Fresh Faces on Campus: Professor Preview, Part I

We’re very excited to welcome several new(er) professors to campus this year. Here are some brief biographies and photos when available so you can spot them out around Worrell. Since there are so many professors, we are going to break this up into two posts.

Norma Montague

Assistant Professor of Accounting earned the Emerging Scholar Award at the KPMG Ph.D. Project Accounting DSA Conference earlier this month. She was a graduate accounting instructor at the University of South Florida while studying for her Ph.D. there. Montague taught courses in both English and Spanish as an instructor at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford. She has a B.A. and M.A. in Accounting from North Carolina State University. Her research interests are primarily in the areas of auditing with a behavioral decision making focus.

Patricia Swafford

Visiting Assistant Professor of Operations & Quant Methods comes to Wake Forest from the University of Texas at Arlington where she taught Operations Management, Resource Planning and Project Management. Patricia earned her Ph.D. in Operations Management from Georgia Institute of Technology and her B.S. and M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Clemson University. Her research interests include supply chain management, service operations strategy, empirical research methods and effective teaching methods. She has industry experience as a forecast analyst, production/inventory control manager and logistics engineer. To learn more, click here.

Cynthia Tessien

Reznick Group Faculty Fellow Professor of Practice, has experience as a CEO, COO and CFO during her 18 year career at Inmar Inc., a technology driven solutions provider for retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers. Inmar processes billions of returned and recalled products, promotional transactions and pharmacy claims each year. She is a Certified Public Accountant and member of the AICPA and NCACPA who earned her B.S. in Accountancy from Wake Forest University. Tessien serves on the Board of Visitors at the Wake Forest University Schools of Business and is also the co-founder of Enrich the World Inc., an educational support organization for school children and their teachers in an environmentally protected region of Honduras.

 

Jim Westerman

Visiting Professor of Organizational Behavior, completed his Ph. D in Business Administration and Management from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and received a B.S. in Finance and MBA from Florida State University. He is the author of the book, “Person-organization fit: Effects on employee attitudes and behavior,” and has been published in the “Best Paper Proceedings” of the Academy of Management in 2008, 2009, and 2010. In 2010, Jim received “Best Paper” recognition at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting for his paper, “Are Universities Creating Millennial Narcissist Employees?” Jim also serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Organizational Behavior.

Brianna Caza

Visiting Assistant Professor in Organizational Behavior has a M.A. and Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Michigan. She previously held a faculty position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and served as a Visiting Scholar and Post Doctorate Fellow at the University of Auckland. Brianna is also affiliated with the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro. Her research focuses on the dynamics of power, identity, and resilience in the workplace.

Wake Forest Students Know How to “Produce”

Fresh produce will be available to less fortunate families in 18 counties in North Carolina this fall thanks to the volunteer efforts of Wake Forest University Schools of Business students.

Sixty-five Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Accountancy, and Master of Arts in Management students took the Community Plunge on Saturday, Aug. 21 at the Food Bank Community Garden located on two acres of land at the Children’s Home in Winston-Salem.

The students spent the hot summer day harvesting remaining vegetable plants, weeding, preparing soil, and planting fall crops such as collard greens, broccoli and cabbage.

“There’s no better way to get to know your classmates than by doing some hard work together,” said Renata Johnson (MSA ’11) as she pulled up old tomato plants to make room for new crops.

Andrew Verga (MBA ’11), President of the WFU Schools of Business Net Impact Chapter, organized this year’s  Community Plunge day with a goal of introducing classmates to ways they can make an impact on social and environmental issues throughout the school year. “This emphasizes that community involvement, sustainability and charity work are crucial aspects of any management education,” he said.

The Food Bank Community Garden is the primary source of fresh produce for the Second Harvest Food Bank. The produce is also used in the Triad Community Kitchen to help train local residents for food service industry jobs.

“We are so grateful to have this group helping because it is going to make it possible for us to grow fall crops. Usually in the past, the crops have ended in the summer, but now we can grow a lot more food for the food bank,” said Ellen Kirby, coordinator, Food Bank Community Garden.

“We are all here because we have been given a lot of opportunities and we have worked hard to get here. We are certainly blessed. It gives us a good chance to reflect on our individual situations and help give opportunities to others,” said David Madison (MBA ’11).

The opportunity to work in the Food Bank Community Garden was one that Crystal Yun Guo (MSA ’11) would not miss. She enjoyed seeing crops go from seeds to the table when she volunteered at gardens in her home country of China. “I think everyone has a responsibility to others and to nature,” said Guo.

Dean of Business Steve Reinemund thanked the students for taking time on a Saturday to work in the community garden. “It’s a great way to start your academic career at Wake Forest by getting involved in our long standing tradition of giving back to the community,” he said.

The Community Plunge closed out a series of orientation activities that started the prior week.

Wake Forest Celebrates Diversity

A Multicultural Reception and Welcome brought students, faculty, staff and community leaders together to connect, interact and learn about opportunities and support available at Wake Forest University Schools of Business and in the surrounding area.

“The diversity of our student population continues to increase each year. In the graduate business programs that started this summer, underrepresented groups make up 26% of our student body and women account for 36%. In addition, we have international students joining us from 12 different countries,” said Erica Holloman (right), diversity affairs program manager in the Schools of Business.

“Since we have such diversity within our walls, it is important that we are all open to getting to know others on an individual level. It will take all of us to make students feel at home and a part of this community,” she added.

The event held Aug. 25 in the Worrell Professional Center Courtyard had 80 people in attendance. Steve Reinemund, dean of business; Barbee Oakes, assistant provost for diversity and inclusion; and Jonathan Cox, assistant director of multicultural affairs, extended greetings. Several club and community leaders took an opportunity to invite students to get involved with their organizations.

Ana Calles (’11) and Alisia Cedarholm (MSA ’12), co-presidents, Organization of Latin American Students, encouraged others to volunteer and take part in social events. “We want students to know that there is an organization they can join and form a community,” Cedarholm said. “It’s important to have different perspectives brought to the table, sharing our experiences is part of learning.”

Representatives from the Winston-Salem Urban League Young Professionals League recommended that students connect with the community beyond the University. The organization’s president Kismet Loftin-Bell suggested off campus social events, political activities and serving on boards of non-profit organizations.

“It was nice that we got to meet people from other programs and had a good turnout of undergraduate and graduate students,” said Ramona Hammonds (left), who is part of the MA class of 2011.

“An event like this really signifies willingness on the part of the University to be inclusive and open to different cultures. It’s important for us to get to know one another and have the ability to communicate,” said Brooks Pollard (MBA ’11), president, Black Business Student Association.

National Black MBA Conference Registration Information

If you are interested in attending the National Black MBA Association Conference and Expo held in Los Angeles from Sept. 21-25, please register at http://www.wynjade.com/nbmbaa10/.

There will also be a NBMBAA Conference preparation workshop conducted by Guy Groff on Wednesday, Sept. 1, in Worrell 1101 from 3:30-4:30pm. If interested, please register on Deaconlink.

Pricing for the conference are as follows:

Full Conference:

    With a NBMBAA membership: $175

    Without a NBMBAA membership: $225

Career Fair Only (Thursday, 9/23 and Friday, 9/24):

    With a NBMBAA membership: $100

    Without NBMBAA membership: $175

These rates will be the same for on-site registration as well as online.

Please contact Janice Branch at 758-7417 or janice.branch@mba.wfu.edu if you have further questions regarding this conference.

Wake Forest Continues to Land High Profile Speakers

I am very excited about the timing of my MBA program at Wake Forest University! The 2010-2011 year seems to be packed with a number of great speakers both from the Schools of Business and our neighbors in the Law School. We have already announced that writer John Grisham will be here, as will Reynolds American Inc. chairman and CEO Susan Ivey.

On Monday, Sept. 27, Wake Forest will host Laurence Ball, a professor of economics as Johns Hopkins University, who will discuss the financial crisis and its aftermath. His talk is scheduled to run from 6-7:30 pm at Carswell 111 on the Winston-Salem campus. In recent months he has given testimony to the House Committee on Financial Services along with several other highly distinguished macroeconomists with regards to Federal Reserve monetary policy.

A day later, Mike Duke, the president and CEO at Wal-Mart Stores Inc., will participate in our Leading Out Loud speaker series. In fact, he will follow in the footsteps of retired Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott earlier this year by spending the entire day with us! Here is a brief biography for our visitor:

Mike Duke is the president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. From 2005 to February 2009, Duke was vice chairman with responsibility for Walmart International. Since joining the company in 1995, he has led the logistics, distribution and administration divisions as well as Walmart U.S. As vice chairman, he was actively involved in developing and executing corporate strategy. He focused on setting higher standards of excellence for the company's resources and people - from the redesign of logistics and merchandise distribution systems, to the recruitment of talent, and development of strong teams. Prior to joining the company, Duke had 23 years of experience in retailing with Federated Department Stores and May Department Stores.

10 Short and Sweet Thoughts on Interviewing

By Eric Chaiken

1. Dress professionally. Even if the culture is fairly relaxed, dress on the professional side.
2. During the interview you are also assessing the company to see if it's a place you would like to work. Make sure you ask questions - you have more control in an interview than you think.
3. Eye contact! Have you ever had a conversation with a person who seems to be staring a hole through your head? If you get uncomfortable with eye contact, start focusing on the place right between their eyes and eyebrows. It will look like you are looking at their eyes.
4. If you are sitting in a chair that swivels or rocks, don't do either. It can be distracting to the interviewer.
5. It's ok to talk with your hands. Many of us naturally do this. Just don't exaggerate and distract the interviewer.
6. Ask for a business card after the interview so you can follow up with a thank you letter.
7. Behavioral questions prompt the telling of stories. If you hear a question phrased as "Tell me about a time.." or "Describe a time when..." you are being asked a behavioral question. Remember the STAR acronym to help you through the answer S (situation) T (task) A (action) R (result).
8. Case interviewing is becoming more popular. To practice case interviewing I suggest reading the book Case in Point by Mark Cosentino. Also visit his website, www.casequestions.com, and visit WetFeet via the CMC intranet or the alumni career tools to find an insider guide on case interviewing.
9. Arrive to interviews at least 15 minutes early, find the bathroom and make a final check on your appearance.
10. Be kind to every person you meet at the interview site from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you exit the building.

Ice Cream Social Planned for Grad Students

As a new semester approaches, we wanted to welcome you back to campus and invite you to an ice cream social on Monday, Aug. 30, from 5-6PM in the Worrell Courtyard. We also wanted to let you know of a few changes in Student Affairs Office.  First, we are now located on the first floor of Worrell outside of classroom 1117.  Please stop by to see our area when you have time.

Please remember that the goal of the Student Affairs Office is to enhance the quality of student life by working closely with individual students, student teams, student organizations, and faculty, staff and campus personnel to the extent that their activities impact your time here.  I want this office to be a central point of contact should you have questions, whether academic or non-academic.  If we cannot answer your questions, we will find someone who can.

Given that you are not new to this program, I hope we can encourage you to make Student Affairs your first stop when you need information.  Specifically, we can answer questions about University and graduate school policies, provide guidance regarding curriculum questions, respond to inquiries about graduation requirements, club and organizations, and University facilities.  As your advocate in the graduate business school, we are also here to support and guide you should you have concerns about your experience with us.

Most of you already know members of the Student Affairs Office but may not realize how job responsibilities are assigned.

• Lisa Bryant is assigned to the full-time MBA students and continues her work with international programs. Her office is 1116 Worrell.
• Jan Pagoria now serves as the point person for the MSA program.  Her office is 316 Kirby Hall.
• Pat Peacock oversees our Winston-Salem Working Professional Program. Her office is 1111 Worrell.
• Erica Holloman is responsible for our MA students and manages our multicultural efforts.  Her office is 1115 Worrell.
• Ronda Hirtzel (1114 Worrell) and Amy Cecil (1112 Worrell) support our academic services such as transcript requests, registration/advising, the academic calendar and graduation inquiries.
• Pasquale Quintero, in the Charlotte office, is responsible for our Charlotte Working Professionals.

Though the information above indicates program-specific responsibilities, this office functions as a team.  Any and all of us should be able to answer your questions...and we are anxious to do what we can to help you during your time in our programs.

Again, I do hope that you will join us in the courtyard on Monday afternoon.  Once you have settled into your classes, you will be hearing more from us about opportunities to learn and interact during the academic year.

Take care,

Betsy Hoppe
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Nominate A Family Owned Business for Recognition

The Wake Forest University Family Business Center and Business North Carolina magazine are offering people a chance to nominate a family business deserving of special recognition. Nominations for the 2010-11 North Carolina Family Business of the Year awards are being accepted at http://business.wfu.edu/fbc/awards.

The awards, in their third year, recognize the many companies in North Carolina that successfully combine business with family. Awards will be given in up to four categories:  Small, Medium, and Large (based on number of employees), as well as a special Century Award category for family businesses that are at least 100 years old.

The deadline for nominations is Nov. 12, and the deadline for applications is Dec. 3. The Family Business Center encourages people to turn in their nominations early so that companies have time to complete their applications, which must be filled out completely, including the short-answer essay questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the award.

Finalists and winners will be notified in February, and the awards will be presented on Thursday, May 5, 2011 in Winston-Salem.

More than 150 people attended last year’s awards ceremony, which was held on May 6 at Discovery Place in Charlotte.  John Allison was the keynote speaker. More than 100 companies were nominated for the awards, and faculty members from the Schools of Business served on the panel of judges.

Kathy Baker, director of the Wake Forest Family Business Center, is extremely pleased with the business community’s response to the annual event. This year’s Awards Patron level sponsors include BB&T, Dixon Hughes, Edwards Church & Muse, Fennebresque & Co., GenSpring Family Offices, PricewaterhouseCoopers, ReGeneration Partners, and Southern Community Bank & Trust. 

“Our sponsor list is a ‘Who’s Who’ of trusted advisors to family businesses,” she said.  And, Baker is excited about growing the tradition for the premiere family business recognition event in North Carolina.

"I have been overwhelmed by the success of our awards program, and I am even more excited about the prospects for our 2011 event.  I am confident that family businesses across the state will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity," she said.  "The awards program provides an opportunity to recognize our winning companies for their achievements in combining the best of family and business. But it also offers the opportunity to share a bigger story, which is about how family businesses have learned to maintain their values while creating value for their stakeholders, as well as making those core values an integral aspect of their operating practices."

The Family Business Center, established in 1999 under the Angell Center for Entrepreneurship in the Wake Forest University Schools of Business, addresses issues faced by closely held and family firms. The member-based organization uses the capabilities and educational resources at Wake Forest, in the community and beyond to provide closely held and family firms the assistance they need to grow and succeed from generation to generation.

Reynolds American CEO to Speak at Wake Forest

Wake Forest University announced that Susan Ivey is chairman, president and CEO of Reynolds American Inc., will speak at Worrell Professional Center on Thursday, Oct. 21, from 4-5 pm as part of the university’s Leading Out Loud lecture series.

Ivey is also the president of RAI Services Co. She was formerly president and CEO of Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. (B&W), a subsidiary of British American Tobacco that was the third-largest manufacturer and marketer of cigarettes in the United States prior to the merger of its U.S. operations with Reynolds Tobacco in July 2004.

Ivey is ranked No. 26 in Fortune magazine's 2009 listing of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and is No. 58 in Forbes magazine's 2009 World's 100 Most Powerful Women. She is also ranked No. 33 in the Financial Times' 2009 Top 50 Women in World Business.

Leading out Loud is a Wake Forest University Schools of Business lecture series created to educate and inspire business students through exposure to industry leaders shaping today’s business world. This series is made possible by the generous support of the Broyhill Family Foundation of Lenoir, NC.

Strong Showing for Wake Business School Programs

The undergraduate accounting program in the Wake Forest University Schools of Business ranks in the top 5% in the nation (at #19) according to the 2011 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s guide, “America’s Best Colleges.”

The Wake Forest program secured its top-20 position in the Accounting category for the second consecutive year.  “Our faculty is dedicated to the rigorous education and professional growth of our students and we are pleased that our efforts have been recognized by our peers,” said Gordon McCray, senior associate dean of undergraduate business programs.  “Our efforts also paid off for our students as exemplified by the School’s 99% placement rate at graduation in our Master of Accountancy program,” he added.

Overall, the Wake Forest Schools of Business undergraduate program ranked in the top 10% nationally at #34 among 446 accredited business schools that were considered.

Wake Forest University ranked 25th among national universities and 12th among “schools where the faculty has an unusual commitment to undergraduate teaching.” The University had a strong showing in many categories, including alumni giving rates, faculty resources, and graduation rates. As mentioned in the guide, more than half of Wake Forest classes have fewer than 20 students. The student/faculty ratio is 11 to one, and 94% of Wake Forest’s first-year students return for their sophomore year. Wake Forest has been ranked in the top 30 in the national universities category since 1996.

The U.S. News rankings are posted on www.usnews.com. The rankings will appear in the September issue of U.S. News & World Report, available on newsstands Aug. 31. The 2011 Best Colleges guidebook will be on newsstands Aug. 24.

Uncertain Arrivals Symposium

"Uncertain Arrivals" is an interdisciplinary national conference that invites Wake Forest University faculty from across disciplines and fields to present work on the role of the idea of "uncertainty" in contemporary economic and cultural matters. There is a particular emphasis on the recent current market crash. The economic downturn has turned the spotlight on the creative destruction of capitalism that has long characterized its promise.

The emphasis now seems to be on capitalism's potential for unpredictable cycles of boom and bust. Terms such as "creation," "destruction," "crisis," and "value" are not exclusive to studies of the economy but are, of course, preoccupations of humanistic discourse. This conference will draw on various understandings of these terms to generate a broader, interdisciplinary discussion about how we should collectively understand and engage with the current crisis.

The event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 24, from 9 am – 5 pm at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Babcock Auditorium, in Winston-Salem. For additional information, visit here.

A Firsthand View of the Wake Forest MBA Program

Second-year MBA candidate Andy Rinehart has been contributing to a Businessweek blog for the past year, and recently included his latest post. You can read the entire blog here, but we thought it would be informative to include a small sample that best details his Wake Forest experience thus far:

There are a number of things that I really liked about being a first-year MBA student at Wake Forest. First, the program was academically rigorous. I think my classmates would generally agree that we had to put forth considerable effort to be successful, and that effort was rewarded by the breadth and depth of education that we received. Second, I had several "aha!" moments throughout the year where I learned how stuff really works. These moments ranged from the trivial ("So that's why Coke and Pepsi go on sale every other week!") to the realization that I could not only understand the mechanics behind the Greek debt crisis, but explain them to someone else. Finally, I really appreciated the collegial atmosphere of the program. My peers never hesitated to help me out when I needed it, and the professors did everything they could to be as accessible as possible outside of class. Even the few lecture-style classes we had throughout the year felt more like collaborative discussions than one-way instruction.

Tim Irwin to Appear at Wake Forest Orientation

Students entering Wake Forest University Schools of Business will participate in an interactive lesson on character building and trust when nationally recognized consultant, author, and psychologist, Tim Irwin, speaks at Bridger Field house on Thurs., Aug. 19.  His presentation “What Should I Learn in Business School?” is part of orientation for Wake Forest’s graduate business students.

Irwin’s message will stress how “character trumps competence” for successful leaders, as emphasized in the Schools of Business mission to develop ethical business leaders who use their knowledge, influence, and ambition to positively impact the world.

Irwin is the author of the book, Run with the Bulls without Getting Trampled. In this book, he uses compelling real-life stories to describe his seven critical success factors and six common career derailers. His story includes a trip to Pamplona, Spain, where Irwin and his son participated in the legendary running of the bulls at the festival of San Fermin.

“Run with the Bulls Without Getting Trampled is a great book for anyone who is a student of leadership and wants to be successful in today’s organizations, but most helpful for those who are in the early stages of their careers—young leaders who are beginning their search for a significant life,” said Dean of Business Steve Reinemund, who authored the introduction to the book. Irwin will make a presentation to students followed by a town hall style discussion co-facilitated with Reinemund.

Irwin is currently managing partner of IrwinInc—Psychologists to Business. He is a licensed psychologist and adjunct professor of psychology at the University of Georgia and at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. He also authored the book, Derailed: Five Lessons Learned from Catastrophic Failures of Leadership.

Here is a clip of Irwin appearing on Fox News:

 

Family Brand: Putting Your Name on the Line

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to put your name atop a growing company? It takes a confident person to leverage their own personal brand to market an idea, knowing that people will positively or negatively think of you based on whether that product or service meets expectations. Wake Forest is planning a unique event built around this topic.

“Branding the Family Name: The Pros and Cons of Putting Your Name on the Line,” will be held Tuesday, Nov. 2, at the Graylyn Conference Center in Winston-Salem. Yes, this date is quite a bit in the future so program it into your iPhone, Outlook, etc.

Wake Forest University Schools of Business professor Roger Beahm will discuss the pros and cons of using the family name in developing a brand. From the Bush's Best baked beans to the Ford Motor Co. and SC Johnson: A Family Company, branding the family name comes with it's own unique set of challenges. Join us as we learn about the distinct differences in the psychology behind utilizing (or not) one's "family-ness" in advertising and marketing.

Next, we'll hear from Wendy Yuengling Baker of Yuengling, America's Oldest Brewery. Founded in 1829, this family owned company has been in continuous operation for more than 180 years.

Wendy, a member of the family’s sixth generation, will speak about her family history and what has contributed to their company's success and longevity

Wake Forest Alum Wins CFO of the Year Award

Jamie Harris, an MBA from the Wake Forest University Schools of Business, was recognized this morning as the Charlotte Business Journal’s CFO of the Year award in the large public company category.

Harris (MBA ’98) is a senior vice president and CFO of Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated in Charlotte. He has served in his current post since January 2009. In this role, Harris is responsible for corporate finance, treasury, accounting, risk management, and employee benefits. He was also a director and member of Coca-Cola Bottling’s audit committee from 2003-2008. His background includes nearly a decade as the executive vice president and CFO MedCath.

The publication’s award ceremony was held at the Hilton Charlotte Center City. Nominees from the 16-county Charlotte region were judged based on financial management skills and strategic thinking, and for a demonstrated commitment to fiscal integrity and accountability. The nominations were evaluated by Financial Executives International.

Winners will be featured in a Charlotte Business Journal special section on Aug. 6.

Congratulations!

MA in Management Class Reaches Record Numbers

The Wake Forest University Schools of Business welcomed 96 students in the Master of Arts in Management program this year, an increase of 738% since the program began in 2006. The new class includes 46% women (up from 42% last year), and 59% from traditionally underrepresented groups (up from 44% last year).

“These are significant increases over last year which shows that Wake Forest’s MA program is gaining traction for students who want to broaden their education beyond the focus of their undergraduate studies and gain a competitive edge before launching their career.” said Derrick Boone, Ph.D., director of the M.A. program. “What’s unprecedented is that we have international students this year, representing eight percent of the class, from countries such as Uganda, Lebanon and Vietnam. That’s a powerful indication of what’s to come, not just in the classroom, but in the business community.”

The students arrived for orientation on July 19 from 62 different undergraduate institutions, compared to 37 last year. Some of the schools represented are Harvard University, Duke University, Boston College, Howard University, Yale University, University of Virginia, Jinan University in China, and Wake Forest University.

The 2011 class also includes 14 MA in Management Corporate Fellows. The Corporate Fellowship was founded by Dean of Business Steve Reinemund, as part of his vision for diversity and inclusion within the Schools of Business. Students receiving fellowships, which cover full tuition and a stipend for living expenses, are also matched with mentors from the sponsoring companies.

The 14 Corporate Fellowship sponsors are: American Express, Duke Energy, ExxonMobil, Flow Companies, Frito-Lay, Hanesbrands, Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, PepsiCo, Reynolds American, VF Corporation, Wachovia/Wells Fargo, and Walmart.

The Wake Forest MA in Management is a 10-month graduate business program designed for recent liberal arts, sciences and engineering graduates. Courses cover business concepts related to finance, information technology, marketing and operations.

Dean Reinemund Featured in Businessweek Article

Steve Reinemund was recently featured in a Businessweek article on former corporate CEOs who have made the transition to business school deans. You can find the entire article here, but we are also including the relevant section about Dean Reinemund and his approach to the Wake Forest University Schools of Business.

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In 2008, Wake Forest University's Schools of Business appointed Steve Reinemund, former CEO of PepsiCo (PEP), the beverage and snack-food company based in Purchase, N.Y., as dean. He quickly used his management background to help implement change at the school, he said in a telephone interview on July 27.

About a month after he arrived, he hired a management consulting firm that in 90 days helped the school revamp its system for performance reviews and salary increases for professors, giving faculty the option of deciding whether they want to spend more time on teaching or research. Under his leadership, the school has launched a new Master of Arts in Management program for undergraduates with liberal arts backgrounds who are considering business careers. He's also helped raise money for a new building that will house both the school's graduate and undergraduate programs; the school has received $25 million so far for the new building and expects to raise an additional $20 million by the end of the year, Reinemund said.

"We have a very aggressive provost and president at Wake Forest, so the school has a strong desire to continue to get better," he said. "It's been every bit as challenging as any corporate experience I've ever had."

What Happens When Wake Forest Meets Wall Street

We found this comprehensive report from the Wake Forest University Schools of Business website. To watch video of the panel discussion, go here.

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Wake Forest University enjoyed a day in the spotlight as alumni, students, parents and friends converged at the New York Stock Exchange for “Wake Forest on Wall Street” on July 27. The Demon Deacon flag proudly flew outside of the NYSE, symbolizing the strong presence and significant contributions of Wake Forest alumni working in New York.

“Our vision is to increase awareness of the Wake Forest brand in the world of New York finance, and to help students and alumni find internships, find jobs and grow,” said David R. Hanson, an associate at Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (’05).

Annaly Capital Management Inc. served as host sponsor of the event. Annaly was represented by Michael Farrell, the company’s chairman, president and CEO and a member of the Wake Forest University Schools of Business Board of Visitors. “I support education that promotes accountability and has a moral fiber,” Farrell said.

“This was a good opportunity to give exposure to Wake Forest University, and for Annaly to co-brand the event to help raise that voice,” added Farrell, who had the honor of ringing the closing bell at the NYSE. He was joined on the podium with colleagues from Annaly and Wake Forest in a ceremony televised live to a worldwide audience.

After the closing bell ceremony, more than 100 Wake Forest students, alumni, parents and friends filled the NYSE boardroom to listen to the Wake Forest on Wall Street panel discussion: “The Credit Crisis: Where Are We Now, Where Are We Going?”

“It is important that Americans have an adult conversation about the credit crisis. The perspective most people have is personal, rather than objective on the impact on business and the challenges to our country going forward,” Farrell said. “Are we experiencing deflation or inflation? How do you plan your life around those alternatives? Are you determined to save at zero percent interest rates, or should you actively pursue hard assets like gold, real estate, etc.?”

Dagen McDowell, a Fox Business Network anchor, (’91) served as the panel moderator, engaging highly respected finance industry leaders in a passionate discussion and debate.

“It is amazing what has transpired in the past three years. No one has seen the cycle like we have been through,” said Michael Genereux, a panelist and senior managing director for The Blackstone Group (’88). “In 2008, you couldn’t raise a dime in the fourth quarter, and in 2009 we had a complete reversal. Now we are back in a very uncomfortable spot.”

“What I have learned is that banks drive everything,” said Loyd Henderson, another panelist and a senior vice president at Oaktree Capital (’96). “I think they have not fully recognized their problems, and I am not convinced banks are healthy.”

According to Jim Woolery, a partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP (’91) and a panelist, fear is driving high-level decision making. “We have really seen a pull back in the American boardroom,” he said. “There is a lot of fear, a lot of uncertainty. CEOs and management teams do not want to bet their careers on a big trade.”

Jim Dunn, a vice president and chief investment officer at Wake Forest, explained his investment strategy in our current economic climate. “We are investing in tangible assets because we have a long term outlook,” he said. “We are not sure which way it is going to go, but just in case, we are going to have some assets we can sell down the road.”

The Wake Forest on Wall Street Leadership team includes: Matt Hultquist, Equity Analyst, Sasco Capital (’01); Bryant Schlichting, Assistant Vice President, CitiGroup Global Markets (’06); and David R. Hanson, Associate, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc. (’05).

On Tues., July 27, Wake Forest converged at the NYSE for an event sponsored by Annaly Capital Management. [Left to Right - Nathalie Uribe (Annaly), Sylvia Green (Wake Forest), Gina Katzmark (Wake Forest), Lawrence Leibowitz (NYSE), Gordon Soenksen (Wake Forest), Michael A.J. Farrell (P' 10, Annaly), David R. Hanson ('05, Deutsche Bank Securities), William Sinclair ('07, JP Morgan Securities) Taylor Farrell, James Dunn (Wake Forest), Michael E. Farrell ('10), Anna O'Brien ('10).]