Faculty News
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Alumni, Advisors, & Friends
Constant Hall News
November, 2003
Message From the Dean
Dr. Nancy Bagranoff
Welcome to the first edition of the Constant Hall News. Since I became dean of the College of Business and Public Administrations (CBPA), I’ve been interested in improving communications both within our school, and also between our school and our partners in the local business community. The Constant Hall News, our new monthly online newsletter, will accomplish that. We will e-mail the newsletter to all CBPA faculty and staff, members of our advisory councils, executives of organizations in the Constant Hall Partners Program, and other interested parties. The newsletter will also be posted at the web site where our current and prospective students can read it.
The Constant Hall News has several categories of information, as well as a list of upcoming CBPA scheduled activities and events. We will feature both personal and professional news concerning faculty and staff. This allows us to share information about significant events in the lives of those in our community with each other. For example, if someone suffers an illness, adopts a child, or gets married, we can let everyone know of it through the newsletter.
Many thanks to Chris Hawkins, our newsletter editor and reporter. We conceived this newsletter in August, but needed someone to deliver. Chris, a senior majoring in Applied Mathematics with an English minor, has made it all possible. In addition to his writing skills, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge about IT gleaned from his coursework in computer science. Although he will be graduating in December, he has agreed to continue his work on the Constant Hall News through the end of this academic year.
Many people outside the university have asked how we fared in Hurricane Isabel. As a college, we were relatively fortunate. While many faculty and staff went without power for a week or more, the damage to our homes, personal property, and offices was mostly minimal. Sylvia Hudgins, Associate Professor of Finance, suffered the most damage to her home, with Taylor Sims and John Barker close seconds with tree and water damage. Staff in the college moved computers and other equipment to safe spots away from windows, but the building held up well despite some on-campus flooding. The dean's office and a few others do have some water damage, but there were no broken windows and no harm to equipment. We missed three days of school that will not be made up, which means that faculty and students are working faster than ever to cover material.
Again, we hope you will enjoy the Constant Hall News. Please feel free to provide us with suggestions for improvement!
Faculty News
Transitions & Other Announcements
Angela Miles has left Old Dominion University and is now at North Carolina A&T. The College of Business and Public Administration of ODU wishes her the best at her new position.
Dr. William Crouch will be among the faculty recognized during the Fall 2003 Commencement. One faculty member of each college is selected by that college's honor graduate for recognition, and this year Tanya Wilkerson has selected Dr. Crouch as the faculty member who has had the greatest influence on her academic studies at ODU.
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Professional News
Dr. Abdel Agami's article "Using Internet Resources in Teaching Financial Reporting and Analysis of Multinational Enterprises" appears in the collection Digital Technology in Teaching International Business, edited by Lloyd C. Russo, and published by the International Business Press in 2003. Also, in October of this year, Dr. Agami's presentation entitled "Are Stock Options a Bliss or a Curse to Stockholders" was delivered to the Conference on Competition in a Dynamic World in Falls Church, VA. Dr. Agami is a Professor of Accounting at ODU.
Ms. Ruth Cookson, Program Manager for the Center of Economics Education at ODU, presented her workshop entitled "Teaching African American History and Economics: An Interdisciplinary Approach" at the National Council on Economic Education Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA from October 15-18. The National Council on Economic Education also published Ms. Cookson's lesson plan "From Boxes to Sheep" in the 2003 curriculum guide Resources A to Z: Lesson Plans from Writers Around the World.
Dr. John Ford, Professor of Marketing at ODU, has been named the editor of the AMS Quarterly, a newsletter of the Academy of Marketing Science.
The Anderson School of Management of the University of New Mexico invited Dr. Shaomin Li, Associate Professor of Management at ODU, to give a talk on September 26th in Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Li Was asked to speak about his research on rule-based and relation-based governance systems. The Virginia Foundation for the Humanities interviewed Dr. Li for their public radio program entitled "With Good Reason," which aired the week of October 11-17. Furthermore, the California Management Review accepted Dr. Li's paper "Why is Property Right Protection Lacking in China? An Institutional Explanation" for their Fall 2003 issue.
Dr. John R. Lombard, Assistant Professor of the Graduate Center of Urban Studies and Public Administration, presented his research on "State Mandates: Implications for Local Governments" to the Virginia Beach Joint Tack Force on Unfunded Mandates for Education on October 24, 2003.
Dr. Joan Mann, Associate Professor of Information Technology and Decision Sciences, has been named Associate Editor of the Journal of Global IT Management.
This past August, Dr. Anusorn Singhapakdi, the Area Coordinator of Marketing for ODU, along with co-author Scott J. Vitell, the Phil B. Hardin Chair of Marketing at the University of Mississippi, presented their research paper "Institutionalization of Ethics: Scale Development and Preliminary Analysis" at the Summer American Marketing Conference in Chicago. Dr. Singhapakdi has also been named recently to the Board of Directors of the International Society for Quality of Life Studies.
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Faculty Profile - Dr. David D. Selover
Assistant Professor of Economics
Dr. David D. Selover was born in Sacramento, California. At twelve, he and his family moved north to the small town of Colusa, California, where he worked at his father's auto paint and body shop during high school, as well as spending summers working at local farms harvesting peaches, apricots, almonds, and prunes. Dr. Selover began his college education at the University of California, Davis, but transferred to University of California, Berkeley, first majoring in math and then in political science. He took time off from school to travel around Latin America, backpacking for around nine months. Soon after, he was drafted into the Air Force, where he spent four years working on electronic warfare equipment on jet fighters. During his service, he spent almost two years stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he met his wife, Takako Hanashiro.
After completing his military service, Dr. Selover moved to San Diego and attended San Diego State University, where he received his B.A. in Political Science and M.A. in Economics in 1982. Dr. Selover worked as an economist for Regional Economic Research of San Diego from 1982-1984, where he researched the electric power industry and opinion polls in Mexico. Dr. Selover received his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California at San Diego in 1991. In 1993, Dr. Selover did research on Japanese saving rates at the Japan Development Bank in Tokyo. Dr. Selover joined the Department of Economics of Old Dominion University in 1998.
At Old Dominion University, Dr. Selover enjoys teaching a variety of courses. Currently, he teaches Econometrics II, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Research Methodology, US Economic History, Industrial Organization, and Introductory Microeconomics. In the past, Dr. Selover has taught courses in International Finance, International Trade, Statistics, and the Economy of Japan. In the summers, Dr. Selover has been teaching an economics/business study abroad course in China and Korea for ODU.
Dr. Selover's research has been focused on international economic interdependence and business cycle transmission, especially in the Pacific Basin. He is currently working on projects examining the effects of El Niño upon the business cycle, mode-locking models of business cycle formation, earthquake models of financial crises, the diffusion of fashion in society, and the role of culture in the economy. He has done research concerning the economies of Japan, Korea, Turkey, and Latin America.
As a hobby, Dr. Selover studies languages. In addition to English, he speaks Spanish and Japanese, and is currently studying Chinese and Korean.
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Upcoming Events
Economics Club of Hampton Roads Guest Speaker List
For information about how to attend any of these luncheons, contact Katrina Davenport at 757-683-4058.
- December 3, 2003
Admiral Stansfield Turner, USN(ret.) - Former Director of CIA. Teaches at Yale, author of four books: Secrecy and Democracy; Terrorism and Democracy; Caging the Nuclear Genie- An American Challenge for Global Security; and Caging the Genies: A Workable Solution for Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear Weapons.
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Landmark Executive in Residence Speaker Series
The Landmark Executive-in-Residence program is designed to enrich students' entrepreneurial spirit, their sense of global mobility, and their awareness of the success that can be built on their academic experience. Providing students practical experience while they are enrolled in classes at Old Dominion means offering activities and opportunities that challenge and enrich their thinking. This program is dedicated to bringing accomplished business leaders to campus to share their history and vision, giving students the opportunity to learn first-hand the strategies and experiences that forge great leaders.
Through the Landmark Executive-in-Residence Series, Old Dominion University provides its students, faculty and community with access to accomplished leaders of business and industry. This program is just part of the reason the College of Business and Public Administration excels in providing quality business education.
- November 11, 2003, Constant Hall Rm. 1005, 12:30-1:15pm
W. Lance Anderson, 42, is a cofounder, President and Chief Operating Officer of NovaStar Financial, and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1996. His primary responsibility is to manage mortgage origination and servicing operations. Prior to NovaStar, Mr. Anderson served as Executive Vice President of Dynex Capital, Inc., formerly Resource Mortgage Capital, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange listed real estate investment trust. In addition, Mr. Anderson was President and Chief Executive Officer of Dynex' single-family mortgage operation, Saxon Mortgage. He had been at Dynex since October 1989. Mr. Anderson also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of NovaStar Mortgage. He graduated from the business school with a degree in finance (1984) and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in October 2003. - February 11, 2004
Tony Nicely - CEO, GEICO, INC. Location and Time to be announced.
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Annual Holiday Party
The Annual Holiday Party for Faculty and Staff will be held December 12 at 3:00 PM on the 1st floor of Constant Hall
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Student News
ODU Chapter of Zeta Pi Wins Award
Beta Alpha Psi (National Accounting Honors Fraternity for Financial Information Professionals) conducted the Reporting Enhancement Competition, Interested chapters drafted suggestions for improving/refining the reporting process for chapter reporting to nationals via the internet. There were almost 70 chapters who participated and a two-tier committee put forth their recommendations to the national board. Old Dominion University's Zeta Pi chapter was a runner-up and was awarded a $500 check from the AICPA and recognition at the National Meeting in Honolulu in August.
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Graduate Student Profile - Sara Russell
Sara Russell is a second year Master of Business Administration (MBA) student concentrating her course of study in international business and port and maritime administration.
Sara came to the university after completing her undergraduate work at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware. While earning a degree in Business Administration with minors in Spanish and Economics, she had the opportunity to participate in several study abroad programs. Her travels included Costa Rica, Australia and Argentina. Theses trips peaked her interest in international business and led her one step closer to considering an MBA.
After graduation, Sara was glancing through her mother’s ODU alumnae magazine and came across an article about several students and alumni who were working for multinational companies. “These students were working worldwide and having incredible experiences-exactly what I wanted to do.” Sara immediately began researching MBA programs and applying to graduate schools, including ODU.
After visiting ODU, she instantly decided that the university was where she wanted to continue her higher education. “Everyone in the MBA program office was so personable and friendly, this was a welcomed change to my other university visits. ODU also fit my criteria with their international business program and study abroad programs. Furthermore, the university has a maritime institute which I was extremely interested in learning more about.”
In no time at all and with the help of Jorge Hernandez, an MBA alum and past Propeller Club president, Sara was learning about the maritime industry in Norfolk. “Jorge and I were both graduate assistants and we had the opportunity to talk a lot about his experiences in the program. He encouraged me to join the Propeller Club and to begin taking maritime classes.”
Sara’s interest in the maritime and port industry grew and she applied for a summer internship at the Port of Wilmington in Wilmington, Delaware. During her internship, Sara learned about break-bulk shipping, the logistics of warehousing and the trucking industry. She credits her wonderful experience at the Port to Fred Fitzgerald, Director of Operations for the Port of Wilmington. “Fred understood I was “green” to the port industry and he was patient and willing to answer my many questions. It was a fabulous experience and I thank Fred for giving me the chance to learn so much about daily port operations.”
The summer of 2003 was quite busy for Sara, not only was she working at the Port, but she traveled to Aarhus, Denmark to attend the European Summer School of Advanced Management (ESSAM). ESSAM, an annual program in Aarhus, brings together MBA students from around the world to meet and study with professors and industry business leaders. This year students traveled from the US, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, France, the UK, Australia and many others to discuss and learn more about this year’s topic-Corporate Social Responsibility. While trying to overcome cultural differences and language barriers during this intensive 2-week program, the students designed and presented marketing plans for Danish companies and attended elective courses. “ESSAM was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I met students from various industries including banking and finance, communications, non-profit organizations and fortune 500 companies who were either veterans in their fields or just starting out in the workforce, like myself. These people were amazing and we all came to Aarhus with the same goal: expand our international business backgrounds and to learn more about each other. I believe we all walked away from that experience with an increased tolerance and we are all better individuals for having attended this great course.”
“Early on in my career at the University, Jorge gave me a great piece of advice: ‘The University offers so many experiences besides the classes.’ Now I truly agree with this statement. Whether it I’m working in the MBA office, attending Propeller Club meetings, interning or meeting other MBA students I have learned and grown so much from the experiences I have had at the University.” Sara is now focusing on graduating in May of 2004, finding a job in the Norfolk area as well as planning her next overseas adventure.
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Undergraduate Student Profile - Brandon Bowers
Brandon Bowers came to Old Dominion University from Boston, MA in 2000, pursuing a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Information Technology. Mr. Bowers has received a scholarship from Comcast Communications, a scholarship from the Virginia Bar Association, as well as a full scholarship from the Orphan Foundation of America, a non-profit organization committed to helping parentless foster youths.
Mr. Bowers has served as a resident assistant in Whitehurst dormitory and as a preview councilor for ODU's Summer Preview/Orientation Program. Mr. Bowers has also served as a peer councilor in the University's Career Management Center for two years. He has served as the president for the Fellowship of Minority Engineers and Scientists and currently serves as the Treasurer for the Business Honors Student Society. He serves as a student chair for the Orphans Foundation of America and participates in annual summits that take place on Capitol Hill. This year, Mr. Bowers was selected to participate in the University Fed Challenge, headed by Dr. Larry "Chip" Filer. His major G.P.A. is 3.88/4.0 and he will be graduating in May, 2004.
Mr. Bowers has interned with Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard, and the Norfolk Southern Corporation. His interests and hobbies include "golf, golf, and more golf."
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Alumni, Advisors, and Friends
Executive Advisory Council Member Profile - Jim Babcock
James F. Babcock recently stepped down as Chairman of the ODU Business Schools’ Executive Advisory Council. Formerly Chairman of the Board of the First Virginia Bank of Hampton Roads, he retired in 1998 after a forty year career in banking that included fifteen years with the International Banking Group of Citibank in South America, Europe, and New York. Before coming to Hampton Roads in 1977, he supervised First Virginia’s non-banking subsidiaries.
Mr. Babcock’s numerous community leadership positions have included chairmanships of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Forward Hampton Roads, the Governor’s Regional Economic Development Advisory Council for South Hampton Roads, the Virginia Symphony, WHRO Public Broadcasting, Hampton Roads Plan 2007, and the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors. He currently serves as a member of the Executive Committees of the Hampton Roads Partnership and Future of Hampton Roads. He has been an active board member of many other banking, community, and arts organizations, including the Virginia Bankers Association, the Virginia Business Higher Education Council, and the Urban Partnership of Virginia. As chairman of the Hampton Roads Partnership’s Regional Identity Task Force he conceived and implemented the contest for creating the Hampton Roads regional flag.
Mr. Babcock holds a BA in History from Princeton and an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He served three years in the Navy as a supply and disbursing officer.
While Jim Babcock will no longer chair the Executive Advisory Council, he is staying on as a member. We are quite pleased at that since his advice over the years has been invaluable.