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Alumni News
JMU Alum Cory Suter Launches “Direct Congress”
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Once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur. Cory Suter, ’06 COB graduate, is busy working on his latest entrepreneurial initiative: Direct Congress. Cory’s concept is simple – develop a grassroots movement in which the people of this country can create and vote on laws themselves, eliminating the need for elected congressional leaders who only partially represent the voters. Visithttp://directcongress.org for details.
Cory’s entrepreneurial bent began many years ago. He paid his way through JMU as a brick mason and retrofitted an old bus as his first apartment. He was enrolled in the first ever MGT 472 Venture Creation class in 2005. After working in Teach for America and as a retail manager for a Mennonite store, he began his own company, BioNeighbors, in Philadelphia.
“Venture Creation was the most practical class for me as an entrepreneur,” he says. “I have a lot of enthusiasm for the JMU program. I see a history of success in placing students in good jobs.”
Cory went on to say, “The Venture class gave me lots of tools that have ended up working successfully for me. I enjoyed the open format of the class; it allowed me and other students to explore ideas that we were interested in. Carol Hamilton introduced me to many resources, including business leaders in the local community, the Small Business Development Center, and other successful entrepreneurs.”
He adds, “The overall COB experience was educationally very practical. We learned how to analyze other companies, what they did well and what they didn’t do well. I never forget to think about why firm performance differs.”
BioNeighbors Launched
After his graduation from JMU in 2006, Cory launched BioNeighbors Sustainable Homes, as a part-time enterprise. He knew that cool roofing reflects the sun’s heat, and results in a longer life for a roof. He continued to learn everything he could about green roofing, and became certified with LiveRoof, a manufacturer of modular green roofing systems. Cory went on to earn a more rigorous accreditation as a Green Roof Professional from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the largest industry trade group in the green roofing field.
“I’ve always been passionate about issues of sustainability,” he says. “I felt as a small business owner I was doing something real and valuable.”
He went on to work with a neighborhood development organization in West Philadelphia. The Partnership Community Development Corporation works with low-income residents. Cory trained some of the residents to improve their neighborhoods with innovative low cost green roofs. His goal was to train them well enough to pass a professional accreditation exam. After only one student out of nine passed the first year, Cory wrote a thorough PowerPoint-based curriculum and helped five out of eight students earn accreditation the following year.
Cory sold BioNeighbors last summer so he could pursue another passion – education. He is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Economics at Temple University in Philadelphia. He says that good teachers create real value and build a foundation for entrepreneurship.
“I want to be a teacher,” Cory says. “Sharing knowledge and skills is one of the most noble causes to which people can commit their lives.”
Direct Congress
As a full-time student, Cory is enjoying a little more free time. Over Christmas break, he began working seriously on the idea for Direct Congress. With today’s online communication tools available to virtually everyone, there is no reason to go through elected officials to create new laws. His idea is to allow the people to do it directly.
Cory thinks there is great frustration in America today with the current political system. Trust in elected officials has dropped to below 10 %. He says, “We’ve seen situations where over 70% of Americans like an idea; then it is defeated in Congress.”
“My idea is to combine American principles of good governance with the Facebook model of bringing people together to share ideas,” he says. “I had this idea originally when I was a JMU student. I just didn’t have enough time to do the research; I had to make a living.” He worked on developing the new Direct Congress website, creating a delicate balance between both transparency and privacy.
“There is lots of energy on Facebook,” he adds. “But in politics, people have become more apathetic; they think the political process is rigged and they don’t have a voice. Direct Congress is being developed with an innovative star rating system, and staged bill development so that the best ideas rise to the top, and less useful proposals for laws are gleaned.”
Mentorship's Importantance
Cory takes time out of his busy schedule to help mentor current students in the Venture Creation class.
“I found that in my own training period, it was essential to have mentors, to talk to people who had been in this territory before," he says. "I made some mistakes in my first business that I could have avoided with the advice of a good mentor.”
He also noted that students often have good ideas that he loves to hear.
Cory’s Tips for Entrepreneurial Success
1) Access to Capital: Don’t allow your success as an entrepreneur to depend on the whim of some banker or investor. Cut your personal and business expenses to the bare necessities. An office is an expense, not an investment (Read Rich Dad, Poor Dad if you don't understand what I mean). Debt-financing is overrated, and can lead to the early demise of otherwise good ideas. Don't pay for advertising - do newsworthy things and network like crazy, instead. Consider partnerships on projects, bartering (I installed a green roof in exchange for a professional website) or borrowing funds from family ( I issued my own shares of stock - and doubled my family's money in five years) or doing things yourself ( I made my own business cards, invoices, marketing materials, contracts, design specifications, etc.)
2) Unfinished Business Plan: In real life, there's no possible way to know the future. The original plan for BioNeighbors that I wrote in Carol Hamilton's class was for a biofuel station. Later, I started to create an online community of home-owners and small remodeling company franchises, before working to develop a model sustainable and ethical construction company. Do not be afraid to test ideas in start-up mode. Find out what people actually are demanding. I wanted to provide affordable energy-efficient home improvements, but lots of other energy auditors were getting into that market, while almost no one with a college education was providing solutions for residential flat roofs in the region where I lived. I, thus, found a practical need that was in demand and created a company to meet that opportunity.
3) Managing Growth: When I started BioNeighbors, I thought I had found my life calling. I loved being a young creative business leader who was appreciated for doing real and quality work for people. I thought I could create a model worth franchising. As years went by and the enterprise became successful, I stopped enjoying the day-to-day management of the firm. Instead of hiring a manager and being an absentee owner, or selling the company to a big investor, I sold the company for much less than it was worth to a small team of worker-owners who agreed to more than recoup my initial loss by giving me a set percentage of all of BioNeighbors' revenue for the next eight years. This preserved local ownership, without depriving me of financial security as I started a Ph.D. program and moved on to start a new enterprise.
Parenthood Looms
Cory is about to embark on an even greater adventure. He and his wife are expecting their first child late this spring. His philosophy is to help make the world a brighter place in which to live – for today, and for all the children and great grandchildren yet to be born.
January 23, 2012
Recent iMBA Graduate Katharine Corgan Opens Corgans’ Publick House
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Fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and Guinness stew are among offerings that diners can now relish in Harrisonburg. The new Irish-themed Corgans’ Publick House opened Tuesday, January 17.
Located in the 865 East Building on Port Republic Road, this new eatery will try to fill a menu void in Harrisonburg. According to a recent article in The Breeze, Corgans’ offers more then 50 menu items, 12 beers on tap, great happy hour specials, and it will even host music events.
“My family has strong Irish roots,” says owner and entrepreneur Katharine Corgan. “I’ve always loved Irish pubs, and I felt this type of restaurant would be appreciated in Harrisonburg.”
Katharine is a July 2011 graduate of the Innovation MBA program in the College of Business at JMU.
“I was an English major undergraduate,” she says. “I heard about JMU’s hybrid program, which was both convenient and interesting, and covered business fundamentals that I missed. I really wanted to learn more about core business concepts.”
Katharine and her fiancé Vito Pellerito have owned and managed Vito’s Italian Kitchen on Port Republic Road for many years. They wanted to branch out and create a second restaurant. After going through the MBA program, Katharine says she gained the confidence and business acumen to start this venture.
“I found it extremely helpful in many ways,” she says. “I learned how to approach a bank with a well thought out, organized business plan. I think the most important thing I took away from the program is knowing how to actually manage people and hold them accountable, while at the same time keeping them motivated to succeed.”
Katharine encourages interested people to investigate the iMBA program.
“It was great to be back in school and meet people from many different industries and environments,” she says. “The MBA program provided me with the skills and confidence that I needed to become a better manager of my time, my efforts, and my staff.”
January 20, 2012
JMU Alumnus and EAC Member Eric Major Featured in Orthopedics This Week
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Congratulations to Eric Major, the President and CEO of K2M, Inc., for being featured in the article “Kostuik Plus Two Majors — K2M” in the online newsletter Orthopedics This Week.
Eric partnered with Dr. John Kostuik, a spine surgeon, to form the company K2M. According to the website, K2M is a “fast growing global medical device company focused on developing innovative surgical solutions for the most complex spinal pathologies.”
K2M's executive team includes many JMU alumni: Eric's brother Lane Major (COB '01), SVP/Global Marketing & Product Development; David McDonald ('79), SVP/Operations; Greg Cole (COB '91), CFO; and Luke Miller ('01), General Counsel and Secretary.
From 2004 to 2010, K2M created many major innovations for spine surgeons to more effectively treat complex spinal disorders. By 2010, Orthopedics This Week estimated that K2M’s sales had grown to well over $100 million and had become the “most successful private spine company in the industry.”
Since partnering with Welsh-Carson, the largest private equity firm in medicine, K2M has added more than 100 employees, in addition to opening up the international market.
Eric was previously the President and CEO of American OsteoMedix, Inc., a minimally invasive spinal device company. He is a ’91 graduate of JMU and is a member of the Executive Advisory Council for the COB.
JMU Alumnus John Hinshaw Named Executive Vice President, HP Global Technology and Business Processes
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John Hinshaw, a '92 James Madison University College of Business alumnus, was recently appointed to the position of executive vice president of Global Technology and Business Processes at Hewlett-Packard. In this newly created position, Hinshaw, a former computer information systems major, will oversee information technology and shared and administrative services, as well as being in charge of optimizing business processes across the company.
Previously, Hinshaw was vice president and general manager of Boeing Information Solutions. Among other tasks, his job at Boeing involved delivering information solutions to the U.S. government. Prior to Boeing, Hinshaw was senior vice president and chief information officer at Verizon Wireless.
Hinshaw will be reporting directly to Meg Whitman, HP's newly appointed CEO.
"John has an outstanding track record of process excellence and leading large, complex organizations," Whitman said. "I am confident that he will help position HP for the future through best-in-class IT and shared services administration."
In addition, Hinshaw officially joined the company's executive council as of November 15.
"I have been an admirer and customer of HP for many years and I am thrilled to now join the company and lead the Global Technology and Business Processes organization," Hinshaw said. "My CIS foundation from JMU played a significant role in my career path and I continue to be impressed with the quality of the programs and talent that have emerged from the program."
From HP Newsroom news release
Jan. 26, 2011
Synalloy Corporation Names Craig C. Bram As CEO
Synalloy Corporation announced the appointment of Craig C. Bram to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company effective Jan. 24, 2011. Bram and and wife Kim are both 1980 marketing majors and their youngest, Ryan, is a freshman at JMU.
Clint Heiden Joins PAETEC Senior Leadership Team
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| Clint Heiden |
PAETEC Holding Corp. (NASDAQ GS: PAET), a FORTUNE 1000 company that provides data, voice, and Internet solutions to businesses nationwide, announced that it has named Clint Heiden to Senior Vice President and President of National Accounts and Fiber Services. Read the full article.
Clint Heiden serves as a Senior Vice President of PAETEC and President of National Accounts and Fiber Services. In this role, he leads PAETEC's sales, operations and strategy for its 37,000 route-mile fiber network as well as PAETEC's strategy for nationwide accounts across all products.
He has nearly 20 years of telecommunications and executive experience including sales, marketing, business development and operational management. Mr. Heiden previously served as President of Intellifiber Networks, a subsidiary of Cavalier Telephone which PAETEC acquired in 2010. Under his leadership at Cavalier Telephone, Intellifiber increased sales by 400% while dramatically decreasing customer churn. He also has held strategic leadership positions with Qwest, Cable & Wireless America as well as the UUNET, which at the time was the world's largest and most profitable Internet Service Provider.
Mr. Heiden has a BSBA in Computer Information Systems from James Madison University, where he received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1999, the university's highest honor. Mr. Heiden is based out of PAETEC's office in Herndon, Virginia, and lives with his wife and four children in McLean, Va.
Moyers Hired As Dayton Treasurer
Justin Moyers, former Dayton resident and CoB accounting grad, was hired as the new treasurer overseeing Dayton's financial operations starting Nov. 15. Before applying to this position he worked with the accounting firm of Brown, Edwards & Co. in Harrisonburg as a CPA.
"Moyers' varied accounting experience made him an appealing candidate. He has worked with municipalities, nonprofits and corporations. Moyers' interpersonal skills also stood out and helped to ease any of council's worries about his age," says Dayton Councilwoman Donna McCormick. Read more about Justin Moyers and his new position as treasurer.
June 28, 2010
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Speer Named Ernst & Young Software Entrepreneur of the Year
John F. Speer, III, of Datatel, Inc. was named Entrepreneur of the Year in the software category. The selection is made by a group of peers--business, academic and community leaders.
“These Entrepreneur Of The Year award winners are best in class, and we are proud to honor their outstanding success," says Rene Salas, Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year program director for Greater Washington. Read more about this year's winners. Read more about Datatel and Speer's recognition.
June 9, 2010
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CPA Walks the Talk in Leadership: Jones Named VSCPA Chair
James Madison University alumnus Bradford R. Jones (‘87) has been named chair of the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountant’s (VSCPA) board of directors for the 2010–11 fiscal year. VSCPA has 9,000 members who work in public accounting, industry, government and education.
A 1987 graduate of JMU with a degree in accounting, Jones, principal/owner of PBGH in Fredericksburg, has a long history of leadership in the VSCPA and the CPA profession.
During his term as chair, Jones will continue supporting the VSCPA’s top five strategies and maintain an intense focus on increasing the VSCPA’s membership. Jones also has an important agenda item of his own—to promote CPAs as top candidates for leadership.
“CPAs are the people I’d like to have sitting at the head of the table,” Jones said. “CPAs need to be leaders because we are CPAs first.” Every day, CPAs render opinions based on sets of rules and objective criteria. They are trained to be objective and impartial.
“Leadership may mean leading by proactively offering skills to an employer, charitable organization or community,” said Jones. “It is important and valuable for society that CPAs be engaged bringing the four cornerstones of the profession of integrity, objectivity, independence and competence with them.”
At the VSCPA’s annual business meeting on May 14, Jones outlined the VSCPA’s top five strategies for the next three years. These strategies include addressing the unique opportunities and challenges in the VSCPA’s geographic areas; serving as the premier provider of education to CPAs in a challenging and changing environment; being a resource of unbiased information on Virginia business, finance and economy; providing a membership dues and category structure to promote a healthy pipeline of members; and offering an initiative for students and young professionals that supports aspiring and new CPAs.
VSCPA has initiated a student membership drive. The membership is free to accounting students and is intended to help them network with potential employers and to provide a means of learning about and following significant developments in the profession.
In addition, VSCPA has task forces and other resources specifically intended for students and young professionals, including on campus visits and the VSCPA Leadership Institute, a weekend of leadership training for high achieving college accounting students.
Jones’ focus on leadership is apparent in the positions he takes on in his community. He has taught credited accounting courses at Strayer University, and as an adjunct instructor for Germanna Community College, he has taught a variety of accounting and tax courses. He has also taught various continuing professional education courses to CPAs across the state.
Other leadership posts and activities include: president for the VSCPA Battlefield Chapter; service on various VSCPA committees; board member for a number of local nonprofit organizations in Fredericksburg; and active membership in the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
April 20, 2010
CoB Alum Successfully Launch Private Equity Firm
Joe Tedesco (’94 CIS, ’01 MBA George Mason) and Erik Linn (’96 Acctg) are Managing Partners of a private equity firm, Potomac Investment Partners (“Potomac”), that they launched Oct 1, 2009. Joe and Erik have very similar success stories. They both launched professional services firms in the 1990s (Architech Corp and Capital Advisory Services, respectively), managed their firms through tremendous periods of growth and then sold their companies to the same acquirer, Navigant Consulting. Joe and Erik are now applying their experiences driving exceptional growth in companies to Potomacs’ portfolio of investments.
Potomac is passionate about helping small businesses succeed. The firm maintains a small portfolio of highly profitable growth companies where our team functions as owners and operators, not just investors. Potomac concentrates on companies in niche service or product-based industries whose revenues range from $2–20MM.
Joe is married to the former Heather E. Jacobs (’94 Psychology) who currently serves on the Honor Program Advisory Council at JMU.
From the company website:
"Our strategy is to invest in small to mid-size businesses and to accelerate their maturity and growth into thriving enterprises. Our primary focus is control buy-outs of companies in service-based industries where opportunities for value creation through exceptional growth are abundant. Our goal is to maintain a small portfolio of highly profitable growth companies where our team functions as owners and operators, not just investors. Our investments produce healthy annual cash flow despite our growth orientation.
We create value through numerous means. ...Post-acquisition, we create value by instilling fiscal and organizational discipline in the company’s growth strategy, executing aggressively on that growth strategy, and by implementing operational improvements. We do not rely on leverage to create value. In fact, we rarely use outside debt in our deals. And since we rarely use debt, we are proud to be able to distribute a significant portion of that cash flow to our investors on an annual basis.
Investment Criteria
We are entrepreneurial in nature and our expertise lies in turning small successful businesses into highly efficient and larger businesses. Our firm is committed to a rigorous assessment of growth potential and profitability and to not straying from our expertise. The following are some of the additional criteria we use to evaluate investments:Companies in niche service or product-based industries
- Companies can be either standalone or corporate spin-offs
- Strong competitive differentiators
- Revenue of $2–20MM
- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) margins of at least 20 percent
- Opportunities for rapid organic growth
- Low working capital and capital spending requirements
We generally do not invest in start-ups or companies with operating losses, although we will evaluate such situations on an opportunistic basis."
April 7, 2010
Nixon Tapped by Governor to Head Virginia's Information Technologies Agency
Sam Nixon ('80-marketing) took office April 5 as the Chief Information Officer of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency. He was appointed by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell to improve transparency and accountability in the agency. Nixon will report directly to the governor's office. Read more about Nixon's appointment.
Feb. 17, 2010
Deborah Richardt ('78), Wins 2009 PCMA Distinguished Member of the Year Award
Each year, the Professional Convention Management Association honors outstanding members for their contributions to PCMA and the meetings & hospitality industry. PCMA’s New York Area Chapter is proud to announce one of its own as the winner of the 2009 Distinguished Member of the Year Award.
Deborah L. Richardt, CMP, Senior Director of Meeting Services at American Thoracic Society, will be recognized at the 54th PCMA Annual Meeting, Jan. 10-13, 2010, in Dallas.
As one of the founding members of PCMA’s New York Area Chapter, Debbie has contributed to the meetings industry through 31 years of local and national involvement, including her 23 years of service to the American Lung Association and the American Thoracic Society. She is also well respected by her peers and colleagues for her relentless dedication to student mentoring.
Debbie resides in Oradell, New Jersey with her husband Bob and son Tim. Her passions, outside of work, are her quest for fitness (physical and spiritual); as well as her private and humble contribution to her community.
Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) represents approximately 6,000 meeting industry leaders including planner professionals, suppliers, faculty and students. Aside from students and faculty, members are categorized as either a professional or supplier based on their position. The mission of the PCMA is to deliver superior and innovative education and promote the value of professional convention management.
Alum Creates Nonprofit to Help Visually Impaired with Competitions
C Different was created in 2001 by Matt Miller, a former elite Ironman triathlete who now lives in Sugar Land. Miller, 33, was a swimmer and a marketing major at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., His experience guiding a blind Chicago woman through a triathlon inspired him to organize C Different. The group has since helped about 300 people through a variety of programs. Read more in this article from the Houston Chronicle.
PBGH Names Daniel Haynes ('89) New Business Partner
Daniel Haynes ('89) has been named a partner at Harrisonburg-based accounting firm PBGH. Haynes, CPE, CFE, CFF, joined the accounting staff of PBGH in its Fredericksburg office as an audit manager in 2002. Before that, he was a senior manager with a "big four" firm in Richmond, where he specialized in auditing both privately held clients and SEC registrants in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, real estate and services. Haynes is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Fraud Examiners. Read more from the Daily News-Record.
July 25, 2009
Altman named to lead IBM Global Public Sector
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Anne Altman, GM
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Anne Altman, a member of the CoB Executive Advisory Council, has been named general manager of IBM Corp.’s Global Public Sector, effective August 1.
Altman has been tapped to lead IBM’s global solutions and technology sales for government, education, health care, life sciences and pharmaceutical industries, according to IBM spokeswoman Lia P. Davis.
Altman was managing director of IBM’s System z mainframe group for the past two years, a time of transformation and renewed focus on the importance of IBM’s high-end systems, Davis said. Before that, she was managing director of U.S. Federal at IBM, a position which carried with it responsibility for all aspects of the company's federal business. Read More from WashingtonTechnology.com
Eric Major ('91) Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
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Eric Major, President & CEO of K2M, Inc
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K2M, Inc., a spinal device company developing innovative solutions for the treatment of complex spinal pathologies, today announced that President and CEO, Eric Major, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Award for Emerging Technologies in the Greater Washington region.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year is considered one of the world's most prestigious business awards for entrepreneurs, as it recognizes those who inspire others with their vision, leadership, and achievement. The winners were selected by an independent judging panel made up of regional business, academic, and community leaders and revealed at a gala event on Thursday, June 18 at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in Virginia.
"I am truly honored to be named a regional winner of Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year and I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the entire K2M team," stated Eric Major, K2M's President and CEO. "This achievement reflects K2M's continuous growth and financial strength as we move closer towards our goal of becoming the worldwide leader in treating the most complex spinal pathologies." Read more from Yahoo! Finance.
Jun. 8, 2009
CIS Alumnus Receives Top Honors in MBA Program
Justin Steiner (‘00), Founder’s Medalist for the Owen Graduate School of Management, is graduating with a master of business administration.
After graduating cum laude with a degree in computer information systems from James Madison University in Virginia, Steiner entered the workforce as a systems integration consultant with Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. During his seven-year career with the firm, he gained valuable experience in the global business world, working extensively with international teams in Manila and Bangalore, helping clients streamline their information technology development functions.
Desiring to advance himself personally and professionally, he left his successful career to enroll in the Owen School, where he was selected as a Dean’s Scholar Finalist. It is the top recognition given to an incoming Owen student. He was awarded the Anderson Scholarship, endowed by the Rose-Marie and Andrew Johnson Foundation. He also received the Bruce D. Henderson Scholarship for highest honors in the MBA class. His active participation in the Entrepreneurship, Operations and Consulting clubs also further broadened his strategic management experience.
Steiner has accepted a position with North Highland Company, a consulting firm, in their local office and will remain in Nashville after graduation.
June 8, 2009
U.S. Chamber Honors Layman for Community Excellence
Fine Earth LLC, a high-end landscaping company in Harrisonburg, donates between 15-20 percent of its annual profit to community causes. "A lot of people probably wonder why we'd give back at such a high level," owner Chad Layman ('95) admits. "The truth is, it's the key engine behind our success and growth."
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The Fine Earth staff received their award during the America's Small Business Summit in Washington D.C. joined by hundreds of business leaders, members of Congress, and White House administration officials.
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Layman's extraordinarily high level of generosity has earned national attention. Fine Earth was awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Community Excellence Award, the sole recipient among 56 elite companies chosen as Blue Ribbon Small Businesses. The award recognizes a company "completely devoted to its customers, it employees, and the greater Harrisonburg community," said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. "We hope their efforts are contagious."
Fine Earth's contributions are a mix of cash, service, and product, Layman says. "I encourage the entire team to get involved in the community because, when you serve on boards and volunteer for causes you believe in, you're forming relationships and networking."
Among his staff, there are volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters Harrisonburg-Rockingham, Central Valley Habitat for Humanity, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, Shenandoah Valley Builders Association, Spotswood Country Club, and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community.
"The people you meet will become your customers and recommend you to their friends," Layman explains. "It's hard work, but it's the best way to advertise. We rarely use radio, TV, or print; we have a good product and great word of mouth. Everyone we meet is added to our email distribution list and becomes our friend on Facebook."
Actually, Layman was building word of mouth long before Facebook, starting with a lawn mowing business he operated in Harrisonburg as a ten year old. Mowing morphed into light landscaping, and eventually he was earning enough to help pay for college at James Madison University. As an accounting major, he fine-tuned his business skills, but he already knew he wasn't destined for a desk job. "Instead of studying, I found myself brainstorming this business with my friend Mark. We started running it in the summers."
He credits the College of Business with helping him learn time management and appreciate strong relationships. "At JMU, I found out what it means to build bridges and partnerships, to be part of a team. In my classes, business associations, with my roommates, and especially playing tennis, I learned that I was only so good at so many things, and I needed a great team."
Today, Layman runs his company like a team, and says staff involvement is a core value. "I want buy-in from the whole staff, and I always remember that the people on the ground and in the field are the ones who have to implement our ideas."
For the past two years, the entire team has pulled together for one big event called the Fine Earth- SVBA Arbor Day Celebration. The staff chooses a highly visible site in town and donates their landscaping services and product. Among Fine Earth's largest gifts are groves of trees planted along city streets in Harrisonburg, downtown Broadway, and the new campus of Rockingham Memorial Hospital. The trees selected are already 12-14 feet tall and are typically valued at about $13,000. Local school children are invited to attend the celebration and learn about trees, which usually means about 300 third graders and their parents are on hand to see the transformation. "All year we look for sites," Layman says. "We want visible sites that will really benefit from this work. We not only work here but live here, too."
Despite a recession, Fine Earth is having its best year ever. With strong relationships and a visible body of work, their value is apparent, Layman believes. "We're not the least expensive option. We're a high quality, professional, safe option, and our customers know we contribute to the overall good of the community. We're a great value." This is comforting to him after 14 years of business. "I tell people that in business, times get tough. You work long days, you think you might fail and you want to quit. That's when you need to work your hardest and rely on your relationships."
June 6, 2009
Melton Shares Secrets of Making Dough at Domino's
After his 1981 graduation from James Madison University and a brief, unsatisfactory stint at a bank back home in Richmond, Dave Melton took a job as a manager-in-training for Domino's, a new pizza chain he'd never heard of before, answering a help-wanted ad.
So, while his peers took their place in white-collar land, and his parents wondered if his college education had been all for naught, Melton wore a name tag and worked for less than $4 an hour.
As it turns out, his parents had nothing to worry about. Read more from the Daily News-Record >>>
June 2, 2009
Beta Gamma Sigma Awards Kenneth R. Bartee the Medallion for Entrepreneurship
Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business honor society, recently named Kenneth R. Bartee, former president, McDonald Bradley Inc., a recipient of its 2009 Medallion for Entrepreneurship. The award is presented annually to individuals that contribute significantly to the strength of the economy, combining innovative business achievement with service to humanity.
“We are pleased to bestow this honor on Mr. Bartee,” said George E. Stevens, president of Beta Gamma Sigma. “His accomplishments in business and contributions to the community are highly commendable.”
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Kenneth R. Bartee |
Under Bartee’s leadership, McDonald Bradley Inc. became a leading information and IT solutions provider to the federal government and one of the fastest growing companies in the Washington D.C. area by increasing its revenues 10-fold and successfully completing acquisitions that have expanded the company’s competencies and client base.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Bartee has also been a longtime advocate of charitable causes. He has supported the Teardrops to Rainbow organization that funded upgrades to the pediatrics oncology unit at Fairfax Inova Hospital for Children and was the corporate chairperson of the Loudon County Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Beta Gamma Sigma established the Medallion for Entrepreneurship in 1994. Individuals are nominated by Beta Gamma Sigma deans, faculty advisors and members of the board of governors. They are selected based on their long-term, proven ability to overcome risk in new venture development, adapt to markets and competitive environments, provide service to humanity, and establish themselves as models of ethical business leadership. Recipients are and announced to the Society during the International Honoree Luncheon at the Annual Meeting of AACSB International each spring.
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 business program accredited by AACSB International.
Beta Gamma Sigma has established 487 collegiate chapters in 19 countries and territories around the world, and inducted more than 615,000 outstanding students into membership since its founding in 1913. These members have served in corporate, government, non-profit, educational, and other management positions at every level of responsibility. Members currently reside in all 50 U.S. states and more than 160 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.betagammasigma.org
June 2, 2009
Fettig Builds Green Home in Rockingham County
The Freedom House, developed by JMU alumnus Zach Fettig, looks like a normal house, but is made with green technology. Take a video tour with WHSV-TV3 >>>
June 1, 2009
Lewis Named Director of Diamondhead Casino Corp
Austin Lewis IV ('98) is the founder, owner, and Chief Executive Officer of the Lewis Asset Management Corp., an investment management company located in New York City. Link
May 28, 2009
Acord named CFO of KACE
KACE, the leading systems management appliance company, today announced the appointment of Gary Acord as the company`s chief financial officer. As CFO, Acord will lead KACE`s financial operation and will be responsible for accounting and reporting worldwide. Acord holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from JMU. Read more from Reuters >>>
May 28, 2009
JMU Graduate Joins PGA Tour Diversity Internship Program
Kristen Taylor (BBA, marketing; minor, sports communication; ‘09) will participate in the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour Diversity Internship program, Taylor is one of 31 participants from 24 colleges and universities participating in the program, now in its 18th year. She will intern in PGA TOUR Championship Management Sales.
Taylor’s previous work experience includes a Sports Media Relations practicum at James Madison University, a Ticket Operations trainee with the Richmond Braves, and a lifeguard with Great Eastern Resorts in Massanutten, Va. She also worked with Continental Pools Inc. in Chester, Va., where she managed and trained over 20 lifeguards, and at Incredible Edibles Inc. She was president of James Madison University Club Softball. Her team was invited to the World Series in Kansas during her sophomore year.
Interns in the program work in various departments of the PGA Tour, including marketing, tournament operations, championship management, new media and golf course operations. Since the program was launched in 1992, 20 percent of the participants have gone on to work in the golf industry, and the Tour has hired 37 interns.
Vanderbilt University honors top students during Commencement
Justin Steiner, Founder’s Medalist for the Owen Graduate School of Management, graduated with a master of business administration. After graduating cum laude with a degree in computer information systems from James Madison University in Virginia, Steiner entered the workforce as a systems integration consultant with Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. During his seven-year career with the firm, he gained valuable experience in the global business world, working extensively with international teams in Manila and Bangalore, helping clients streamline their information technology development functions.
Desiring to advance himself personally and professionally, he left his successful career to enroll in the Owen School, where he was selected as a Dean’s Scholar Finalist. It is the top recognition given to an incoming Owen student. He was awarded the Anderson Scholarship, endowed by the Rose-Marie and Andrew Johnson Foundation. He also received the Bruce D. Henderson Scholarship for highest honors in the MBA class. His active participation in the Entrepreneurship, Operations and Consulting clubs also further broadened his strategic management experience.
Steiner has accepted a position with North Highland Company, a consulting firm, in their local office and will remain in Nashville after graduation.
source: VU Cast at http://sitemason.vanderbilt.edu/news
March 20, 2009
Langer Promoted to CFO of Equity One
Equity One, Inc. (NYSE:EQY), an owner, developer and operator of shopping centers, announced today several initiatives to reduce its general and administrative expenses and streamline its management structure. The steps will result in annual savings of approximately $1.9 million when fully realized.
As part of the streamlining of its management team, the company announced the promotion of Mark Langer ('88) to Chief Financial Officer effective April 24, 2009. Langer currently serves as Equity One’s Chief Administrative Officer and will continue to serve in that capacity in conjunction with his new role.
The company expects to take a one-time charge of approximately $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2009, $1.5 million of which represents non-cash expenses relating to the accelerated vesting of stock and options.
“Equity One is taking these important steps to control expenses and realign management in its on-going effort to build value for shareholders,” said CEO Jeff Olson. “I am very excited about Mark’s expanded leadership role at Equity One. Since joining us, he has spearheaded our efforts to re-invent our company, from our operational reporting to cost containment to our IT infrastructure. Our marketing, research and human resources departments have also benefitted from his leadership. Given his accounting and finance background, his previous experience as an audit partner at KPMG LLP and his in-depth knowledge of our
company, he is the ideal person to lead our accounting and finance team.” Langer is a graduate from James Madison University's School of Accounting.
ABOUT EQUITY ONE, INC.
As of December 31, 2008, Equity One owned or had interests in 160 properties, consisting of 146 shopping centers comprising approximately 16.0 million square feet, four projects in development/redevelopment, six non-retail properties, and four parcels of land. Additionally, Equity One had joint venture interests in twelve shopping centers and one office building totaling approximately 1.9 million square feet.
Feb. 15, 2009
Aftersoft Appoints Lewis to Board
Aftersoft Group, Inc., a major supplier of business and ERP supply chain management solutions to automotive parts and tires, distributors, jobbers, retailers and installers has appointed William Austin Lewis IV as a member of its Board of Directors.
Lewis has served as Chief Executive Officer of Lewis Asset Management Corporation, an investment management company he founded, where he is also the Portfolio and Chief Investment Officer of the Lewis Opportunity Fund, one of the funds under management. Prior to founding Lewis Asset Management, Mr. Lewis held a variety of positions with investment firms, including Puglisi & Co., Thompson Davis & Co. and Branch Cabell & Company.
Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Financial Economics from James Madison University.
Sept. 19, 2008
CoB Alum Drives Oscar Mayer Wienermobile
When James Madison University (JMU) professors asked Amanda Maurer what she wanted to do after graduation, she eagerly replied, "Drive the [Oscar Mayer] Wienermobile!" Maurer, who graduated in 2008 with a degree in marketing from the JMU College of Business (CoB), is now living her dream. She is one of the lucky few Hotdoggers to travel around the country driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Maurer says she read about the opportunity in a magazine during her sophomore year at JMU and has been interested in it ever since.
Becoming an Oscar Mayer Hotdogger is extremely competitive: there are currently only seven Wienermobiles in existence, with two Hotdoggers per Wienermobile. Maurer was chosen out of a pool of more than 1,000 applicants. She says that her enthusiasm for the brand helped her get the job. "My friends all know I am a big kid at heart. That's what Oscar Mayer is all about: bringing out the kid in everyone." She also says that her marketing education at JMU prepared her for all the teamwork at her job. "Hotdoggers have to constantly work as a team, and I am a huge team player, thanks to the College of Business."
Along with her fellow hotdogging partner, Maurer travels the country with the Wienermobile to promote the Oscar Mayer brand. Hotdogger job responsibilities include maintaining the Wienermobile, attending events such as golf tournaments, parades and festivals, and contacting the media. Maurer has had the opportunity to speak on both radio and television.
Although the position is fun, the career of a Hotdogger is short-lived: Maurer will have the position for one year only, from June 2008 to June 2009. Maurer is happy with her experience and says it is helping her prepare for her future career in marketing. As a Hotdogger she is improving her speaking abilities and advancing her networking opportunities. She is trusted with the integrity of the Oscar Mayer brand everyday, and as "any COB student knows, brand equity can be one of the most valuable assets a business has."
Learn more about the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
August 21, 2008
Peel Joins Yale as Vice President
Yale University President Richard C. Levin announced today that Michael A. Peel ('71), Executive Vice President of General Mills, Inc., has been appointed as Vice President for Human Resources and Administration, effective October 1, 2008. Peel received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from JMU and earned an MBA in Finance from the Columbia Business School. More
July 7, 2008
Tignor Named Top Infosec Executive
Executive Alliance, Inc., announced the winners of the Information Security Executive (ISE) Mid-Atlantic Awards 2008.
Chris Tignor ('92, computer information systems) received the ISE Executive of the Year Award in the Commercial category. Tignor is vice president and chief information security officer at Capital One. According to a press release published by Executive Alliance, Tignor was selected for his integrated, but separate approach to security and compliance, his technical and people skills, and business savvy in communicating the risks and returns of his work to senior management.
The ISE awards honor industry leaders and project teams in the Mid-Atlantic region in government, academic and the commercial sectors for their achievements in information security and the change they are bringing to their organizations.
"This award is significant to me personally because it honors the incredible teamwork of Capital One's Information Security team and what we've accomplished in the last few years. It shows that an information security program doesn't have to be a necessary evil but can be something that adds business value and even saves the business money," Tignor said.
"My interest in information security started in my junior year at JMU in the CIS Information Security course. The broad business knowledge I acquired with my College of Business core courses allowed me to bridge the "great divide" that often exists between information technology and non-information technology areas," he said.
Tignor remains connected to JMU's College of Business as a member of the Computer Information Systems and Management Science Executive Advisory Board.
Executive Alliance, Inc. is recognized by Morgan Keegan as the largest, most widely recognized awards program for IT security executives. The organization creates leadership recognition forums that honor and celebrate outstanding achievements of executives in different industries.
April 29, 2008
Holland Discusses Sustainability--Personally and Professionally
Paul Holland, CoB Executive Advisory Council member and one of the nation's top venture capitalists, talks with The Weather Channel about personal and professional efforts toward sustainability More
Alum Heads Richmond Office of Accounting Firm
Hayes M. Walker III, a '93 accounting graduate, is named president of Rollins Accounting & Inventory Services, Inc. More
MBA Grad Leads Retirment Community
John Dwyer, who received an MBA from JMU in 2001, heads Sunnyside, a Rockingham County, Va., retirement community. More
Worth the Bucks: JMU Accounting Alum Helps Clients Plan Ahead
"Listen to my clients and provide them with what they need." That’s the philosophy of JMU accounting graduate Kira Nazelrod Brucker. She works in the family business in Towson, Md., and was admitted to the Maryland bar recently, which is an asset to her firm’s estate planning services. A relative few dollars up front, usually saves the client more in the long run, Brucker says. Read More.
Feb. 19, 2008
Consulting Magazine names CoB Grad Top 30 Under 30
Meaghan Bouchoux (CIS- ’00) was recognized as one of the top "30 under Thirty" in the January/February issue of Consulting Magazine, the industry’s flagship publication. Bouchoux is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Manager in the Public Services Business Unit at BearingPoint. She has over seven years of professional experience in Information Technology consulting including extensive practice in project management, requirements definition, and program support. This rising star credits her early interest in consulting to Mr. Glenn Smith’s IT Consulting course in JMU's College of Business.
Read Bouchoux's professional biography.
Heiden Launches Visual Online Resume Company this Month
Clint Heiden (CIS-’90) co-created with Phillip Merrick a revolutionary way of looking at the resume. With the launch of the new company, VisualCV.com, students and professionals are able to create an Internet-based resume, build and manage an online career portfolio and securely share professional qualifications with employers, customers, partners and colleagues.
VisualCV.com is the first website to allow professionals to do this all in one place, with privacy and control, and for free. The VisualCV makes traditional paper resumes come alive with video, pictures and a portfolio of best work samples. Informational pop-ups provide background data on past employers and education.
VisucalCV Provides Professional Appeal
VisualCV.com was developed to solve problems that professionals face as they seek to find jobs, develop and advance their careers, and helps employers find and hire better candidates faster. The format and information included in a VisualCV accelerates career advancement while reducing interviews and associated time, cost, travel and frustration for job seekers. The VisualCV may present information not included in a paper resume.
VisualCV Helps Students Enter the Job Market
VisualCV is the first resume that enables a student to incorporate videos, music or PDF files of a business plan or a paper that achieved recognition. As a recruiting professional, Heiden suggests individuals spend time using a tool that will make them stand out. “Give a little personality, appeal to the audience, and have some fun making a resume,” Heiden says. “Having something that is visually appealing will almost guarantee a company to look at the resume, which achieves the goal of being given a chance.”
CoB Encourages Entrepreneurship
Heiden says his experiences at the College of Business prepared him for launching a new product. “The College of Business is a professional place to be creative and unique, and provides real world experience, ” Heiden says. “JMU is full of community, one that is friendly and inspiring. The students strive to achieve and appreciate the opportunities they are presented with.”
The skills and experiences Heiden took from the CoB translated into his interest in creating the VisualCV, allowing the product to appeal to professionals and students. Working with students and professionals allows Heiden to see what both parties are looking for. The VisualCV is a great way to connect the two.
Heiden Mentors Future Entrepreneurs
Heiden worked with Professor Carol Hamilton’s MGT 472 – Venture Creation class as an entrepreneur mentor in fall 2007. In the class, students explore entrepreneurship. It includes a JMU graduate as a mentor, who is able to provide real world experience on how to create and market a successful business.
Heiden was excited to see the JMU students engaged and knows they will be successful after graduation. “Working with students, especially the JMU group, is refreshing,” Heiden says. The ability to work with students allows Heiden insight into what the next generation is looking for in employers.
Try VisualCV.
Sprague Elected to PGA Board of Directors
At a young age Derek Sprague knew his love for golf would follow him through life. Sprague, who graduated from JMU in 1988 with a BBA in marketing, has always seen golf as his passion. He attended JMU on a golf scholarship and is currently the general manager and head golf professional at the Malone Golf Club in Malone, NY. Recently, he was elected to the Professional Golf Association’s Board of Directors.
The awards and recognitions Sprague received relate to his education while at JMU. Looking back, Sprague admires Dr. Robert Reid and Dr. Harold Teer. They inspired him to be the best he could be and they never let him settle. The year after graduating, he decided to give something back on an annual basis. To this day, the Derek Sprague Marketing Award is given to the JMU marketing student who shows strong academic performance, while demonstrating a willingness to take initiative and bring a sense of entrepreneurship to his or her college learning experience.
With his love for golf and marketing, Sprague is able to use his degree daily.
“Golf is a business and the largest tourism attraction. We have to market to our guests and members,” Sprague says. “I love coming to work. It’s a home away from home.”
Nationally, the game of golf is becoming known as a course for business, and a place where an employee becomes a partner. How you conduct yourself on a golf course can translate to how you may handle yourself in a business situation.
Throughout his life, Sprague has felt fortunate and believes timing is everything. “It is important to pursue your passion. Even though you are in a certain major, switch gears, make it what you want.” Sprague believes that a career can be made from what you love; it's just about the choices you make.
Chef’s Secret: Super shrimp Po-Boy
Jeff Callaghan’s harbour-side restaurant, Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen in Newport, RI., shares a scrumptious recipe for fried shrimp po-boy. Callaghan is a 1987 graduate of JMU’s hospitality and tourism management program. Read the entire article online.
Sargento promotes Schuman
Daniel “Chip” Schuman is vice president of marketing for the consumer products division at Sargento. He joined Sargento in 2003. Schuman graduated from James Madison University in 1986 with a BBA in marketing. Schuman lives in Mequon with his wife, Carolyn and two children. Read about it online.
Equity One Announces Appointment of New Chief Administrative Officer
Mark Langer ('88-accounting) is a member of the College of Business Executive Advisor Council and volunteers as a mentor to CoB students. Read the full article.
Henley Joins MAEF Board
The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. (MAEF) announced today that William T. "Bill" Henley, IV ('02) has joined their Board of Directors. Henley graduated with majors in management and economics. Read the full article.
For a Franchise, Success is in the Hiring
Before you read far enough to learn that he's a JMU College of Business alumus, you may guess that he is. Featured in a New York Times article, Dave Melton ('81-management) and his wife Angelina Muse-Melton ('81-psychology) attribute their success in opening several Domino's Pizza stores in New York City to hiring the right people. Read the full article.
Fauber's Successor Brings Variety of Experiences
After years of successfully running and selling businesses, Michael Syrek ('94-accounting) is settling down in banking. Read the full article.
Jan. 2, 2008
Foundation appoints Bingham Treasurer
Darcy Bingham (’87) was named treasurer of the Montgomery Village Foundation after 15 years with FEMA. She has an MS in accounting from JMU. More
Dec. 19, 2007
Accounting Major Shares Business Skills with Residents in West African Villages
Michael Kapocsi ('07) spent three months as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali, West Africa. He was part of a team specializing in small business development. More
Dec. 5, 2007
Davis Moves into Panama Real Estate
According to Kent Davis (’02), Panama is HOT. He’s not referring to the temperature. Davis accepted a position as global broker relations manager for CPanama Real Estate Corporation in Panama City, Panama. Real estate in Panama is a hot commodity right now, Davis says, as Panama has been experiencing unprecedented growth in the last few years.
Before moving to Panama he worked as a profit center manager in Atlanta and Virginia for Hajoca Corp, a company he said he loved and hated to leave.
While at JMU, Davis double-majored in marketing and Spanish. He played JMU water polo all four years and was a member of Golden Key, MMA and the Catholic Campus ministry.
“I may be the only car with a James Madison University decal here in Panama. Go Dukes!” Davis says.
Nov. 9, 2007
Argy Participates in KPMG's Global New Hire Training
A new audit associate with KPMG LLP, Kim Argy had the rare opportunity to receive her company training in Madrid, Spain, in October. The 2006 JMU graduate was one of the company’s 100 U.S. employees, selected out of 700 applicants, to participate in its first Global New Hire Training program.
“International experience is good for getting other people’s opinions and learning different perspectives,” Argy says. “That’s good for audits because it gives you a different way of looking at a situation. And I just think traveling helps you grow as a person.”
Argy and her U.S. colleagues were joined in the two-week program by 200 other new employees from Germany and the United Kingdom. During the first week, all of the participants were integrated and divided into groups to complete team projects. The American employees worked alone during the second week, receiving their training in U.S. audit procedures. Between scheduled activities, Argy took advantage of her free time to explore the city and meet new international friends.
KPMG started the Global New Hire Training program to expose new audit associates to the global business environment while giving them a consistent training experience, says Manny Fernandez, KPMG’s national managing partner for campus recruiting.
“We believe giving our younger employees the opportunity to experience the KPMG global culture earlier in their career will help to accelerate their development,” he says, “and inspire them to seek further international experiences as they build their career path.”
CoB Alumnus and EAC Member Supports Sustainability and Agritourism
Dennis Tracz (‘78), entrepreneur and a member of CoB’s Executive Advisory Council, has recently taken his talent of turning “chaos” into “opportunity” and turned it toward the business of sustainability.
Tracz is the CEO and founder of Barista On Demand, LLC, a gourmet coffee company that has made the conscious decision to purchase organic coffee beans, pay the growers directly, and roast locally. The practice supports farmers and the farming industry and benefits the local community where the company is headquartered in Central Virginia.
Barista On Demand, LLC, participates in the Rainforest Alliance Certified Seed to Cup program, which provides direct payments to coffee growers. The company also uses a biodegradable ecotainer®.
And now Tracz has partnered with the Inaugural Virginia Agritourism Conference that will be held in Charlottesville, Va., in November 2007. Barista On Demand will provide complimentary fresh-ground organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee and gourmet beverages to conference attendees and speakers.
“Partnering with Barista on Demand makes perfect sense for us,” says Barbara S. Lundgren, proprietor of Barb Wired, LLC, and creator and organizer of the premier event. “This is a conscious choice to partner with a local company whose products are outstanding, sustainability practices are very compelling, and whose goals fit with our own, both in terms of customer satisfaction while reducing waste and supporting our important Virginia Agritourism effort.”
The two-day event will gather farmers, tourism professionals and economic leaders to promote agritourism as a viable option to sustain and enhance the family farm. Some of the proceeds will benefit the Virginia Tech Memorial Fund.
“We strongly believe that agritourism is an important part of our area’s future, and we are happy to contribute to the effort by participating in Monday night’s ‘Taste of Virginia’ event and serving our delicious coffee in partnership with the Doubletree to conference attendees,” says Tracz. “We are also proud to be supporting the contribution to the Virginia Tech Memorial Fund.”
Bartee Establishes Endowment to Reward Top-Notch Teaching
When Kenneth Bartee, ’83, reflects on his experiences as a student at JMU, he remembers with fondness the innovative and sometimes “quirky” teaching methods of management professor, Dr. Kent Zimmerman, now retired. Bartee recalls Zimmerman’s organizational behavior course, where students engaged in learning techniques such as role-playing or drawing pictures in groups—“exercises that you don’t know quite why you’re doing them at the time,” he jokes. Strange, perhaps, but the concepts stuck. Bartee says he still applies many of Zimmerman theories in his career as president and CEO of McDonald Bradley Inc.
“Dr. Zimmerman was phenomenal in the classroom—he opened up my mind,” Bartee says. “He was very extroverted and demonstrative, which made him fun in the classroom. He was really committed to teaching.”
That’s the kind of legacy Bartee hopes to keep alive in JMU’s College of Business. With their recent gift of $250,000 to establish the Kenneth R. Bartee Endowed Professorship in the CoB, Bartee and his wife, Sue, hope to reward faculty who go the “extra mile” for their students. The endowment may be awarded to deserving faculty in any CoB department.
An enthusiastic Duke supporter, Bartee wants to see future students have the same positive experience he had at JMU . During his term as chair of the college’s Executive Advisory Committee, Bartee has learned the value of rallying alumni support for the university. While public colleges and universities once were primarily funded by state and federal governments, that financial support is waning, Bartee says. Now it’s up to alumni to help the university maintain its excellent programs.
“I think the folks who come out of JMU have this well-rounded education, great leadership capabilities and great teamwork capabilities,” he says. “If we don’t support this, I’m afraid we’re going to see this great program that JMU has built, this great culture—we’re going to see it disappear.”
As a student at JMU, Bartee observed a strong sense of community, driven by the fact that many students lived on campus at that time. But there were other reasons he felt so connected—namely the emphasis that was placed on teamwork, reinforced through group projects and experiential learning. He also appreciated that professors did most of the teaching at JMU, rather than graduate teaching assistants.
“In the end, you get this very well-rounded student with pretty strong interpersonal skills, leadership skills, that allowed me to move up in my industry a lot faster than I think I would have at some other places.”
Since graduating from JMU, Bartee has enjoyed a successful career in the field of information technology, including executive positions at Computer Sciences Corporation, Innovative Systems Solutions, PSC and General Electric. In 1994, he joined McDonald Bradley, a provider of information technology solutions, primarily to agencies of the federal government. During his tenure with McDonald Bradley, he has increased the company’s revenues ten-fold, earning it recognition as one of the fastest growing firms in the Washington, D.C., area, and one of the leading providers of technology services to the federal government.
Bartee recently was a finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year and a finalist for Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Government Contractor Small Business Executive of the Year. In October 2005, JMU honored him with the Inez Room Alumni Service Award.
While serving on the EAC requires a significant time commitment for the already-busy corporate executive, Bartee enjoys the opportunity to offer his insights for curriculum development, fund raising and other administrative functions of the council. He, like other EAC members, also mentors students and enjoys helping them in their career development. He hopes to see the College of Business maintain its high rank among business schools nationally and create a few leading edge programs that will draw national attention.
“It starts with feeling so strong about the education I received at JMU,” Bartee says. “When you step back in [after graduating], and you believe that you’re helping others to get that same experience, it feels really good.”
Peter Santana Named Financial Analyst at DuPont Community Credit Union
JMU alumnus Peter Santana ('06) graduated with a B.B.A. in finance. Read the article online.
Kistler Graduates Realtor Training Academy
Elizabeth Funkhouser Kistler ('89) graduated from the Virginia Leadership Academy, class of 2007. She received her undergraduate degree from JMU in Computer Information Systems. She works for Coldwell Banker Commercial Funkhouser Realtors of Harrisonburg. Read the article online.
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