have strengthened our students’ analytical capabilities. At the junior level, we introduced a data analytics certification, aligning seamlessly with statistics and business data analysis coursework.

Our capstone courses also leaped forward under Dr. Will Reed’s leadership. In collaboration with the BGSU Food Pantry, students provided consulting recommendations to address strategic challenges, including improving access, reducing costs, and enhancing resource availability. With the success of this initiative, future projects will partner with local businesses such as Lowe’s and AA Green Realty, offering students a diverse range of consulting experiences.

Graduate Program Redesigns

Our graduate programs are also evolving to meet the needs of today’s professionals. Under the guidance of our new MBA Director, Dr. Man Zhang, we’re conducting a comprehensive review of the MBA curriculum, with exciting updates to be discussed at our January strategic retreat. Additionally, the Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) program is being reimagined for online delivery, making it more accessible to working professionals starting in January 2026.

Aligned with this shift, we will launch graduate certificates in Business Analytics and Marketing. These certificates will enable professionals to upskill in targeted areas and seamlessly transition into master’s programs if they choose. These flexible offerings reflect our commitment to lifelong learning and innovation.

A Grateful Community

None of this would be possible without the support and engagement of our alumni. Your mentorship, involvement in experiential learning projects, support of our student-athletes, and participation in networking events make an extraordinary impact on our students and college. You are the foundation of our welcoming and supportive community, a hallmark of the Schmidthorst experience.

As you explore this newsletter, I encourage you to share your milestones and achievements with us—we would love to celebrate alongside you! Your feedback and continued connection are invaluable as we shape the future of the Schmidthorst College of Business together.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season, and I look forward to welcoming you back to campus for one of our many spring events, including our Honors and Awards celebration on April 9, 2025.

Warm regards,

Jennifer Percival
Dean, Schmidthorst College of Business