October 2017 News SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Mark Your Calendar!

October 3- 27: Message from the Dean BPA Group Advising Dates Welcome Back! year NASPAA accreditation, which is recognition October 10 & 11: for providing a high-quality education in public SHRM Symposium I joined CSU Bakersfield policy and administration by having the appropriate October 12: on July 1, 2017, after 19 curriculum and processes in place. Big Data Event years at the University of Many faculty have been engaged in research. Kern County Workforce Summit Massachusetts, Dartmouth. No doubt the School of Business and Public October 16-23: I am truly touched by the Administration is poised to move to the next level On-Campus Accounting Firm Interviews warm welcome I have of excellence as a nationally and internationally October 17-19: received from the faculty, staff, and administrators known premier school for business and public CLADEA Conference of the School of Business and Public Administration administration. October 21: (BPA) and across the campus. We had an Executive Advisory Council meeting PPA Mixer Because of the generous support of my colleagues and I was quite impressed by the commitment and across the campus and within the School, I have support of the members. I look forward to working October 25: CECE Fall Career Expo been able to make a smooth transition. I am excited closely with them to assist students with experiential to be a part of the BPA team. learning and for ideas in how BPA can continue to October 26: Over the past few months, I have been working support Kern’s economic development. CRCC Recruitment Greater Bakersfield Chamber with Interim Dean John Stark and others to ensure I am optimistic that, with the support of our Business Conference and Expo that some of the preliminary work for the AACSB outstanding faculty and staff, we can move forward October 30: reaccreditation process is completed. I would like collaboratively in curriculum innovation, student- Spring Registration Opens to take this opportunity to thank Associate Dean centered learning, hiring high-quality faculty and John Stark for his service to BPA as Interim Dean staff, supporting high-quality research, expanding November 7: and Professor Lori Paris for her service as Interim internationalization, increasing School-focused Trade Financing Event Associate Dean. fundraising, AACSB reaccreditation, maintenance November 8: Despite a very hot summer, the School of Business of NASPAA accreditation, and enhancing Kern KEDC Energy Summit and Public Administration is making progress in County’s economic development. November 9: many areas, including student enrollment, faculty UAA Alumni Social research, student engagement, and community Should you have any questions, please feel free to November 10: Veteran’s Day- outreach activities. I have learned that students visit the Dean’s Office. Campus Closed have been active with internships, summer classes, November 23-24: Thanksgiving - career development, and taking some time off to I’m looking forward to working with you. Campus Closed enjoy the summer. I am pleased to report that the Department of Sincerely, *For more information BPA Public Policy and Administration has received a six- Angappa Gunasekaran events, please visit the Website at https://bpa.csub.edu/index.html BPA Advising and Student Services Corner

Important Information: Get Connected • Group advising will be required to lift advising holds for Spring 2018 registration. Group advising sessions will begin Stay Up to Date with BPA early October. Students will be invited to a specific group advising session via CSUB e-mail. • Be sure to check myCSUB account for any holds before your www.csub.edu/bpa registration period begins. www.linkedin.com/groups/6937294 • The final EPT/ELM exam will be offered in late September. For more information, you may check the CSUB Testing www.facebook.com/BPACSUB Center website. www.csub.edu/testing www.twitter.com/CSUBBPA • Important academic deadlines can be found in the Academic Calendar: https://www.csub.edu/facultyaffairs/_files/ www.instagram.com/csubbpa Academic-Calendar-2017-18.pdf bpa.csub Student Organizations:

Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) professional network. ESA also helps provide students with the level of The Mission of the International Beta Gamma Sigma is to critical thinking required to make informed decisions in the real world. encourage and honor academic achievement in the study of business, to cultivate and celebrate leadership and professional excellence, to advance Meet the 2017-2018 Student Officers for ESA the values of the Society, and to serve its lifelong members. President- Ivory Parker Jr. My name is Ivory Parker Jr. and I am the President of the Economic Meet the Beta Gamma Sigma 2017-2018 Student Student Association (ESA). I am a Senior majoring in Economics, with a concentration in General Business. In addition, I am an Instructional Officers Assistant of Economics for the School of Business and Public President- Nadia Mirkazemi Administration. I am also an intern for Kern County’s Information Technology Hello Runners! My name is Nadia Mirkazemi and I Services, where I am learning to operate Geographic Information Systems am a Business Administration major with a double (GIS) software. My career goal is to start a GIS consulting firm where I can concentration in Marketing and Small Business provide services to local businesses to help them serve the community. Management. I am excited to be the President of Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) and to offer new opportunities Vice President- Ramon Rivera for members! I joined BGS because I wanted to gain I am originally from Long Beach, California, but I’ve networking opportunities and leadership skills offered lived in Bakersfield since 2012. After graduating through the Society. I decided to further my involvement from Bakersfield College with an Associate degree in as an officer of BGS because I wanted to share these English, I headed to CSUB with a large appetite for opportunities with other members. I also hope to better the experience on education. I am now a Senior at CSUB majoring in campus and offer new and exciting events for our members. My personal Economics with double concentrations in Accounting goals include opening my own business and attending graduate school to and English. When I’m not in class, I’m either at one of support this career path. If anyone is interested in becoming more involved my two jobs, studying, or spending time with my family. in BGS, please do not hesitate to contact us! I currently work as a veterinary technician at a small animal hospital. My experience in this field has allowed me to develop my communication Vice President of Finance- Pierre Peasha skills and get an inside look at the inner workings of a small business. Pierre Peasha is majoring in Business Administration Beyond that, I also work at the University as the Lead Tutor for the School with concentrations in Accounting and Finance, and a of Business and Public Administration, with a focus in Economics and minor in Economics. Peasha joined Beta Gamma Sigma Accounting. My experience at CSUB has been extraordinary and I’m (BGS) to connect with other high-achieving business excited to delve the position as Vice President of the Economics Student students and become more involved in the School of Association. We have a lot planned, both for club activities and the overall Business and Public Administration. “I volunteered my growth and presence here at CSUB and the community. My future plans services as VP of Finance so that I could get some include pursuing and obtaining my Certified Public Accountant license experience in handling an organization’s funds and and using my economic background to widen my scope of expertise in apply what I have learned in my accounting and finance the accounting field. classes,” said Peasha. Social Media Chair- Sabrina Mullins Peasha’s future goals: “I’m hoping to graduate within the next couple of My name is Sabrina Mullin and I am the Social Media Chair for the years and get a job as an accountant. I plan to study for the CPA exam Economics Student Association. I am currently a senior at CSUB and I am while I work and obtain my CPA license and become a CPA. I would also majoring in Economics with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. like to start my own business someday and eventually become a college My goals after graduation in the spring include attending graduate school professor in accounting and/or finance.” where I hope to pursue a master’s in healthcare as well as traveling in between semesters. When I’m not at school I am usually working at one of Vice President of Programming- Jessica Cabrera my two jobs or spending time with my family and friends! Hello, my name is Jessica Cabrera. I am a Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing. Treasurer- Anthony Ponce I joined Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) because I was I am currently majoring in Economics with an interest in certain that it would provide me with great opportunities mathematics. My interests include undertaking research for the future and I was excited to be part of an that exemplify trends in communities relating to the honorable society. My goals for the future are to obtain way resources are allocated and the analysis of the my Master’s degree and work in the marketing side of relationship correlation between independent variables the cosmetic or entertainment industry. associated with allocating resources. Aside from my affiliation with ESA as its Treasurer, I also dedicate my Vice President of Events- Nelly Wandji time as a tutor for the Economics department here at Nelly Wandji is a graduate student, majoring in the CSUB and as the Treasurer of University Accounting Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, at Association, another student organization in BPA. CSUB BPA. Wandji serves as the Vice President of My goals after graduation include pursuing an advanced degree in Events for Beta Gamma Sigma. Besides the tremendous Economic Development, and though I cannot currently name a specific opportunities for leadership and the acknowledgment location that I would be happy to work in or a firm that I would be happy of academic excellence by an International Honor to work for, my overall intention is to serve as a developmental economist Society, Wandji joined Beta Gamma Sigma to create a for underdeveloped regions and assist in the implementation of policies positive impact in the community, and more importantly, supporting sustainable practices through research studies to interact with professionals, business students, and faculty advisors through social events and networking opportunities. Wandji is pursuing Recruitment Chair- Dania Martinez her MBA to expand her business knowledge and take her career to the My name is Dania Martinez and this is my third year at CSUB. I am an next leadership level. Economics major with a concentration in Small Business. My future goal is to start my own business in the food or manufacturing industry. Economics Student Association (ESA) After graduating from CSUB, I hope to further my education and attend The Economic Student Association is a campus organization that promotes the University of Alabama, where I want to pursue a Master’s degree. student involvement through social events, game and movie nights, and Something unique about me, is that I love hiking and I am a thrill seeker. I economic forums. Through these events, members can connect with enjoy activities that involve risks, and love facing my fears. faculty, other students, and members of the community and expand their 2 Student Organizations (Cont’d) Entrepreneurship and Small Business Club Public Relations Coordinator- The Entrepreneurship/Small Business Club is all about exploring, creating, Biridiana Gonzalez and connecting CSUB students with local businesses. We welcome Gonzalez is a senior ERM major with a concentration in everyone who has an interest in business, regardless of what your major Occupational Safety and Health. Gonzalez is currently the is. Whether you are thinking about owning your own business or just Events Coordinator for iHeart Radio. want to learn more, come chat with us. We are working on getting some great guest speakers this semester for inspiring and informative panel discussions. If you would like to learn, have fun, and expand your social and professional network then come check us out! Secretary- Luis Lopez Lopez is a junior ERM major with a concentration in Meet the 2017-2018 Student Officers Occupational Safety and Health. Treasurer- Ellisa McCoy I’m a senior at CSUB and the Treasurer of the Entrepreneurship/Small Business Club. I’m majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Treasurer- Jarib Cockerel Management. I currently work fulltime at Valvoline Instant Cockerel is a senior ERM major with a concentration in Oil Change as a Senior Technician. This summer I had Occupational Safety and Health. Cockerel is currently the opportunity to intern with Kern County in the County employed with Nestle. Administrative Office. I was working in the Policy and Legislation side which was an incredible learning experience. Public Policy and Administration Student Meet the 2017-2018 Student Officers for the Association President’s Welcome Financial Management Association Hello Everyone. My name is Frances Nunez-Luna; I am the President President- Omar Youssef of the Public Policy and Administration Student Association (PPASA). Hello! My name is Omar Youssef and I am the President of the FMA chapter. PPASA is a new club on campus, operating under the umbrella of BPA. I am an international student from . I am a Business Administration The club received its official charter in March 2017; we are excited to add major with concentrations in Finance and Marketing and am expected to to the work that was begun last semester by the founding officers. The graduate in spring 2018. This is my third year with FMA and my second mission of this club is to create networking opportunities between CSUB year on the board; I was the Vice President of the Chapter last year. I hope students and community leaders that will open doors to help transitions to use my experience and expertise with the chapter to make this year as into the workforce. Community leaders from the fields of government, successful as possible. nonprofit, and the healthcare industry have made themselves available to share their time and knowledge to strengthen and encourage students to Secretary- Alex Risheh be successful leaders in their respective communities. We are excited to My name is Alex Risheh and I am the secretary of CSUB’s Financial host the PPA mixer on October 21st. This event will introduce students Management Association. I am currently a senior and am pursuing to community leaders and policy makers. Other events include a job a double-major in Economics and Business Administration with a shadowing program and panel discussions —these events are scheduled concentration in Finance. Using the skills I have acquired in my curriculum, for spring 2018. In addition to the professional aspect, it is my hope to I hope to make this year’s Financial Management Association experience create relationships between club members that will provide support and one to remember! encouragement, and fun! Please join us! Follow us on social media. Hope to see you at our first meeting. Occupational Safety and Health Club (OSH) The CSUB OSH Club is a student section associated with American Meet the 2017-2018 Student Officers for PPASA Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). Our club focuses on professional President- Frances Nunez-Luna development by hosting local experienced safety professionals which Frances Nuñez-Luna graduated Magna Cum Laude with allows club members great networking opportunities along with learning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management about current work place safety topics through presentations and from Fresno Pacific University. Nunez-Luna has a unique demonstrations. When you join ASSE and the OSH Club as a student professional background that includes careers in law you will have access to a wide range of benefits: grants/ scholarships, enforcement, the medical field, and the financial and certification reimbursement and technical safety workshops. banking industries. These professional experiences have allowed Nunez-Luna to have a well-rounded world view that Our club meetings are the second Wednesday of each month. The next has proven beneficial as she pursues a Master of Public Administration, meeting will be held on October 11, 2017 in the Science III building with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. Her ultimate goal is to room 120. Come join us for free pizza and a confined space presentation pursue a Juris Doctor Degree; she is currently in process of taking the presented by a local safety company. LSAT. “Serving as PPASA President has been challenging, but extremely rewarding. It’s been exciting to engage with community leaders, faculty and especially fellow students,” said Nunez-Luna, “I am grateful to have the opportunity to expand on the work laid out by the previous and founding Meet the 2017-2018 Student Officers for OSH officers of PPASA.” With the help of current leadership, she looks forward President- Chris Brand to creating professional and life changing opportunities for students and Brand is a senior ERM major with a concentration in expanding the PPA program. Occupational Safety and Health. Brand is currently employed with Chevron. Treasurer- Delia Arrendondo Originally from Modesto California, Arrendondo received her Bachelor Degree in Social Work from California State University of Sacramento and is currently a Master Vice President- Don Springfield of Public Administration student at CSUB. Arrendondo Springfield is a senior ERM major with a concentration in works for Kern Regional Center as a Service Coordinator Occupational Safety and Health. Springfield is currently an and is a student intern with Kern County Department of intern at Aera Energy. Finance. After graduation from CSUB, she plans to seek a career as a program administrator analyst in a healthcare setting. She loves traveling and exploring new places.

3 Student Organizations (Cont’d)

Secretary- Audrey Armstrong Vice President- Selina Galvan Audrey Armstrong earned her Bachelor of Applied My name is Selina Galvan and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies with a minor in Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. English from the University of Mississippi in 2010. As a I love anything that involves high speed. I also serve as the ‘Director of public service professional, Audrey has been employed Budget Management’ for ASI, here at CSUB and ‘Campus Ambassador’ with Kern County Superior Court over the last 4 years. for Wiley CPA. Outside of class, my passion and love is sports cars. I am a She is currently attending CSU Bakersfield to obtain proud owner of three Mustangs, all of which are highly modified and fast! I a Master of Public Administration with certification in am excited to serve as your UAA Vice President! Non-Profit Management. Her primary goal is to identify and create factors that influence public support for Secretary- Anthony Ponce policies that advance teen pregnancy prevention and youth empowerment. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Economics Serving as secretary of PPASA has been rewarding because it has with an interest in mathematics; I had initially started created numerous working relationships and networking opportunities my education as a Business Administration major with with community leaders. Audrey has held the secretary position since a concentration in Accounting. I have been involved the club launched last academic year. She is so humbled to be a part with UAA since the beginning of my freshman year of an association that will make positive change on campus, and in our and have attended many of the events they have surrounding community. hosted. Additionally, I served as UAA’s Secretary in the spring of 2016 and have served as its secretary since Community Outreach Coordinator - Solomon Barks the beginning of this academic year. Aside from my Solomon Barks was born and raised in Bakersfield California. Barks is affiliation with UAA, I also dedicate my time as a tutor for the Economics currently an undergraduate student in the Public Policy and Administration department here at CSUB. UAA provides many opportunities for students program with plans to start the Master of Public Administration program to be involved; I am here to work to ensure that these opportunities in the spring. “I work for a political consultant, and spend most of my continue to be available for many students in the future. summers, winter, and spring breaks working on campaigns around the state of California. I am hoping to pursue a future in planning or policy Membership Coordinator- Songping Yan writing,” said Barks. As the community outreach coordinator for PPASA, My name is Song and my major is accounting. I am a transfer student from Barks said he is really looking forward to the future of PPASA and the Bakersfield College. I will be graduating this spring. I am looking forward to club’s future events. “We have some very interesting plans for the future serving as your membership coordinator of UAA. I like to watch movies and that will be of great use to our fellow PPA students.” eat all kinds of Asian cuisine. My goal is to become a CPA and hopefully work in the private accounting industry or educational and consultation Special Events Coordinator- Gessel Romo area. Gessel Romo is the is the newly appointed Special Events Coordinator for the Public Policy and Secretary- Aaron Chen Administration Student Association (PPASA). She I recently transferred into CSUB during the Fall semester of 2017 and am is no stranger to student involvement; she has been currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration involved on campus since her sophomore year with in Accounting. My experiences on campus have been very helpful in my ASI, Greek life, Sensational Sophomores, and various endeavors and in return, I would like to assist students in their endeavors other student-run organizations and clubs. She is a first- by contributing my time to the University Accounting Association. generation college graduate who earned her B.A. in Psychology; she is now a second year graduate student Social Media Officer- Araceli Rosas in the Master of Public Administration program. She currently works on My name is Araceli Rosas and I am proud to be the Social Media campus as the Lead Tutor for the TRIO/Educational Talent Search program Officer of UAA. I am a junior majoring in Business Administration with a and is interning for Bakersfield College’s MESA STEM program. Her concentration in Accounting. I will be graduating in the fall of 2018. I joined academic goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in higher education and organizational UAA to increase my networking possibilities and I hope we can help other studies and her career goals include being a Dean of Instruction, Vice students do the same. I also hold the Vice President of PR/ Social Media President of Student Affairs, and one day be the CSU Chancellor. Gessel for Beta Gamma Sigma at CSUB. is an inducted member of the honor society and CSUB’s Student Leadership Hall of Fame. Photographer- Matthew Joseph My name is Matthew Joseph and I transferred from Bakersfield College University Accounting Association (UAA) in the Fall of 2016. I am majoring in Business Administration with a The University Accounting Association (UAA) here at CSUB campus concentration in Accounting. I will be graduating in the spring of 2018. that is dedicated to coordinating events to increase students’ exposure After graduation, I want to attain my CPA license. In my free time, I enjoy to different types of accounting firms. UAA provides sufficient resources playing basketball, riding my dirt bike, and “you-tubing” how to do different and opportunities for students to learn about different career paths related things that I find useful. I joined UAA to become more involved with the to accounting and/or finance. UAA assists students to be knowledgeable different opportunities and events that are available to students and about CPA requirements. surround myself with people in the industry I plan to enter. Meet the 2017-2018 Student Officers for UAA President- Nicole Leas Student Experience: I am a senior Accounting student originally from Palmdale, California. I transferred from Antelope Valley College last year and I have loved BPA Student Travels to for Study Abroad accounting ever since I took my first accounting class. I interned at NASA Kennedy Space Center during the summer last year and I interned to Study Business at Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock during this year’s tax season. After Written by Courtney Ludford graduating, I plan to work in the public accounting industry as an Auditor and I want to obtain my CPA license. My interests outside of accounting This past summer semester, I participated in an International Marketing include: dancing, cooking, and traveling. As President of UAA, I want to program at Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt Nürtingen-Geislingen, give CSUB’s accounting students as many opportunities as possible to a university in Nürtingen, Germany. Thanks to a generous scholarship from build professional connections and to apply for internships and full-time the Office of the President, I participated in the university’s two-week long jobs. I know working with the other UAA officers, Dr. Di Wu, and the business study tour. During my time in Germany, I explored the area in various companies in Bakersfield will bring amazing chances for students Baden-Württemberg and learned about different industries in the southern to jump-start their careers. German state. Several companies that operated in the south of Germany 4 BPA Student Interns at Kern Economic Student Experience: Development Corporation gave presentations and shared their BPA student Itzel Vargas has accepted an internship knowledge of business and several with Kern Economic Development Corporation (Kern provided factory tours. Some of the EDC). As an intern with Kern EDC, Vargas will assist with companies included were: Adidas, Kern EDC marketing campaigns, creation of signage, Porsche, Keller Lufttechnik, and Roto newsletter, email campaigns, online promotions, and Frank. other marketing contributions. The Kern EDC internship is The program consisted primarily of a unique opportunity to learn hands-on about the private lectures that included international non-profit economic development world. topics such as: intercultural “As an intern at Kern Economic Development Corporation, I assist management, EU cluster policy, the Manager of Research & Marketing as well as the Kern Economic and the practical application of marketing principles globally. The class Development Foundation Executive Director. My duties include: posting consisted of two other American students and four German students, stories on various social media platforms, assisting with upcoming events, with occasional visits from other attendees of the university. We were research, and other administrative tasks. This internship is giving me the given group work and projects, and it was very interesting to see how opportunity to learn more about the local community, its business climate, different their style of writing is compared to fellow Americans and myself. and economic development in Kern County,” said Vargas. It was also fascinating to note the cultural differences and similarities throughout the two weeks. During one course lecture, we had a very open conversation about how Germany is different in so many ways, particularly academically. The contrasts were also striking when a former student of Student Highlights: the university, now an employee at Porsche, discussed the differences between selling a Porsche vehicle in Germany versus in the . Beta Gamma Sigma Attains High Honors from In Germany, customers are required to wait, oftentime months, for their International Chapter custom-ordered Porsche, because cars are not kept in stock at Porsche. The Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) Chapter at CSUB BPA has attained However, that is almost unheard of for American customers, as car lots are recognition of High Honors by BGS International for the 2016-2017 usually stocked with a variety of options available for purchase. He noted academic year! The Chapter’s focus on academic excellence, along with that there is a willingness amongst German customers to wait for their the diligence of chapter officers, has enhanced Beta Gamma Sigma’s product, whereas American customers have a more fast-paced attitude, in terms of consumer behavior. stature on campus. A BGS Chapter attains High Honor status through The program also included a weekend trip to Paris, so all students a high level of engagement by members and the (BPA) could experience some exploration of a different culture. This was the values the recognition BGS provides members. highlight of the program for me and it provided plenty of bonding time Beta Gamma Sigma is the International Honor Society serving business amongst all the students. After the completion of the program, I continued programs accredited by AACSB International - The Association to my travels to other countries around Europe where I learned about Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Membership in Beta Gamma different cultures and had amazing experiences with some of the best Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world people around the world. I recommend study abroad to any student that is can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International. considering it. It was one of the best adventures I have ever had in my life. Membership is by invitation from faculty and have the following criteria: 1) The Division of Global Outreach at Extended University can help students student must be enrolled in a business program; 2) student is within the participate in a program and start a study abroad adventure of their own. top 10% of the junior class in their second semester; 3) student is within BPA Student Travels to Germany for Study Abroad the top 10% of the senior class; and/or 4) student is within the top 20% Written by Alicia Vidales Vera of a graduating Master’s class. Congratulations to our Faculty Advisors and the student leadership team It was July 5, 2017, and there I was for their hard work and dedication to CSUB BPA’s Beta Gamma Sigma heading to Germany taking on an Chapter. opportunity of a lifetime. I walked onto the plane with nervousness and excitement. This was really happening Faculty Highlights: and there was no turning back. After traveling for 14 hours, on two different modes of transportation, I had arrived BPA Welcomes New Professor Dr. Mansik Hur in Bremen, Germany. I knew only two Dr. Mansik Hur is an Assistant Professor of Management words in Deutsch and was more than at California State University, Bakersfield. Prior to thrilled to have had arrived safely. All I joining the CSUB faculty in August 2017, Dr. Hur could think was “Wow, this is real and I’m here!” was a career military officer in the Republic of Korea The program was well diversified and consisted of 300+ students from Air Force. He earned his Ph.D. in Management from nearly 50 different countries. I took part of the beginner language course the University of Alabama and taught as an adjunct at Hochschule Bremen for the summer. The professors did their best to instructor prior to coming to CSUB. He also holds an help every individual be comfortable with the basics, enunciation, and conversational phrases. The teacher to student ratio was 1:10. This ratio MS in Logistics Management from the U.S. Air Force allowed for personal growth. Aside from lectures, they planned events Institute of Technology and a BS in Linguistics from that promoted communication and cultural awareness. Although it wasn’t the Korea Air Force Academy. His teaching and research interests are a language immersion program, the course left fewer chances to slip back in logistics and supply chain management, inventory management, and into the safety net of one’s native tongue. No matter how much traveling performance-based contracting. you do with friends or family, nothing will compare to studying and living in During his military career, Dr. Hur has been involved in major acquisition a foreign country. programs of the Air Force and has won many awards for his management There are so many amazing benefits to studying abroad, but my favorite had and leadership efforts. He was also competitively selected for a Korean to be the fact that it was so easy to travel to different countries. I traveled National scholarship to pursue his doctorate education. After serving to several countries including: France, Italy, Denmark, , England, and Korea Air Force for 24 years, he retired as a rank of Lieutenant Colonel the . Without even realizing it, you learn so much each day you travel. It sure beats learning about these countries in history courses. and joined CSUB to develop a new career in academia by sharing his I started off completely on my own and left with friendships that will truly knowledge, experience, and expertise with students and faculty. last a life time. The things that I did were things I dreamed about doing and now they’re part of my reality! 5 Faculty Highlights (Cont’d) Millie Ablin, who served as a member of the Board of Directors of the BPA Faculty Member Sworn in as CASA Advocate CSUB Foundation, was a longstanding supporter and contributor to Dr. BJ Moore was sworn in as a Court Appointed CSUB and the community. To recognize her support of excellence in Special Advocate (CASA) by the Honorable Judge teaching and scholarship, by Senate resolution dated January 17, 2002, Louie Vega on August 9, 2017. As a CASA, Dr. Moore the Excellence in Teaching Award was renamed the Millie Ablin Award. We has sworn to represent abused, abandoned, and are pleased to announce the beginning of the nomination process for the neglected children in Kern County. Through the use Millie Ablin Excellence in Teaching Award. of highly trained volunteers, the CASA program seeks to provide every child who needs an advocate with a voice in the court process. BPA Economics Professors Present Paper The CASA volunteer is a sworn officer of the court Dr. Richard Gearhart and Dr. Nyakundi Michieka, whose job is to provide the juvenile court judge or referee with an Professors of Economics, presented papers at the independent assessment of the circumstances of the child. The CASA’s 92nd Western Economic Association International report is drawn from their evaluation of interviews they conduct with key Meetings in San Diego, CA. parties in the child’s life including: the child’s social worker, attorneys, foster parents, group homes, and others. The CASA makes recommendations Gearhart, R. S., Michieka, M. N., (July 2017). “The for the disposition of the case based on the child’s total circumstances. In Impacts of Colonialism and Governance on Healthcare addition, the CASA attends all court hearings pertaining to the child. With Efficiency.” the support of the program staff, they represent the interest of the child in the proceedings, which are normally scheduled every six months. Michieka, M. N., Gearhart, R. S. (July 2017). “Resource Curse? The Case of Kern County.” BPA Economics Professor Publishes Paper in Journal BPA Economics Professor Invited to Present Dr. Nyakundi Michieka has published a paper for the Research Paper Energy Economics Journal during the Summer of Dr. Nyakundi Michieka, Professor of Economics, 2017. was invited to speak at California State University, San Bernardino in May 2017 on a research paper Michieka N. M. (2017) “Do changes in oil prices affect presented to the Department of Geography and welfare programs? Evidence from Kern County” Environmental Studies. Energy Economics Vol 66 pp. 116 - 121. **(Energy Economics is the #1 journal in Energy N. Michieka, (2017) “An Empirical Analysis of the Economics) Effects of Agriculture and Energy Consumption, on CO2 emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa” Abstract In this paper, the intertemporal causal relationship between oil prices Dr. Michieka was also invited as a guest speaker on the Richard Beene and welfare programs in Kern County is studied using monthly data show on KERN NewsTalk 96.1FM/1180AM on the topic of Climate between 1999:7 and 2016:8. Results from the autoregressive distributed Change. lag (ARDL)-bounds testing approach show that there is stable long run equilibrium relationship between CalFresh caseloads, oil prices and BPA Economics Professor Appointed Director of unemployment. They also show that adjustment in CalFresh participation Membership- Phi Beta Delta due to changes in oil prices and unemployment is slow, and a 10% Dr. Nyakundi Michieka has been appointed the Director of Membership increase in unemployment led to a 3.3% increase in CalFresh enrollment. for Phi Beta Delta, the Honor Society for International Scholars, for the Results from a modified Granger Causality method indicated causality 2017-2018 year. running from unemployment to CalWORKs, and no causality from oil prices to CalWORKs participation. The GIRF confirmed that CalWORKs Phi Beta Delta, founded at California State University, Long Beach in is more responsive to changes in unemployment than to oil price shocks. 1986, was established as an organization in 1987 with 38 chartered The FEVDC results demonstrated that contributions of the oil price shocks chapters, many of which had existed for a considerable time previously at in explaining variations in CalWORKs were negligible. the local level. It is the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. BPA Finance Professor Presented with Millie Ablin Excellence in Teaching Award Phi Beta Delta traces its background to the eighteenth-century founding Dr. Mahdy Elhusseiny, Professor of Finance, was of . In the nineteenth century, Greek fraternities divided presented with the Millie Ablin Excellence in Teaching into the social, professional, and academic Greeks. Phi Beta Delta is Award at the University Day Address 2017. an academic and professional society, unique because it is resolutely “I am a firm believer in active learning and I try to interdisciplinary and international. Its formal organization brought together maintain a very lively and interactive classroom. To numerous pre-existing internally-oriented campus groups. me, teaching is not about lecturing to students; it is about presenting theories, concepts, and empirical material to students in a way that they can integrate Community Engagement: this information into their own life experience. My goal is to create a teaching environment that is friendly to discussions and 2017 John Brock Community Service Award questions, where students are encouraged to think critically and creatively The John Brock Committee and CSU Bakersfield’s about the subject discussed through interactions and collaborations. I’m School of Business and Public Administration (BPA) honored to receive the 2017-2018 Millie Ablin Excellence in Teaching proudly announce Keith Brice as this year’s recipient award. This award shows that all my efforts were crowned with success. of the prestigious John Brock Community Service In the meantime, it inspires me to go further and work harder toward Award. Brice was honored during a recognition achieving my goals.” dinner on Thursday evening September 7, 2017 at The Board of Trustees of the California State University and Colleges Seven Oaks Country Club. established the Excellence in Teaching Award in September 1963, to Keith Brice is the President/CEO of Mid State recognize excellence in teaching. Each year, one distinguished faculty Development Corporation. Headquartered in member at CSUB is honored for the contributions made to their students, Bakersfield, Mid State is a SBA Authorized Certified Development to their academic disciplines, and to their campus communities. company serving Kern County. Mid State partners with commercial 6 Community Engagement (Cont’d) lenders to finance owner-occupied Commercial/Industrial real estate and for the first year of college, and my family dynamic equipment. The company was established in 1980 to assist in creating changing quite a bit (my parents adopted two baby economic growth through projects that help businesses become more girls during this time), I graduated in just 3 years. In June competitive in the market place. Since inception, Mid State Development of 2016, I achieved my bachelor degree in Business has funded over $450 million in loans. These projects have created or Administration with a concentration in Accounting. That retained over 12,000 jobs in Kern County. same month I began working full-time as an auditor for a In being notified of the award, Brice said, “It is an honor to be named this local accounting firm, Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock. year’s John Brock Award recipient. I care deeply about this community, In August of 2016 I came back to CSUB to pursue which is why the ability to contribute is important to me. Being included my MBA degree. I have been working full-time and will with the past recipients of the John Brock award is truly a humbling graduate with a MBA this upcoming May. experience. These are individuals that I’ve known and admired for years. I am deeply touched to receive such a prestigious award.” Yuchao Hu The award recipient is selected by the John Brock Committee, which is My name is Yuchao Hu, and I am majoring in Business comprised of members of the Executive Advisory Council of CSUB’s Administration with a concentration in Accounting. I School of Business and Public Administration. The group includes transferred to CSUB from Bakersfield College where I approximately 25 local business and community leaders who provide earned my A.A. degree in Architecture. Architecture is a advice and support to the school. subject I liked since I was a young kid, however, I realized “I am very pleased that Keith Brice has been chosen for the prestigious that I needed to have a career which is more motivating in John Brock Community Service Award. He is truly an outstanding leader my life. In 2016, I earned my A.S. degree in Accounting, whose contribution to Kern County is well-known and recognized by the which is a subject I am also very interested in. community. As President and CEO of Mid State Development Corporation, he has not only supported the businesses and creating jobs in Kern For the past several years, I have been working full-time while attending County but actively served on the advisory boards of several non-profit CSUB as a full-time student. Even though I’ve been very busy and tired at organizations as a chair and member which clearly endures his passion times, I have always believed that my hard work would eventually pay off. and dedication to serve the community. He is a strong proponent of My first goal after graduating from CSUB is to become a CPA. I am very innovation, entrepreneurship, diversity and developing the next generation grateful that I can attend CSUB as a business major, and I also believe of leaders for the Kern County and beyond, stated Dr. Angappa “Guna” that I will build a strong foundation for my future career by studying in this Gunasekaran, Dean, School of the Business and Public Administration. school. “Keith Brice is well-deserving of the honor of receiving the 2017 John Brock Award,” said Dr. Horace Mitchell, President of CSUB. “His impact Songping Yan as a business leader in creating economic growth in our region has been My name is Songping Yan. After moving to Bakersfield considerable. In addition, his community service through chairing or five years ago, I attended the ESL program at Bakersfield serving on many non-profit boards has enhanced the quality of life in our College and graduated with an Associate Degree in community.” Liberal Studies. I then transferred to CSU, Bakersfield Proceeds from the recognition dinner help fund the CSUB John Brock where I am a senior majoring in Business Administration Endowment, which provides scholarships and program support for with a concentration in Accounting and plan to graduate students in CSUB’s School of Business and Public Administration. in spring of 2018. Scholarships were presented at the event to this year’s four recipients: I’m extremely interested in the field of accounting, where Elizabeth Hamlin, Lexis Hanssen, Yuchao Hu, and Songping Yan. I have prior accountant work experience from China. I am currently the University Accounting Association (UAA) Membership 2017 John Brock Scholarship Recipient Bios Coordinator and am a member of several honor societies such as: Beta Elizabeth Hamlin Gamma Sigma (BGS) and . While attending Bakersfield College, I am a senior pursuing my bachelor degree in Business I was a Supplemental Instructor Leader (Tutor) for the subject of Financial Administration with a concentration in Agricultural Accounting. My goal, upon completion of my bachelor’s degree, is to Business. I transferred to CSUB from Bakersfield become a CPA and work for an International Corporation and eventually College during the winter quarter in 2016. I was a part- pursue my Master’s degree. time student at BC since 2007 while working multiple part-time jobs and providing care for my grandparents. BPA Hosts Workshops for Kern High School After my grandparents passed away in 2013, I decided Students Virtual Enterprise International Program it was time to explore career paths. In the spring of BPA hosted Student Training Workshops for students of the Kern High 2015 I enrolled in an agricultural economics course School District Virtual Enterprise International (VEI) program on Friday, after work; this was the first time during college experience that I became September 8. 2017. BPA faculty provided lectures in the areas of entirely engaged by the challenge. After that course, I decided to quit my accounting, marketing, human resources, and business plan development. job and pursue my degree path. With an emphasis on college and career readiness, VEI is an in-school, At CSUB, I have been exposed to a vigorous curriculum and intellectual live, global business simulation that offers students a competitive edge challenges that in the past I may have shied away from. Since becoming a through project-based, collaborative learning and the development of full-time student in the fall of 2015, I have been on the Dean’s list at both BC and CSUB. I have become involved in my community working with the 21st-century skills in entrepreneurship, global business, problem solving, Kern River Valley to clean up our river-ways and planning the development communication, personal finance, and technology. of our community garden. Last school year I became the Treasurer of Drawing on the European tradition of apprenticeships, this multidimensional, the newly chartered Ag Business Club. Due to recognition and support experiential learning model, which is part of a global network of student- from multiple professors, I am looking forward to pursuing a MBA after run businesses in over 40 countries, transforms high school students into I graduate in the spring of 2018. Although I work seasonally for a local independent-thinking business professionals and their classrooms into whitewater rafting company, I would not be able to pursue my education offices. without the support of financial aid and this generous scholarship. The In addition to giving students a head start on jobs and careers, VEI affirmation from receiving this recognition supports my belief that pursuing reinforces students’ academic skills and achievement, reignites their higher education was the correct decision. interest in education, and raises their desire to graduate and pursue lifelong learning. Through developing and managing businesses, students Lexis Hanssen not only stay in school, but gain expertise in problem-solving, decision- Although I was not born in Bakersfield, I have grown up here– raised by making, communication, collaboration, technology, and accessing, using two loving parents and I have three sisters, two older and one younger. I and analyzing information—21st-century skills that are key to success in graduated from Liberty High School in 2013 and started college at CSUB both college and careers. immediately after. At first, I was pursuing an engineering degree. I soon For more information about Virtual Enterprise International, please visit found that engineering was not for me, so I switched my major to business https://veinternational.org/about/ and found accounting to be interesting. Despite taking engineering classes 7 Community Engagement (Cont’d) BPA Participates in Kern County College Night BPA participated in the 18th Annual Kern County College Night on Monday, September 11, 2017. The annual event attracts thousands of students and parents to explore higher education options. Along with the School of Arts and Humanities, School of Natural Sciences Mathematics & Engineering, and the School of Social Services and Education, BPA spoke with thousands of interested high school and junior high school students in Kern County about all the great things CSUB has to offer.

Where are They Now?

Traco Matthews, MBA 2016 Traco Matthews knew that he wanted to pursue a master degree, it was just a matter of when and where. Matthews first learned about the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at CSUB from fellow co-workers at State Farm, but it wasn’t until he ran into Dr. Jean West, former MBA director, in the hallway in 2012 that he became interested. After hearing how passionate Dr. West was about the MBA program, Matthews knew the time had arrived. After researching other MBA programs in the Southern California area, Matthews chose CSUB because he was committed to living in Bakersfield and contributing to the community. Matthews says that CSUB was an opportunity to connect and establish himself more deeply. Matthews says that he was “still not sold on the program” until his first class, Marketing with Dr. Jean West. It was the connection with his peers and the diversity of thought that allured and attracted him to stay. From there, Matthews fully immersed himself in the program and began to visualize a broadened and deeper perspective of business development. Matthews says that the MBA program supercharged his strategic thinking both professionally and personally and the relationships forged here at CSUB was the key to his success in the program. “CSUB was a nurturing environment that allowed me to cultivate and find my voice,” said Matthews. Matthews community involvement includes: Math and Science Academy mentor at South High School, MESA Community College Program, Hina Patel Foundation, and the Virginia Ruth Grimes Scholarship Foundation. Matthews says his passion for mentoring comes from his roots of growing up in poverty with no mentors and a lack of opportunities. “The MBA program helped me find my passion to encourage and mentor others,” said Matthews.

Matthews was named one of 20 Under 40 People to Watch for 2017 in the Bakersfield Life Magazine June 2017 edition.

Justin Fahsbender, Sports Management 2004 Justin Fahsbender was named one of 20 Under 40 People to Watch for 2017 in the Bakersfield Life Magazine June 2017 edition. Vice President of Operations for the Bakersfield Condors, Fahsbender began his career with the Bakersfield Condors as a game day intern in 2002. Upon graduating from CSU, Bakersfield, Fahsbender held brief positions with a local financial institution and with the Houston Rockets of the NBA, but returned to Bakersfield to continue his work with the Bakersfield Condors. In the 20 Under 40 People to Watch article, Fahsbender said he preferred the hands-on experience working in minor league sports compared to working with a major-league team. “I don’t have any desire to go anywhere else. I got to do all that career growth while staying in Bakersfield and being where I want to be,” said Fahsbender in the article. Fassbender’s community involvement includes: The Kern County Wounded Heroes Fund and the Special Olympics. His personal motto: Be a good human being.

*information for this article was used with the permission of Mark Nessia, author of 20 Under 40 People to Watch

James Hefley, B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance 2014 James Hefley was named one of 20 Under 40 People to Watch for 2017 in the Bakersfield Life Magazine June 2017 edition. At the age of 14, Hefley was given books by his grandfather on investing and the stock market, which led him towards the pursuit of a bachelor degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from CSU, Bakersfield. Hefley accepted an internship position with Northwestern Mutual, which led to full-time employment upon graduation where is currently a Financial Advisor. Hefley says his biggest challenge in his field of work is his age due to majority of their clients being in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. “It made me step up my game and elevate my education level so that, even though I’m young, I know what I’m talking about and have the experience to back it,” says Hefley, “When people ask me if I like what I do, I say I would never do anything else…. I’ve found the thing I’m most passionate about and something that I’m good at.” Hefley’s community involvement includes: Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Kappa Sigma fraternity, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Hefley’s personal motto: Whatever you do, do well.

*information for this article was used with the permission of Mark Nessia, author of 20 Under 40 People to Watch

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