Welcome to the Spring 2015 Business Advisory Board meetings

A Year in Headlines

SoBA’s Computer Labs Evolve

Published Thursday, May 1, 2014

SoBA’s IT Department replaced the traditional desktop computer lab with a new Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or VDI, lab model, in the building’s largest tiered lab in room L26.

12th Annual UM Spring Thaw – May 9, 2014

Published Tuesday, May 6, 2014

The Oval at UM was the scene of three hours live music, the highly anticipated chariot race, a variety of kids’ activities, sporting events, raffle, local food, and more.

UM Business School Announces Business Plan Competition Winners

Published Thursday, May 22, 2014

UM business school undergraduate students Matthew Gangloff and Andrew Burrington and MBA student Kyle Marshall won the top award of $10,000 for their business plan, New Leaf Environmental.

SoBA Accounting Grad and MBA student Mariah Williams appointed to Serve on State Board of Regents

Published Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Mariah Williams serves as a student regent on the state Board of Regents appointed by Montana Governor Steve Bullock. Williams serves as vice president of Associated Students of UM.

SoBA Alumnus Travis DeCuire Named Coach of Griz Men’s Basketball Team

Published Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Travis DeCuire selected to be UM’s 27th men's head basketball coach.

Welcome to SoBA, Kate!Published Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Kate Jennings joins the School of Business Administration as the new Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations.

SoBA Professor and Student Travel to China for MBA CoursePublished Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Prof. Gerald Evans traveled to China at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) teaching an MBA class to a group of students from China, Europe and North America.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation: Studying in Germany and Italy!

Published Tuesday, June 24, 2014

15 SoBA students learned about business and life in Germany and Italy in summer 2014.

SoBA IT Attends Technology in Business Schools Roundtable Conference

Published Wednesday, June 25, 2014

SoBA recently became a member of the Technology in Business Schools Roundtable. An organization that allows AACSB-accredited schools become part of a larger collaborative network.

Finance Grad Finishes Prestigious CitiBank Internship in LondonPublished Thursday, July 10, 2014

Marissa Olson ('13) returns to the U.S. after an exciting year in London.

Business Grad Students Study Abroad in RomaniaPublished Thursday, July 10, 2014

Graduate students in the MBA and MAcct programs studied in Sibiu. With the help of the University Lucian Blaga in Sibiu, they completed mini internships with local subsidiaries of multinational companies.

Where are SoBA Students Working?Published Tuesday, July 15, 2014

A Big Thank You to these employers for hosting SoBA interns during summer 2014!

Marketing and ROTC Student Finishes Leadership Development and Assessment Course

Published Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Aaron Horine, a current senior in marketing at the School of Business Administration and ROTC student at the University of Montana, recently finished the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Prof. Swift Named Outstanding Accounting Educator of the Year and Receives Greening UM Award

Published Tuesday, July 15, 2014

The Montana Society of Certified Public Accountants awarded UM’s accounting Associate Professor Kenton Swift the 2014 Jack Kempner Outstanding Educator Award.

Published Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Kent Swift received a Greening UM Award from the UM Sustainability Committee for his efforts in developing and teaching a new course on Sustainability Reporting (BGEN 445).

Business Student Selected as Inaugural Artisan-Designer for Boston Retailer

Published Tuesday, July 22, 2014

University of Montana second-year student Steve Page of Boston recently was selected as the inaugural artisan designer for Boston-based retail shop HUDSON.

New Zealand Wintersession Course on Business SustainabilityPublished Wednesday, July 23, 2014

This intensive 25-day study abroad program examined international business with a special focus on business sustainability practices and issues in New Zealand and Sydney, Australia.

Welcome to New MIS Faculty Member Jason Triche!Published Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Jason Triche joins Management Information Systems faculty fall 2014

Emerita Professor Continues to Enrich Student’s EducationsPublished Thursday, August 14, 2014

What does an accounting professor do after she retires from UM? Barbara Reider decided to keep teaching.

SoBA Staff Member Works on Set of House HuntersPublished Thursday, August 14, 2014

Instructional Media Technician Jeff Meese was in Helena on August 9 to record sound as part of the crew on the HGTV television series House Hunters: Where Are They Now?

Community Support Helps SoBA Students Turn Over a ‘New Leaf’Published Monday, August 25, 2014

Matt Gangloff and Andrew Burrington have seen an influx of funding and interest since the duo won the School of Business Administration’s Fall 2014 Business Plan Competition and founded New Leaf Environmental Monitoring.

Beta Alpha Psi Earns Superior Chapter Status for 12th Consecutive Year

Published Wednesday, August 27, 2014

The School of Business Administration’s Delta Kappa Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi was internationally recognized as a Superior Chapter for the 12th consecutive school year by the National Offices of Beta Alpha Psi.

SoBA Welcomes Freshmen at ConvocationPublished Thursday, August 28, 2014

As twilight fell, new students gathered on the Oval, lead in by the UM Marching Band and hailed in by professors, administrators and staff.

The Life of a Student AthletePublished Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Marketing major Jordan Sullivan played four wonderful years for the University of Montana Lady Griz basketball team.

Study in Bella ItaliaPublished Thursday, August 28, 2014

SoBA is proud to announce student exchange opportunities in Italy. Students interested in spending a semester or full year studying business in Italy now have two unique opportunities.

11 Graduate Assistants Support SoBA This FallWednesday, September 10, 2014

SoBA Eleven MAcct and MBA students began working in the Graduate Assistant program this fall.

Meet the Firms Networking Event Connects Business Students with Deloitte, KPMG, Moss Adams and PwC

Published Thursday, September 18, 2014

107 students in the School of Business Administration put their networking skills to work during the annual Meet the Firms event fall semester.

SoBA TailgatesPublished Thursday, September 18, 2014

SoBA’s 2014 tailgates were well attended. It has to have something to do with Professor Jack Morton’s famous Jambalaya!

SoBA Alumnus Eric Sprunk (‘86) Receives Distinguished Alumni Award

Published Thursday, September 18, 2014

Eric Sprunk, received the Distinguished Alumni Award during homecoming 2014.A native of Missoula and resident of Beaverton, Ore., Sprunk is Nike’s chief operating officer.

SoBA Central Student Employees Decorate for HomecomingPublished Wednesday, September 24, 2014

SoBA Central student employees participated in this year's Front Desk Decorating Contest, part of the Homecoming week festivities hosted by UM's Office of Alumni Relations.

UM Students Team Up to “Fight Cancer in the 406” and Break Another Campus Fundraising Record

Published Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Up ‘til Dawn is a student-run, student-lead organization on campus that partners with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

SoBA Students Make the SalePublished Friday, October 17, 2014

School of Business Administration students had the unique opportunity to practice their sales skills this semester by participating in the first Northwestern Mutual Scholarship Sales Competition at UM.

Fall 2014 Gilkey Executive LecturePublished Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Brink’s Company Thomas C. Schievelbein delivered a speech entitled "Why Values Matter," explaining the role that values play in leadership, culture and decision-making.

Former Microsoft Data Analytics Expert Demystifies Big Data for SoBA Students

Published Tuesday, October 09, 2014

With more companies relying on the collection of “big data” to learn how to appeal to current and potential customers, alum John Chandler says UM can be a leader in establishing curriculum based on the still-fledgling field of data science.

Management Intern Learns About Washington PolicymakingPublished Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Last summer management major Calen King interned with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) in Washington, D.C.

Beta Alpha Psi Community Service Activities IncreasePublished Thursday, October 23, 2014

The student members and new student candidates joining Beta Alpha Psi for the Autumn 2014 semester are making a significant and increased contribution to the local community and to the SoBA.

Welcome, Brigitta Miranda-Freer!Published Thursday, October 30, 2014

Miranda-Freer, who has extensive experience with international business organizations and worked as the director of business development for the Missoula Economic Partnership, began at MWTC Oct. 17.

Longtime UM BBER Director Receives National AwardPublished Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Former director of the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Paul Polzin, received the highest honor granted by the Association for University Business and Economic Research.

UM Team Does Well in Investment CompetitionPublished Wednesday, November 5, 2014

D.A. Davidson & Co. released results of its annual Student Investment Program, with a University of Montana student team ending the year with a 21 percent return on its investments.

SoBA Alumnus Prof. Ryan Wright Speaks to MIS StudentsPublished Monday, November 10, 2014

Ryan T. Wright, a UM School of Business Administration alum (BSBA '99, MBA '01), served as a guest speaker in a management information systems course, BMIS 674, and for the Montana Information Systems Association.

Follow SoBA on Twitter and Tell Us #HowSoBARocksPublished Monday, November 10, 2014

Staff and faculty shared how they think SoBA rocks.

Now it's your turn!

Paul and Betty Haack Make Generous Contributions to SoBA Scholarships and to the Gilkey Center

Published Friday, November 14, 2014

Nearly two dozen Montana School of Business Administration students will benefit from scholarships over the next five years thanks to a generous donation from two University of Montana alumni.

UM Student’s Business Venture Makes Final Rounds at NYC Blackstone LaunchPad Event

Published Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Running a ranch with vast landscapes and numerous livestock can be complicated, but University of Montana student Walker Milhoan has a technology that he thinks will make ranching more sustainable and profitable.

MAcct Five-Year CPA Exam Pass Rate Exceeds National Average

The Winners Are…Published Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The winners of the Northwestern Mutual student sales competition received special recognition and scholarship awards at a reception held Oct. 30 in the Gallagher Building.

UM Students Win $2,500 for Business Plan at Startup Pitch Competition

Published Friday, December 12, 2014

A panel of experts heard eight potential business plans from University of Montana students at the Fall Startup Pitch Competition on Dec. 9 and awarded $2,500 in prizes to the best pitches.

Former SoBA Students Turn Class Assignment Into Successful Ski Outerwear Business

Published Friday, December 19, 2014

Saga got its start when Andrew Mallett and Austin Stevens, both longtime skiers and then students at the University of Montana, were tasked with developing a theoretical business plan for a college course.

Santa Visits SoBAPublished Friday, December 19, 2014

Santa visited with the children of SoBA staff and faculty at the annual holiday party, bringing a gleam to their eyes with his jolly "ho, ho, ho's." We'd like to send some holiday cheer your way as well. SoBA wishes you a safe and happy holiday season!

SoBA Alumna and Former MWTC Intern Now Biomimicry 3.8 Managing Director

Published Tuesday, January 13, 2015

“Amazing people choose to be in Montana because they love it, and they want to help other people realize their dreams here, too.”

40th Annual Economic Outlook SeminarPublished Thursday, January 15, 2015

In addition to the keynote presentation, this half-day seminar and luncheon highlighted the latest economic trends for local, state, and national economies.

SoBA Gains New Development CoordinatorPublished Wednesday, January 28, 2015

After a record year of fundraising, the University of Montana Foundation has established a new position for a development coordinator who will work directly with the School of Business Administration. Welcome, Jenni Warren!

Welcome, Estella Anderson and Judy Douglas!Published Wednesday, January 28, 2015

SoBA is excited to welcome Estella Anderson as its new Director of Career Development. Welcome also to Judy Douglas who will assist Anderson with the program this spring and is also a longtime friend of SoBA.

Volunteers Provide Free Tax Help at UMPublished Thursday, January 29, 2015

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offered free tax help to people or families who make about $53,000 or less, people with disabilities, the elderly and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.

A Big Year for Big Data at the School of BusinessPublished Friday, January 30, 2015

It’s the start of spring semester, and SoBA students are eager to gain hands-on experience with the new scale-out POWER8 processor-based server, which arrived at its new home in the Gallagher Business Building in December.

Accounting Student Lands Coveted Job in Exclusive Purina ProgramPublished Wednesday, February 4, 2015

After Alanna Shuey graduates with an accounting degree this spring, she’ll start her career in Nestle Purina’s exclusive accounting trainee program.

Yes, You Can Go Home AgainPublished Tuesday, February 10, 2015

This is a series of interviews with business alumni in Missoula who left the state and returned to MT to work. Our first interviewee, Dallas Neil (BS ’99, MBA ’00), is a former pro football player and successful entrepreneur who has returned the Garden City.

SoBA Marketing Alumna Laura Lovo and Friend Promote Outdoor Opportunities

Published Tuesday, February 10, 2015

When Jessica Hines moved from Missoula to Great Falls in May and Laura Lovo ('12 BA Marketing) moved in June, both women noticed that Great Falls lacked a cohesive outdoors community.

Shawn Clouse Wins John Ruffatto Memorial Award and Most Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award

Clouse received the John Ruffatto Memorial Award at Charter Day in February. This award was established to reward UM faculty who impart practical, applicable principles into their classroom presentation.

He also won the Most Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award in March at the annual employee recognition day. This award is voted on by students in recognition of a professor who has had an extraordinary impact on their lives.

Report Shows Growth in Montana’s Tech IndustryPublished Wednesday, February 18, 2015

A University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research survey commissioned by the Montana High Tech Business Alliance (MHTBA) found a boost in Montana’s tech and manufacturing industry.

UMEM Students Blog From Pollstar Live! 2015Published Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Twelve students in UM’s Entertainment Management program attended Pollstar Live! 2015 in Nashville, Tennesee.

Yes, You Can Go Home AgainPublished Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Part two in a series about successful SoBA alumni who return to Missoula. Russ Piazza (Finance '77) came home to live the "Montana lifestyle." He is a portfolio manager for Front Street Capital Management Inc., a investment management firm he created in 2006.

MISA Wins Three International AwardsPublished Wednesday, February 25, 2015

AIS recognized MISA for its outstanding achievements in promoting the study of information systems, community service, and fundraising during the 2013-14 academic year.

MIS Student Blogs About Study Abroad in the AlpsPublished Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Read her blog, "Claire Shares: Apples, Austria, and Adventures," about a Montana girl exchanging the Rockies for the Alps on a study abroad in Salzburg, Austria.

Prof. Teresa Beed Receives MSCPA’s 2015 Distinguished Service Award

Published Thursday, March 5, 2015

Professor of Accounting Teresa Beed has been recognized as the recipient of the 2015 George D. Anderson Distinguished Service Award.

SoBA Alumnus-owned Five on Black Opening in Two New Locations

Published Monday, March 9, 2015

Restaurant founder and owner Tom Snyder plans to bring Five on Black to the South Crossing development in July and open a third location in Bozeman in May.

SoBA Hosts Technology Opportunity NightPublished Tuesday, March 10, 2015

On March 5, students were able to network with technology industry companies that were hiring interns and offering full-time positions.

SoBA Offers Business MinorPublished Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Students, we heard you! In response to student requests, the School of Business Administration will offer a minor in business beginning Fall 2015.

SoBA Alumni Open Missoula Fresh MarketsPublished Wednesday, March 18, 2015

With two furious overnight sessions, two massive former Safeway grocery stores are under local ownership, rebranded as Missoula Fresh Markets.

Get Ready for the Business Startup Challenge!Published Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Join us on May 14th for the Business Startup Challenge, formerly known as the John Ruffatto Business Plan Competition. It is a Montana-wide event which encourages innovation and creative thinking.

SoBA Finance Students Place Second in Local CFA Research Institute Challenge

Published Friday, March 20, 2015

On February 20, a team of four SoBA finance students took second place at the 2014-15 Spokane Regional of the CFA Institute Research Challenge.

7 Students to Graduate with Big Data Analytics Certificate in MayPublished Wednesday, March 25, 2015

This May, seven students will be the first to graduate with a certificate in data analytics from the University of Montana.

Beta Alpha Psi Holds Spring Initiation BanquetPublished Wednesday, March 25, 2015

The Delta Kappa Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi held its Initiation and Recognition Banquet at the Holiday Inn on March 19. A total of 60 business professionals, students and faculty attended the banquet.

UM Marketing Students Compete, Succeed in National Competition

Published Friday, March 27, 2015

Ten members of the University of Montana chapter of the American Marketing Association placed in the top 15 percent at the 37th annual International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans.

‘Big Data’ Certificate Has Recruiters Lining UpPublished Monday, March 30, 2015

Trenton Starkey, a 25-year-old senior pursuing a degree in management information systems at the University of Montana School of Business Administration, isn’t stressed about finding a job after he graduates like most of his peers.

Yes, You Can Go Home AgainPublished Thursday, April 9, 2015

Part three in a series about successful SoBA alumni who return to Missoula. Aimee Roberts (Marketing BS’08, MBA’14) returned to Montana as an AgVision Specialist for Northwest Farm Credit Services in February.

Jennifer Price of Moss Adams Speaks About Growing Field of Sustainability Reporting

Published Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Jennifer Price, a partner in the Portland office of Moss Adams and a graduate of the UM accounting program, recently spoke in Prof. Kent Swift’s sustainability reporting class on the topic of sustainability reporting and verification.

Guest Lecturer Broadens Student Views of Marketing WorldPublished Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Patrick Marzullo, Director of Interactive Production at Wieden+Kennedy (Portland, Oregon) and UM SoBA marketing alumnus (’06) guest lectured on Monday, April 13, in three marketing classes.

Yes, You Can Go Home AgainPublished Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Part four in a series about successful SoBA alumni who return to Missoula. Jeff Kendrick (accounting ’93) and Stacy Fulton Kendrick (communication studies ’94) married after graduation and set off to begin their careers in Dallas, Texas.

UM Business Majors Score in the 94th Percentile in Nationwide Field Test

Published Friday, April 24, 2015

School of Business Administration students at the University of Montana continue to knock the Business Major Field Test out of the park.

KPMG and Career Development Host First U.S. Veteran Lunch for Business Students

Published Friday, April 24, 2015

As part of KPMG’s mission, the company is seeking to recruit more veterans.

State of Montana Cybersecurity LecturePublished Tuesday, April 28, 2015

State CIO Ron Baldwin and Deputy Chief Information Officer and the Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Montana Lynne Pizzini will speak on Tuesday, May 5, 3:30-5:00 p.m. in GBB 123.

SoBA Accounting Students Place ThirdPublished Tuesday, May 6, 2015

Accounting majors represented UM in the KPMG/Seatlle University Financial Accounting Case Competition in April.

SoBA to award record number of ScholarshipsPublished Tuesday, May 6, 2015

On May 8th the School of Business Administration at UM will award 143 scholarships totaling over $350,000

14th Annual Spring Thaw on Friday, May 8Published Tuesday, May 7, 2015

Spring Thaw is an annual community event hosted by the UM’s Entertainment Management Program. This year's event will have music headliner The Lil' Smokies; guest appearance, Monte; food, games, and $4,000 worth of raffle prizes.

SoBA Honors Three Outstanding AlumniPublished Tuesday, May 7, 2015

Margaret Woo ’75Outstanding Alumnus

Jena Gardner ’92Outstanding Early Career Alumna Outstanding Distinguished Alumna Mark Matsko ’80