From the Desk of Dean Sarker

Hello Pamplin,

Late last month, I attended my first ever AACSB Dean’s Conference where I met new and veteran business school deans from around the world.  In addition to connecting with many new colleagues and friends, I also met with the deans who visited us last November as part of the AACSB peer review team. The conference focused on such topics as the education mission, effective leadership in business schools, and many other pertinent issues. Additionally, there were opportunities for networking, participation in hands-on activities, and discovering what is keeping “deans awake at night.”

Here are a few highlights from the conference:

  • The opening keynote given by Gianpiero Petriglieri, associate professor of organizational behavior, INSEAD, was an uplifting and motivating presentation urging us -- as leaders of learning -- not to lose sight of bringing more humanistic approaches to research and curricula, as well as to our work in organizational management.  He highlighted the importance of the humanistic roots of leadership which are found in emotions and relationships and the importance of collaboration.  As I sat through the keynote, I could not help but reflect on our three R’s, especially, our emphasis on “responsibility,” both in terms of instilling responsibility amongst our students, integrating it into our educational curriculum, but also our deep responsibility toward each other and toward our college and society.
  • Data-driven decision making has been at the center of Pamplin and will likely be more so in our future as we craft the next-gen Pamplin.  AACSB has also been on that journey with its DataDirect application, and its new extension titled “AnalyticsHub.” As a true IT nerd, I found myself sitting in the front row of the AnalyticsHub demo session with my laptop so I could follow along. This tool can provide meaningful market analysis and can be a valuable asset when we roll out new programs and initiatives.
  • It is probably not surprising that the final day of the conference ended on a topic that was on everyone’s mind: AI. The panel discussion on AI and education with academic deans and industry partners continued in the subsequent breakout sessions.  I learned that having a task force dedicated to AI -- something that we have had since last November -- is not common among business schools and that ours is likely to be used as a model by many deans going forward.  It was also clear to me that as Pamplin thinks through our future curriculum and courses on AI, it will be important to not just to have a course on AI, but on learning how to learn with AI.  Clearly, we cannot address the topic of AI without deep engagement with our industry partners, which we are already pursuing.  AACSB is putting together a dedicated conference on AI in May, and Pamplin will be there so we can bring back the latest thinking and best practices surrounding AI to weave them into our own design of next-gen Pamplin.

Overall, it was a successful conference, and the sixty-degree weather in sunny Barcelona did not hurt either!

Announcements

Blackwood Department of Real Estate students dominate national competition

Real Estate students from 24 universities went head-to-head in a March Madness-style competition. Two undergraduate student teams from the Blackwood Department of Real Estate competed to earn first and second place in the 15th Annual Mulroy Real Estate Challenge – making Virginia Tech the first university in competition history to have two top-placing teams! Read the full article HERE.

Study Abroad Program Renewal or Proposal

Faculty that are planning to renew a study abroad program or to propose a new program for Winter Session 2024-25/Spring 2025/Spring (embedded) 2025 need to work on work on their proposals, as deadlines are approaching.  Please contact Dr. Jennifer Clevenger, Director of International Programs, for assistance in renewing or before beginning a new proposal.

Submission

Submission items include the GEAC proposal or renewal form; budget template; and post-program report. 

  • Step 1: Complete the needed documents. 
  • Step 2: Submit to your department head and the College's Global Education Liaison for review and approval two weeks before the GEAC deadline. If your program is hosted at the Steger Center, also obtain approval from the Executive Director (stegercenter@vt.edu). 
  • Step 3: Make any requested revisions. 
  • Step 4: Upload and submit final documents to the GEAC through your registration portal, ensuring that your college-approved proposal has reached the committee by the University’s deadline. 
  • Step 5: Once submitted, you may begin completing the next steps in your portal to launch your program.  

Deadlines

Submit to your College's Global Education Liaison at least two weeks in advance of the GEAC deadline.

Winter Session/Spring/New Spring (embedded) programs

March 1: College deadline March 15: GEAC final deadline 

*Renewing Spring (embedded) programs 

July 1: College deadline July 15: GEAC final deadline 

*For those of you traveling with programs this March/May who plan to renew for 2025, the GEAC is opening a new July submission cycle.

The committee will begin the review process immediately following each priority and final deadline. The review will take approximately four weeks. 

Varkey George – Global Fellow in Residence

The Global Education Office is excited to have a global visitor, Varkey George (Read his CV here), from 3/31-4/13 as a Global Fellow in Residence. His strengths are in global citizenship, sustainability efforts, and social entrepreneurship. You can read more about his Oshun South Africa enterprise here.

Please contact Dr. Jennifer Clevenger, Director of International Programs if you would like him to come speak in a class as a guest speaker – he can speak for a short period or the full class. He can also speak with student organizations. I will need the date, time, location, and focus of the discussion. I can also put you in touch with him if you would like to speak one-on-one.  Additionally, Pamplin International Programs will have an evening seminar on April 1 from 5:30-7:00 PM in NCB 250. Faculty may wish to require attendance or provide extra credit. We can manage a swipe system. 

Employee Spotlight

Each employee below has been submitted for this recognition by their colleagues. 

Zhang

Shout out to Jackson Lassiter, MSBA-HTM Program Coordinator

Jackson joined VT last August, quickly hitting the ground running as the program coordinator for our MSBA-HTM at NVC. He has excelled in supporting our students, acquainting himself with Pamplin, and grasping the regulations of the International Office and the Grad School. While there are lots of reasons to give him kudos, we wish to spotlight a noteworthy "Ut Prosim" incident from last week.

Jackson had been assisting a potential MSBA-HTM applicant to apply to Pamplin. After an extended back and forth, it was ultimately determined the individual did not meet VT's admission criteria due to the duration of his undergraduate degree. The applicant was devastated as it had been his dream to study at VT. Jackson was not only kind in explaining the situation but also went the extra mile, furnishing the applicant with supplementary information to guide him on this path. The applicant, appreciative of the support, acknowledged the need for further efforts, concluding with a heartfelt statement: "I am going through the information you provided. I will reach back after my four-year program because Virginia Tech treated me like family. Thank you so much."

Such a positive response is truly gratifying. Whether the applicant returns to Pamplin or not, we extend our gratitude to Jackson for embodying the spirit of a VT ambassador and for his invaluable contributions.

Zhang

Phil Xiang, Department Head of HTM, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Business at Temple University

Phil Xiang is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni award from the College of Business at Temple University. Phil will be receiving this award in person on April 19. This is a huge honor and of course a proud moment for us as a College.

Zhang

Pamplin’s International Programs welcomes Alessandra Rosetti

Many of you already know Alessandra Rosetti as part of the International Programs team since February 2021. However, we are excited to announce that she has been hired as our full-time Advisor and Mentor Coordinator. Alessandra is originally from Italy and lived in Canada before moving to the US. In addition to Italian and English, Alessandra also is at the intermediate level with French and can read Spanish. She holds a Master’s Degree in Communication from University of Macerata (Italy).  She works with our Global Mentor program and our international students. She likes to spend time outdoors with her husband, Francesco, and embrace nature with her two daughters, Martina and Beatrice. Alessandra likes reading, hiking, gardening, and going to the movies. However, cooking traditional Italian dishes for her family and friends is absolutely her favorite pastime. Travelling is also a great passion, and besides Italy, Australia is one of her favorite countries in the world.

Zhang

Voices of Privacy won a Vega International Award

Voices of Privacy, the online initiative dedicated to highlighting current issues about information privacy, was recently honored with the Silver Award by the Vega Digital Awards. Each webisode features Bélanger and Wertalik discussing different information privacy topics, including steps individuals can take to protect their information on different platforms – web, smartphones, and others. You can find their episodes streaming now on their website.

Zhang

Dirk Buengel was presented with the Virginia Tech’s Aspire! Award

Dirk Buengel was recognized by the Virginia Tech Student Affairs Division during the Aspire Award ceremony. This award recognizes exemplary behavior and aspirations for student learning, highlighting Dirk's commitment to fostering a culture of learning, developing interpersonal awareness, and encouraging intentional actions and self-reflection among students. Here is a link to the award: https://experience.vt.edu/2017/Dirk_Buengel.html

A huge thank you to all the students who have collaborated with Dirk, making it a joy for him to be passionate about their success! Please join me in congratulating Dirk for this award.

Zhang

Donna Wertalik was interviewed on Fox National regarding the Superbowl

Professor Donna Wertalik was live on Fox News speaking about the effect Taylor Swift had on the Super Bowl. Watch the recording here.

Zhang

Big Shoutout to Lisha Henshaw, Lead Administrative Manager for Undergrad

Lisha Henshaw is a great asset to not only our team but to the Pamplin College of Business. She is constantly encouraging, understanding, and patient. Her strong communication skills make her a great leader here in Pamplin. Lisha is very approachable and supports people in any way she can, often resolving challenges quickly. Her upbeat personality spreads a positive attitude among the office. She has more projects and successes than I have space to list. We appreciate you and all that you do!

Submit staff and faculty for upcoming issues here: tbprice@vt.edu

Upcoming Events

Join us for Hokies on Wall Street

Join the Pamplin College of Business in NYC for Hokies on Wall Street on Thursday, April 4, from 6-8:30 p.m.! Enjoy an exciting program discussing “AI in Practice and Education” featuring industry experts and network with fellow Hokies. Cocktails and food open at 6 p.m. Event begins at 7 p.m. Registration is $10, which includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, as well as a $5 gift to the Global and Business and Analytics Complex fund. Space is limited, so register today!

Don’t miss Pamplin’s UT Prosim Day

Tuesday, March 12 from 10:00-4:00 PM in the Pamplin Atrium.

In part of Principles of Community week here at Virginia Tech, Pamplin will be hosting a day of service where all members of the Virginia Tech community can come together to reinforce the Virginia Tech principles of community which include empathy, civility, and mutual respect. People can participate in a food drive, blood drive, community card making for foster children and more. Lunch will be provided. For more information, please contact Tacook22@vt.edu. 

Add the Town Hall Meeting to your calendars

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us on March 25, 2:00-4:00 PM in the Assembly Hall at The Inn.

At this event we will be hearing from Dan Sui, Senior Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at Virginia Tech.

Dan is responsible for supporting and growing Virginia Tech’s research endeavors and will be joining the dean in discussing moving forward on sponsored research initiatives at the University and at Pamplin. 

You are invited to the Women of Pamplin Luncheon

This event is open to all faculty and staff within Blacksburg and Falls Church Campuses Wednesday, March 20 from 11:45- 1:30 PM. Drop in anytime! Inclusive to all women who self-identify! This event will be hosted by DEIB at the Inn at Virginia Tech in Lathan Ballroom & Falls Church Campus Room T3. RSVP as soon as possible.

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee of Staff Senate presents our Spring 2024 speaker series: Making It Work for Everyone

Talk #2 will occur March 14, 11-11:30 AM. This speaker series will feature topics important to staff, related to fairness at work, dealing with and resolving conflict, opposing discrimination, effective and compassionate communication, and building collaboration. Detailed information on our spring series is included on the photo. VT staff members can register for the spring speaker series at the following link: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AVkvpZ1O8f. Zoom details will be shared with respondents upon completion of registration.

Pamplin's Annual Women's Summit

Happening Saturday, March 30 from 10-3 PM at the Inn at Virginia Tech. The theme is Claiming Your Seat at the Table, and they are planning to have three breakout sessions on technology, entrepreneurship, and wellness & mindfulness. This Summit is open to all students, but we are encouraging faculty/staff to join as well to better understand the student-perspective and participate as allies in their growth and development. The hope is that students and women in our community feel empowered and confident enough to advocate for themselves and continue to stand tall. The deadline to register for the Women's Summit is SUNDAY, MARCH 24TH! Register by clicking here.  

Please join us to celebrate March birthdays with bagels, pastries, and coffee

Don’t forget to join us for breakfast on March 20, from 8:00-9:00 AM in Pamplin 1060. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their birth month.

For more events, check out https://pamplin.vt.edu/events.html