College of Business Highlights

Faculty in the News - Fall 2024

Rising Health Care Costs – linked to increase in population and Uninsured Patients


Alexandre Padilla, Economics chair and professor, spoke with CBS4 about rising health care costs linked to an increase in the population and uninsured patients. Padilla emphasized the need for a more efficient health care system and affordable programs for all.

New Advertising Tactics to appeal to Younger Voters


Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA Radio to discuss how politicians are adopting new advertising tactics through nontraditional platforms such as podcasts and streaming services to appeal to younger voters.

What Does It Mean When a Property Is Put In Receivership Status?


Jeff Peshut, Finance associate professor, interviewed with FOX31 about what it means when a property is put in receivership status, which is when a custodian steps into the role of the owner, making decisions in the best interest of the property and lender under court supervision, typically during a period prior to foreclosure.

 

Dish and DirecTV merger – Possible Economic Impacts


Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, discussed the Dish and DirecTV merger with Colorado Community Media, noting that it could create a stronger company by reducing overhead and combining customer bases. But the merger may also lead to layoffs and local economic impacts due to redundancies, he added.

Expanded Holiday Shopping Season


Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, spoke with Denver7 about how companies are aiming to expand the holiday shopping season with events like Amazon Prime Days.

Dockworkers’ Strike and Effects on the Supply Chain


Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with 9News, CBS4 and KOA Radio about the current dockworkers’ strike. He focused on the workers’ demands for increased pay and a ban on automation, as well as the strike’s effects on the supply chain.

Using Celebrities to Influence Consumer Choices and Foster Loyalty


Laurel Lane, Marketing lecturer, spoke with WalletHub about how car insurance companies use celebrities to influence consumer choices and foster loyalty in a competitive market, while ensuring they adhere to transparency regulations.

Implications of the Federal Reserve’s Decision to Lower Federal Funds Rate


Jeff Peshut, Finance assistant professor and real estate program director, discussed with the Denver Post the implications of the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to lower the federal funds rate, which he described as a strong indicator of an impending recession, especially given the significant decline in full-time jobs.

Football Coach Continues to Drive Brand Deals


Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, spoke with Denver7 that despite last season’s outcomes, Deion Sanders’ role as CU Boulder’s football coach continues to drive significant brand deals and earnings, highlighting the enduring impact of his presence. He also interviewed with WalletHub about airline mile credit cards.

Price Controls on Groceries and Economic Factors that contribute to Higher food Prices


Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with KOA Radio to discuss the feasibility of implementing price controls on groceries and the economic factors that contribute to higher food prices.

Results of the Expiration of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act


Robert Persichitte, Accounting adjunct professor, interviewed with CBS4 how the expiration of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act could result in expanded tax cuts or adjustments to corporate tax rates, depending on individual income. He also spoke with GoBankingRates about why Gen Z consumers are more susceptible to investment fraud than other generations.

Fund Performance


In an interview with U.S. News & World Report, Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, said that tracking errors, caused by factors like fees or investment changes, can make a fund perform differently from the index it aims to follow.

Municipal bonds


Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, spoke with Forbes about municipal bonds, emphasizing that while they are typically viewed as safe investments, their safety can fluctuate depending on the municipality’s financial health.

Dish and DirecTV Merger


Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, discussed the Dish and DirecTV merger with Denver7, noting that while it has been attempted before, concerns about revenue and competition from streaming services remain as both companies struggle retain customers.

Tax Challenges of Financial Windfalls


Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, interviewed with GoBankingRates about the tax challenges of financial windfalls such as stock options, inheritances and lottery winnings. He explained how poor timing can lead to unexpected tax burdens and the importance of paying taxes promptly to avoid penalties.

Surge in Political Ads and the Reasons Behind their Presence


Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA Radio to discuss the sudden surge in political ads and the reasons behind their widespread presence.

Impact of Federal Reserve Rate Cut of .5% on CO homebuyers and consumers


Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Denver7 about the recent Federal Reserve interest rate cut of 0.5% and its potential impact on Colorado homebuyers and consumers.

Economic Impact of Slowing Birthrate


Alexandre Padilla, Economics professor and chair, interviewed with 9News to discuss the economic impact of a slowing birthrate and how household budgets influence family decisions. He also interviewed 9News about how the City of Denver’s budget has been impacted by unplanned migration into the state.

Releasing Seasonal Promotions earlier each year


Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, spoke with KOA Radio about pumpkin spice lattes, the trend of releasing seasonal promotions earlier each year and potential marketing risks. He also shared insights with WalletHub on the benefits of obtaining an airline credit card, along with common pitfalls.

 

Faculty in the News - Past semesters

College of Business Outstanding Student 2023-24

Picture of Nhi Dang 2024 Outstanding Student in the College of Business

Nhi Dang - Business Intelligence

During my time at MSU Denver, I have consistently maintained a high standard of academic excellence and remained determined to complete my degree with the highest honor designation possible. My guiding principle is that I only have one try at this life, so I will give it my very best shot.

Through selfless giving and genuine volunteer work, I receive the joy and energy that enables me to produce quality work, whether as an underwriter or a student in class.

Undergraduate Student Highlights

Picture of Virginia Christensen

Virginia Christensen 2023 - Accounting B.S.

My daughter and I started college the same year, and we graduated the same year, too. It’s was an adventure going through college together while raising my two sons who were still at home. Being a single mom, student, and working full time seems to make me fit right in as a roadrunner! The scholarship celebrations were very memorable. I felt both humbled and honored to be able to participate. I’m proud to be an MSU Alumni and a Roadrunner!

Picture of Kevin Roman Pizarro - Outstanding Student in Accounting Award recipient for Spring 2024.

Kevin Roman Pizarro 2024- Accounting B.S.

Being an MSU Denver student I always felt at home because of the relationships I was able to build around me. The professors at MSU Denver carried the knowledge and skills to help me become who I am today. They were always supportive, friendly, and willing to assist with any issue at hand. Being an Supplemental Instruction Leader helped me expand my relationships across campus which made other departments closer to the accounting department.

Camden Smithburg - Outstanding Student in Business Administration Award recipient for Spring 2024.

Camden Smithburg 2024 - Business Administration B.A.

Growing up in a small town, I always wondered what it would be like to live in a city like Denver. MSU Denver showed me what possibilities and opportunities Denver has to offer while also teaching me what I needed to know in my future career. I've built connections and fostered relationships in the different roles I played here as a student athlete and member of the Denver community. As I graduate, I carry forward the moments that made me a true MSU Denver Roadrunner, eager to make a meaningful impact in my career.

Picture of Jamie Carrico - BI

Jamie Carrico - 2024 Business Intelligence B.S.

After serving our country in the United States Marine Corps, I knew it was time to further my education. I am a mother of three and believe that showing my children that education is important to opening doors to new opportunities. Being a part of MSU's Veterans and Military student services center was truly a memorable experience for me. It provided a sense of belonging and support that is invaluable during any military members transitions. The camaraderie among fellow veterans made me feel welcomed.

Elizabeth Connolly - Outstanding Student in Computer Information Systems Award recipient for Spring 2024.

Elizabeth Connolly 2024- Computer Information Systems B.S.

I am a first generation student who transferred to MSU Denver. I love being both creative and analytical, and pride myself on providing excellence in everything I do. The best part of being at MSU Denver is the faculty, hands down. No where else will you find so many incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and honest professors who genuinely want to see you grow. I have the entire CIS department to thank, but especially Dr. Maldonado, Dr. Segall, and Dr. Kiss for providing me with invaluable education and guidance.

Graduate Student Highlights

Picture of Ronald Archer - MBA

Ronald Archer De Freitas 2023 - Master of Business Administration

I have a unique background, being born in Guyana, and intimately participating and experiencing in various cultures, through personal and professional travel and living arrangements.. This makes it easy for me to connect with people. I am a cultural roadrunner. My study abroad course in Argentina with my fellow MSU classmates and professors was the most memorable experience at MSU Denver. I have formed long lasting bonds with my cohorts with dinners at someone’s house or nights spent enjoying each other’s company.

Picture of Lauren McClintock - MBA

Lauren McClintock 2023 - Master of Business Administration

My background was not in business, finance, or even communications. My undergrad is in Human Development and Family Studies. I decided to pursue an MBA when I moved into the financial industry to learn how to lead our start up to success. I was very anxious about starting an MBA program and how I would pick up the material but I excelled. It was the perfect fit for me and MSU was the perfect program for me. The small class sizes, synchronous class options, and direct teacher interfacing was exactly what I needed to pursue my MBA.

Student and Alumni Highlights