Spring 2004 Also inside: A Voice for Students businessBALL STATE Accounting for the Future A Magazine for Miller College of Business Alumni & Friends

Knowledge Gained, A Legacy Shared

The Miller College of Business honors the life and legacy of Wallace T. Miller Jr.

viewpoint BALL STATE business invest well, dream big

he last six months have contacting me at (765) 285-8192 or been extraordinary ones for [email protected]. Every idea has Dean: T the Miller College of merit! Lynne Richardson Business. We had just This issue also features terrific stories received the Miller name when the last about our accounting program and our Editors: issue of Ball State Business went to press, newly formed Student Advisory Board. Susan Holloway features so we were able to share the news with Our accounting department has long Layne Cameron 7 you then. In this issue, you can read been known as a place to recruit excel- knowledge gained, a legacy shared Associate Dean, about Wally Miller, the man behind the Wally Miller’s name and legacy endure at the Miller College of Business. lent accounting graduates and we are Instruction and Operations: gift. We are indebted to him for his proud to feature it. Our Student Rodney Davis tremendous legacy. Advisory Board is one of the latest accounting for the future 13 Now the real work begins. Our task advisory boards to be formed in the Associate Dean, How the accounting department built a solid foundation for the future. is to ensure that Wally Miller’s gift is a Miller College. By the end of May, we Research and Outreach: Contact us through wise investment. The last several will have 12 advisory boards supporting Ray Montagno a voice for students 17 months have been spent brainstorming www.bsu.edu/ activities in our college, compared to Student Advisory Board members offer new perspective and vision. how to leverage the gift to improve three just 20 months ago. Each board Director of Development: business/contactus what we do and how we conduct busi- has the enviable task of helping us bet- Suzanne B. Killen ness. We’ve been asked to think “trans- ter prepare our students for business formationally” by Ball State careers in the 21st century. Director of External Relations: University Provost and Alumni involvement is so important Tammy Estep Acting President Beverley to us. From the more formal Miller Phone: Pitts. She has chal- College Alumni Board to ad hoc talks (765) 285-8192 lenged us to plan with students and faculty in classes, we departments beyond immediate covet your time. Last October we host- Fax: needs and to dream ed Dialogue Week, a five-day event in (765) 285-5117 briefs 3 for the longer which alumni “came home to Ball term: Ten years State” to share their career stories in E-mail: from now, what classes. We plan to host Dialogue Days [email protected] bottomline 21 will we have this year on October 6 and 7. Please Web site: done because we mark your calendars and plan to come www.bsu.edu/business received this gift? “dialogue” with us. You’ll have fun and connections 22 To determine make a difference too. Photo Credits: our options, we’re Thanks for all you do for us with John Huffer, Michael Hickey, soliciting input your time, talents, and treasure. We and Don Rogers/Ball State from Miller College couldn’t do it without you! University Photo Services, of Business alumni, friends, and advisory E. Anthony Valainis/ board members, as well as Indianapolis Monthly. faculty, staff, and students. Do Lynne Richardson Member of the AACSB-International: you have an idea? Please share it by Dean and Professor of Marketing The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

© April 2004 Volume 2, Number 2. Ball State Business is published twice a year by the Ball State University Miller College of Business, WB 100, Muncie, Indiana 47306. Printed in the United States. No material may be reproduced without written permission. Send change of address to Wally Miller, 1963 Ball State University Miller College of Business, WB 100, Muncie, Indiana 47306; Phone: (765) 285-8192; Fax (765) 285-5117; E-mail: Spring 2004 [email protected]. The information presented here, correct at the time of publication, is subject to change. Ball State University practices equal opportunity 2in educationBall andState employment business and is stronglyI Spring and actively 2004 committed to diversity within its community. 1966-04 uc

briefs

new name, new look

The new Miller College of Business name marks the center for professional selling expands beginning of an exciting new era in the college and calls for a fresh, new look. The recently introduced Miller College of Business logo reflects the college’s with $1 million H. H. Gregg gift strength, character, and innovative spirit. Lynne Richardson, dean of the college, says, “When you see the logo or hear the name Miller College of A $1 million gift from Indianapolis- Gregg —a leading retailer of home Business, think quality education for tomorrow’s busi- based H. H. Gregg will be used to appliances and consumer electronics— ness leaders.” increase opportunities for students of says the company is proud to be associ- the Center for ated with one of the top professional Professional Selling, a selling programs in the country. nationally recognized “We believe a valuable part of any make a difference at dialogue days sales education program education or career is the ability to Alumni are invited to participate in the Miller College of Business annual in the Miller College of effectively communicate and get credit Dialogue Days, planned for October 6 and 7. Business. for one’s strengths and abilities and Originated by the Miller College of Business Alumni Board, Dialogue Days is The gift includes nam- those of your organization,” he says. “It designed to provide Ball State business undergraduate students with opportunities to ing the center the H. H. is our hope and commitment that the see the current business world through the eyes of professionals. The event brings Gregg Center for H. H. Gregg Center for Professional alumni back to Ball State business classrooms to meet and talk with students. Professional Selling. Selling will become a standard by which Last year 67 alumni provided students in 90 classes with an overview of their Under the direction of all others are measured.” business lives, answered questions about career opportunities, and shared the best Ramon Avila, the In 2002, the center hosted the inau- approaches to entering their professions. George and Frances Ball gural national summit of the University For more information about participating in Dialogue Days, contact Tammy Distinguished Professor Sales Center Alliance, a group dedicat- Estep, director of external relations, at [email protected]. of Marketing, the center ed to furthering sales education, and a has established itself as a team of Ball State students placed third leader in educating stu- at the 2003 National Sales Competition dents for careers in sales. in Atlanta. Avila also has earned Also that year, the Freedom Foundation ball state honors honors for his innovative of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, presented former business dean teaching methods. Avila with a Leavey Award for Excellence Professional Selling Team: “It’s exciting that an Indiana compa- in Private Enterprise Education for his Ball State University celebrated the 80th Scott Inks, Ramon Avila, ny like H. H. Gregg is showing interest project “The Advanced Professional birthday of J.B. Black, former dean of the and Joe Chapman in our efforts to prepare students for the Selling Course,” which improves the skills Miller College of Business, with a roast and sales profession,” Avila says. “The labs of sales professionals. He also received fund-raiser March 4. Black was dean from where we record and critique our stu- Ball State’s Outstanding Faculty Award in 1973 to 1984, and he retired from the univer- dents’ sales presentations will be upgrad- August. sity in 1988. ed with state-of-the-art digital video “Ball State is extremely proud of Proceeds from the event went to the local equipment, and this gift will also allow Ramon’s national reputation, and this chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor us to send more students to sales con- gift gives him greater ability to show- society serving business and administration ventions and contests that are impor- case his work in Indiana and across the programs accredited by AACSB tant in jump-starting their careers.” nation,” says Beverley Pitts, Ball State’s International–the Association to Advance Jerry Throgmartin, chairman of H. H. acting president. Collegiate Schools of Business. Black was dean of the college when the Ball State chapter was formed in 1979.

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briefs entrepreneurship program rises in national rankings hi-tech in high demand Ball State University’s graduate program in entrepreneurship continues alumnus named ceo of the year to rise in the U.S. News and World Report rankings. Computer proficiency is considered not just Miller College of Business Hall of Fame inductee J. Wayne In the magazine’s annual listings of top graduate programs offered by a plus, but an essential skill, in today’s busi- Leonard has been named the energy industry’s “CEO of the business schools, Ball State’s entrepreneurship program ranks 16th, tied ness environment. Year.” Leonard, CEO of Entergy Corporation, was honored in with Indiana University-Bloomington, University of Maryland, and According to a newly updated Miller December at the Platts/Business Week Global Energy Awards in University of Virginia. Over the last three years, Ball State’s program has College of Business study, the majority of New York City, where Entergy was named “Global Energy been ranked 23rd, 20th, and 19th. American corpora- Company of the Year.” Ball State’s entrepreneurship program and its founding director, Stoops tions expect their An international panel of judges selected Leonard, who gradu- Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship Donald F. Kuratko, also have employees to acquire ated in 1973 with an accounting degree, on the basis of stature, been highly rated in recent years by several other publications, including or improve their positive leadership, and the impact he has had on the industry. Success and Business Week magazines. computer skills in the Leonard was recognized for helping Entergy gain a reputation for “Our steady rise in the national rankings indicates our continued com- coming years. The social awareness and financial stability. mitment to excellence in entrepreneurship here at Ball State,” Kuratko survey and the trends Entergy Corporation, with revenues in excess of $8 billion and says. “We are truly respected for being one of the finest business schools it suggests affect an more than 15,000 employees, provides electricity to 2.6 million for entrepreneurship.” estimated 72 million consumers. The company has received many honors under people who use a com- Leonard’s leadership, including recognition for its customer serv- puter at work. ice record and successful nuclear growth strategy. Entergy was The study was con- J. Wayne Leonard named to the 2004 Dow Jones sustainability list for its strong dean elected to education board ducted by Jensen Jensen Zhao financial performance and leadership, and was the first electric Lynne Richardson, dean of the Miller College of Business, has been elect- Zhao, an information company in the United States that pledged to voluntarily stabilize ed to the board of directors of a professional education organization. systems and operations management associate its greenhouse gas emissions. Beginning July 1, Richardson will serve a three-year term on the board professor. Zhao surveyed human resource and Leonard will be awarded an honorary doctorate degree from of directors for AACSB International—the Association to Advance information technology managers in charge of Ball State at the May 8 commencement ceremonies. Collegiate Schools of Business. corporate recruitment for 51 Fortune 500 AACSB International is the professional association for college and companies. university management education and the premier accrediting agency About 90 percent of respondents said they for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in business currently use these tools, and a majority rated administration and accounting. them essential for business professionals: Richardson joined Ball State in 2001 after 13 years at the University of • Hardware: The use of a scanner, micro- Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She holds a bachelor’s degree from the computer, keyboard, mouse, printer, and building community outreach University of Montevallo and an M.B.A. from UAB. She received her modem. More and more American business schools are incorporating doctorate in marketing from the University of Alabama in 1989. • Software: Windows, word processing, community service into their curricula, according to a recent spreadsheets, presentations, databases, article in the Financial Times, and the Miller College of Business and desktop publishing. is no exception. • Telecommunications: Intranet, wireless, In December, graduate students in Enar Tunc’s project manage- systems security expands and mobile Web applications. ment course volunteered to work with Muncie’s Habitat for As a response to the growing need for individuals well trained in technol- • Microsoft Office was rated as the Humanity. The students helped the nonprofit organization build ogy security issues, the Department of Information Systems and Operations most-requested productivity one of five houses completed in 2003. Management in the Miller College of Business now offers two courses in sys- program. Tunc, associate professor in the Department of Information tems security and will add a third this year. To support these courses, a new Systems and Operations Management, says that in addition to security lab is planned to enable students to work and learn in a state-of- assisting the community, the project reinforced what his students the-art computing and networking environment. learn in class. He notes that they used management and efficien- The lab, which is being established with assistance from University cy skills to complete the work in the allotted time. One month Computing Services and Ball State University Vice President for Information later, the house was dedicated to its new owners. Technology O’Neal Smitherman, will potentially become a major center for “As with any volunteer group such as Enar’s class, our new research and training in this important and expanding field. The facili- Habitat home would not have been built without them,” says ty—along with the Computer Cluster Research Project, designed to Lindsey Arthur, program director for Muncie’s Habitat for process complex mathematical problems for research—will pro- Ball State business graduate students gather outside the Habitat home they helped complete. Humanity. “Every volunteer plays a major part in the lives of our vide students in the Miller College of Business with a unique new homeowners, and Ball State is a very big contributor.” learning experience in information systems.

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feature The Miller College of Business honors the life and legacy of Wallace T. Miller Jr.

By Mary G. Barr

Knowledge Gained, A Legacy Shared

conomists live to crunch numbers, trace trends, from an individual in the history of Ball State—creat- and create benchmarks. They find truth and ed a legacy for future generations of Ball State busi- Evalidity in numbers. With them, an economist ness students. can mark and track growth. Last September Ball State’s Board of Trustees When successful businessman Wallace T. Miller Jr. approved acceptance of a nearly $17.2 million gift taught economics at Ball State University in the from the Wallace Miller estate to the College of 1990s, he gave his students a test on the first day of Business, which now bears his name. In addition, the class. On the last day of the semester, he gave them gift established the Phyllis A. Miller professorship in the same test. That was how he charted “knowledge health economics, which will create a new area of gained.” A true economist inside and outside the business study at the university. Miller used the same approach classroom, he developed reams of data to support his philosophy. Professor Miller to measuring success in the classroom It was both significant and enjoyable to Miller to Wally Miller remained connected with Ball State confirm that learning was indeed taking place. A after receiving his master of arts in business in 1963. that he practiced building his voracious reader and lifelong student of economics, Despite the demands of serving as Miller’s Merry corporation. His “knowledge gained” he was never without a small pile of business and eco- Manor chain’s top executive, he took time to give nomics books, which he could be found reading back to the university by sharing his professional benchmarks became legendary. wherever he was—even at Disney World. insights and expertise. Miller served in many capaci- But giving back was equally important to Miller ties, including as a member of Ball State’s National who, as CEO and COO of Miller’s Merry Manor for Development Council, Wings for the Future cam- 20 years, helped build the family nursing home chain paign committee, Alumni Center committee, and from a handful to 31 facilities across the state of College of Business Alumni Board. Indiana. “Wally was around the economics department all When Miller died unexpectedly in 1998, at the the time,” recalls Norman Van Cott, department peak of his business and teaching careers, his gift to chairman at the time. “He would stop by and we’d the College of Business—the largest single private gift talk about everything—our families, the stock mar-

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A Legacy Shared Wallace T. Miller Jr.

ket, and how he felt we should be teaching econom- tions of the textbooks to add to his huge collection philosophy is that health care is local,” says current ics. Wally had a great interest in economics both of economics books.” CEO Boyle. An early company advertising tagline from an intellectual and a practical standpoint.” Miller used the same approach to measuring suc- was “the health care professionals with the home- These discussions gave Van Cott an idea. In spring cess in the classroom that he practiced building his town touch.” Boyle says this statement captured the 1991, after receiving approval from the dean, Van corporation. His “knowledge gained” benchmarks Miller vision to offer the same professionalism and Cott approached Miller with a special proposition. became legendary. “He was so proud to find his stu- sophistication in older adult health care that you’d He recalls, “During one of his many visits I said to dents were actually learning in class,” says his brother expect to find in bigger cities, but with a small Wally, ‘You’ve got a lot of great ideas about econom- Jim Miller. “Like so many things in his life, he needed community touch. ics. Why don’t you teach an economics course here? to prove he was accomplishing his goal.” Wally Miller was CEO and COO of Miller’s Merry I’ll reserve a section for you.’ I remember there was a “Everything was like a horse race,” notes Van Cott. Manor during the company’s dramatic period of moment of silence.” “Wally had to measure what was going to happen— growth. “During the 1980s, we doubled our facilities,” Van Cott set the gears turning in the economist’s which is why he was so successful in business.” says Boyle. “Today our company has 3,000 employees, mind. “I was excited because it stopped Wally in his and we’re the largest independent long-term health tracks, which was a hard thing to do!” laughs Van Businessman Miller care provider in the state of Indiana. Our growth Cott. “I don’t think he had ever considered anything In 1964 Wally Miller’s parents, Wallace and continues each year by building better facilities and like that before.” Connie, purchased the Kosciusko County Home in service lines.” Miller received encouragement from his wife June, Warsaw, Indiana. His mother was a registered nurse Boyle notes that in the 1970s and ’80s, Miller was a teacher herself. “Wally was shocked that Ball State who enjoyed working with the elderly, and his father doing by hand what is now accomplished with com- wanted him to teach,” she says. “I told him that as was a banker. Within a year, the couple began con- puter capabilities. “He did a lot of benchmarking and much as he loved economics, he would be good at struction on their first new facility on the adjacent models to track performance and costs. He loved teaching. I knew it would also be a great way for him grounds. The original building now houses the corpo- working on those types of programs,” Boyle says. to learn even more.” rate offices of Miller’s Health Systems. “Today all we have to do is click a few buttons on an With the opportunity to try out his ideas firsthand Wally Miller Jr. received his degree in civil engi- Excel spreadsheet. He was truly a forecaster. He loved on freshmen and sophomores, Miller agreed. For neering from Purdue University in 1962 before com- economic theory.” eight years, he taught economics as a night class at pleting his master’s in business at Ball State. In 1967 This year the corporation celebrates its 40th the College of Business, driving three hours from his brother Dick Miller and his wife joined the family anniversary. With 31 nursing facilities and three Warsaw, Indiana. He began teaching with a pre-prin- business, running one of the nursing homes. Wally assisted living facilities across the state, Miller’s ciples course, Economics 116. He also taught and his first wife, Phyllis, followed a few years later, Health Systems has built a range of services for older Economics 201 and 202, which all business majors heading up the LaGrange nursing home. adult health care, including long-term care, rehabili- Wally Miller, 1963 are required to take. By 1970 the brothers were each operating two tation and outpatient therapy, adult day services, “The faculty still talks about Wally in the halls facilities and within another six years they were short-term stay, and hospice. here,” says Van Cott. “He made us smile at his con- responsible for seven facilities. “We worked as a “Giving back to higher education Philanthropist Miller Serving the community was not only at the core of was very meaningful to Wally.” “The faculty still talks about Wally in the halls here. He made us smile at his convert zeal. Wally Miller’s business plan—it also was central to his – June Miller – personal values. “Wally preached that you can be a He was a very innovative teacher.” – Norman Van Cott— cornerstone in your community by being involved,” says Boyle. “It makes a world of difference to have our vert zeal. He was a very innovative teacher.” team,” says Dick Miller, who also was serving in the customers and their families see our company partici- “He was like a kid in a candy store when he first Indiana Senate. pating in the community, whether it’s at school events started,” says Patrick Boyle, current CEO of Miller’s Wally took over operations and human resources, or at the grocery.” Health Systems, the corporate operating division of while Dick handled marketing, development, and “Wally came up with the idea that if we’re to be Miller’s Merry Manor. “He was passionate about eco- finance. In 1972, their younger brother, Jim, joined connected to our community, the company should be nomics, so it was a real honor for him to teach it.” them, first as an administrator. As the business con- philanthropic as well. He was always generous,” As a father of four, Miller loved being around tinued to grow, each of the three Miller brothers han- recalls Jim Miller. “If I said, ‘I’m giving $100 to the young minds. “The students rejuvenated him. Soon dled a different aspect of the business. Boy Scouts or the United Way.’ He’d say, ‘Count me our lives revolved around the night class,” June Miller’s Health Systems serves smaller Indiana in too!’” Miller says, noting that teaching also had other towns; most are located in rural markets with commu- Education was another value that Wally champi- advantages. “Wally loved getting all the new edi- nity populations from 2,000 to 20,000. “The Miller oned. “He encouraged everyone to grow educationally

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A Legacy Shared Wallace T. Miller Jr.

as far as they could,” says his sister Barbara Miller. “Again Wally was using economics,” says Norman “He was like a sponge when he read, and he encour- Van Cott. “He showed me how he looked at turnover aged other people to expand their horizons. This was and set pay scales. Wally figured out the costs of hir- A New Era Begins a man who walked six to eight miles each day, and ing and training. He tried to keep wages up so employees wouldn’t leave and he wouldn’t have to incur those retraining costs.” The Miller College of Business Jim Miller says his brother not only realized the needs of the family business, but also those of society as a whole. Wally Miller worked with government More than a successful alumnus, Wally Miller was a long- Miller’s first wife, who tragically died in a house fire in 1987. officials and education commissioners to establish time friend and benefactor to the Ball State University She was a nurse who studied at Ball State. She also was an more nursing programs at Ivy Tech and more associ- College of Business. Through the generosity of his recent gift, active civic leader and nursing home administrator. ate nursing programs at colleges and universities. “He the Miller College of Business will be positioned to advance Helping people reach their potential was a driving force for also pushed for more programs not just for profession- to the next level, says Dean Lynne Richardson. Phyllis Miller, as well as Wally Miller, says their daughter al nursing but for other areas like geriatric aides,” he “I think Wally Miller would be proud of the careful plan- Beth Ingram, a 1985 Ball State business graduate. “Her pro- says. “He was a hands-on advocate. He knew all the ning we are putting into the decisions to increase the quality fessionalism and compassion for people was perhaps the legislators by their first names.” and the standing of our college,” says Richardson. “Once we secret of her success,” she says. Over the years, health care became a more com- complete a plan and start to implement it, everybody should “Phyllis was very caring and nurturing toward her resi- plicated business. “When we entered this business be sitting up and taking notice of our college. The goal is to dents. She was adamant about promoting health,” says in the late 1960s, there was no government do it right.” Barbara Miller, Wally Miller’s sister. “Phyllis was also a very involvement, other than the county welfare depart- Six months after receiving the nearly $17.2 million gift strong businesswoman.” ment helping people who were destitute,” Dick from Miller’s estate, Richardson says there have not yet been Dick Miller believes that health economics is different Members of the Miller family gather at the dedication of the Miller College of Business, November 13, 2003. Miller explains. “Within a few years there was a any major changes. “We will be very strategic with how we than other areas of business. He explains, “You don’t have high Medicare and Medicaid involvement. Dealing move forward and improve what we do,” she explains. just the client-provider relationship. You have another entity he’d be reading a magazine while he was walking!” with all those rules and regulations was a challenge The Miller College of Business joins the ranks of the called the government, which can change the rules and have According to Patrick Boyle, the Millers believed if Wally liked.” nation’s top business schools by being named after an indi- a drastic effect on business. Wally felt there was a serious they made an investment in their employees, it would The way that challenge was met helped drive the vidual. The “naming” of a college is most often the result of a chasm in the whole economics program that did not deal be returned tenfold. “When a nursing assistant joins Miller’s Merry Manor reputation for superior care and large endowment, which reflects a level of dedicated with government in the configuration.” our company, we offer to pay for her college educa- service, according to Dick Miller. The corporation resources available for teaching and research. Barbara Miller also points out that because of the increas- tion, so someday she’ll become an administrator. has received numerous awards from the Indiana “The ability to name the college puts us on the map. It ing longevity of older adults, there’s a great need to study Every position here has a career ladder. And everyone Health Care Association, the American Health Care gives us credibility. It enhances our reputation,” says health economics. “It’s important to have a system of busi- is strongly encouraged to get as much education as Association, and various chambers of commerce for Richardson. “In addition, it gives us a different kind of mar- ness unique to this niche,” she says. keting edge.” Until the professorship can be fully implemented, the Wally Miller’s brother Dick Miller says his family is Miller College of Business plans to explore a series of “Wally preached that you can be a cornerstone in your community by being involved.” pleased that Ball State has accepted Wally’s gift. “This was seminars or a possible conference on issues within his last wish, and we are very happy that it may be carried health economics. –Patrick Boyle, CEO, Miller’s Health Systems— out,” he says. “Our objective is to be able to look back after ten years Miller earned his master of arts in business at Ball State and really notice a transformation here,” says Richardson. and three of his four children are Ball State graduates. He “Our plan will include some things that will challenge us to possible,” says Boyle, who himself is a good example exceeding state standards. “When you talk to people knew education had made a huge difference in his life, says think differently on approaches to education and will set us of the Miller career ladder. Now the corporation’s about nursing homes and quality of care, Miller’s his widow, June Miller. “Giving back to higher education was ahead. It’ll be exciting to watch how we enhance our reputa- chief executive, he joined the company as an admin- Merry Manor is top of the line,” he says. “I feel we very meaningful to him.” tion and become a bigger player in the business school world. istrator-in-training at the age of 21, “just a scratch built this brand and this business through the highest Part of the Miller gift will establish the Phyllis A. Miller Ultimately, we want this gift to be reflected in the quality of away from Indiana University.” He says, “The Millers quality care.” professorship in health economics. Phyllis Miller was Wally preparation for business careers our students receive. ” gave me a lot of opportunities to succeed.” Wally Miller is well remembered for exceeding Boyle says Wally Miller’s approach to recruitment standards as a businessman, teacher, and philanthro- was to fill his staff one person at a time. “You have to pist. Now his name and his legacy also will endure at possess a true commitment and passion to work in the Miller College of Business at Ball State. geriatrics and rehabilitation care,” he explains. “We find the right employees and then give them opportu- nities to develop. I feel that’s what helped this com- pany succeed after 40 years.” Mary Barr is a freelance writer based in Indianapolis.

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feature ASSESSINGTHEPAST, ACCOUNTING FORTHEFUTURE How the accounting department built a solid reputation and strong ties to the real world By Steve Kaelble

hen Paul Parkison first sor just a year after Ball State earned its arrived at Ball State, there designation as a university and created W was no Department of its College of Business. Accounting was Accounting. There was, in fact, no one of the original four departments College of Business, and Ball State was within the college, with Herring at the still a teachers college. helm until 1972 when Parkison began It was 1954, and Parkison was a fresh- his 29-year tenure as chair of the man from about 12 miles down the road department. in Parker City, studying in Ball State’s He and his colleagues shared some business department. “I had a major in simple goals: grow the department, build accounting and also picked up my its reputation, and help the College of teacher’s license,” he recalls. Business achieve accreditation. “I’ve It may seem hard to believe, but in lived long enough to see it come to 1958, “being a teacher in a high school fruition,” Parkison says. paid more than working at an account- Indeed, the department grew to a ing firm,” Parkison explains. So he fol- high of 19 faculty members before set- lowed the teaching career path, taking a tling into its present roster of 14. The job at Warren Central High School in number of accounting majors currently Indianapolis. He also kept in touch with enrolled stands at about 200. The his Ball State mentors, including busi- department maintains strong ties with ness department head Bob Bell and the “real world” accounting community, accounting professor J. Virgil Herring. participating in continuing-education “They were responsible for me becom- efforts and involving professionals in ing a college professor,” he says. curriculum development. Most impor- tant, it has developed a solid reputation Building a Department for the quality of education it delivers At their urging, Parkison went back and the strength of its graduates. to school, earning a doctorate at Indiana University. He mulled opportu- Foundations for Success nities at such places as the Ohio State Many factors have played into the and Northwestern Universities, but department’s success, beginning with its instead chose Ball State, where he size, says James Schmutte, who took began his higher-education career in the over as department chair when Parkison fall of 1966. He says, “Bob Bell sold me retired in 2001. “We really provide the on the idea that at Ball State I really had best of both worlds,” he explains. an opportunity to build a department.” The department offers the technolo- And build a department he did. gy, facilities, and resources of a large Parkison returned to Muncie as a profes- institution, says Schmutte, but in com-

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Paul Parkison the first institution in Indiana to receive accounting firms. “A recruiter from a James Schmutte, chaired the separate accounting accreditation from the national firm told me, ‘When I come to accounting accounting AACSB International–the Association to Ball State, I have to work harder. The department department chair, sees A FOCUS ON from 1972 until Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in students know all the options. They change and a his retirement addition to the business college’s accredi- know there’s more than one kind of bright future for in 2001. tation. The extra accreditation has been accountant.’” the department. ETHICS in place for more than a decade at Ball State. By contrast, Parkison adds with sat- Accomplished Alumni Ethics is an issue that has been at the forefront of the isfaction, the dual accreditation is a much The diversity of options means that accounting world in recent years, sometimes splashed more recent development at downstate accounting department alumni can be rival Indiana University. found in all sorts of places. Richardson across the headlines by corporate scandals. The question: parison to the cavernous lecture halls says, “Many of our students have ended Indiana. They come to Ball State, and Can ethics be taught in a collegiate accounting program? found at many large business schools, “our Worldly Connections up in very nice accounting positions. A it’s not a highly cosmopolitan setting; it’s largest classroom holds only 47 students.” From the start, the accounting depart- lot of them have moved into other areas more rural,” he observes, noting that Accounting faculty at Ball State believe it’s important to Even the department’s entry-level ment has built strong ties to the outside as well. Accounting is a good foundation their upbringing helps instill in them a recognize that one needn’t have deep-rooted criminal ten- courses benefit from the commitment to world of professional accounting. “Over for doing other things in business.” powerful work ethic that serves them dencies to become caught up in corporate difficulties. “I’m smaller class sizes, says faculty member the years, I conducted a lot of seminars Wherever they land, Ball State well in their professional lives. “That’s a Dick Culp, who also serves as workplace and training for the Indiana CPA Society accounting grads tend to do well for fundamental trait that any employer is not sure everyone who’s been in the press is the devil leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers in and for firms,” Parkison says. “It helped themselves, Parkison says. “The students interested in.” incarnate,” Department of Accounting Chair James Indianapolis. “I teach Accounting 201, a put us on the map and made our students have just done tremendously, and that’s Schmutte says. “They’re people who find themselves in sit- beginning accounting class, and the more desirable.” Schmutte and others at gratifying.” The Next Generation uations where they do not understand the options that are maximum class size is 40 students. Some Ball State also have been active in the It’s a sentiment echoed by 1968 alum- Schmutte sees a bright future for the available to them. Decisions are made on accounting universities hold the introductory class CPA Society. nus Tony Smith, the Ohio Valley Area accounting department, but it’s likely to in an auditorium.” Additional connections are nurtured professional practice director for Ernst & be a future marked by change. “We’re options, and they have different consequences.” And while accounting students at many by two student organizations, Beta Alpha Young in Indianapolis. He joined the going through what I would call a genera- major universities are accustomed to tak- Psi and the Accounting Club, which firm, then known as Ernst & Ernst, fol- tional change. About half of the faculty It’s critical that accounting students learn those options ing classes led by graduate students, at bring in speakers from the accounting lowing a military stint after college and have joined in the last six years,” he that can help them—and their companies—steer clear of Ball State faculty members teach all industry. Professionals also visit for the says Ball State prepared him well. “It’s explains. “Many professors who were trouble. “Part of it is providing them with a decision-mak- accounting classes, according to department’s Indiana Firm Night. “It has just the quality of the education you brought in to handle the Baby Boom ing process and a set of tools, so that if they find them- Schmutte. “Graduate students do not about a 30-year history,” Schmutte says. receive,” he says. influx are of retirement age now. As peo- teach our classes, but we do have graduate “Representatives of Indiana CPA firms Smith’s firm is a regular recruiter of ple retire, we’re replacing them with new selves in a situation they can look at what their options students available for tutoring,” he says. have an evening to socialize and make Ball State graduates. Culp, too, found faculty. They’re bringing new excitement are,” Schmutte says. The department’s small-school atmos- presentations to students.” Ball State to be prime recruiting ground and perspectives, and opportunities for phere is balanced by a large-school trait, Schmutte also describes a relatively during the more than three decades he change and improvement.” Dick Culp, a member of the accounting faculty and a work- he continues. “Our faculty is specialized, new pipeline linking the college’s spent at the firm of Arthur Andersen. He Advances in technology also are mak- place leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, agrees. “I believe while in a smaller school a faculty mem- accounting department with the profes- says, “There are very dedicated people in ing their mark, according to Schmutte. there is a teachable framework for analyzing problems and ber often must be a jack-of-all-trades.” sional world: “We have an accounting the accounting department who are Book research, for example, has largely The combination of large-university advisory board with about 24 individuals delivering strong skills to the students.” been replaced by online and database issues that can lead you to an ethical conclusion,” he says. resources and personal attention, com- who represent a cross section of account- Culp also gives credit to the type of methods, and the CPA exam has migrat- “That idea is incorporated into most of the classes we plemented by a strong curriculum, pro- ing—the corporate community, public student that Ball State often attracts. “I ed from pencil and paper to the computer. teach.” vides Ball State accounting students with accounting, and firms of varying sizes,” he would say much of the accounting stu- Such changes bring new challenges. a first-rate foundation, according to says. “As the environment changes and dent population comes from rural “How do you balance incorporating tech- Ethical decision making is taught in a variety of ways, from Lynne Richardson, dean of the Miller new issues arise, we have the responsibili- nology and using technology while you’re case studies to role-playing. “We’re always looking at new College of Business. “It’s a really strong, ty to look at how we can address them in still trying to teach basic accounting con- and innovative ways to bring these aspects into the pro- fundamental major. We do an effective our accounting program. The advisory cepts?” Schmutte says, “We have to job of preparing students for the chal- board plays a crucial role in that process.” maintain the balance.” gram,” Schmutte says, adding that the subject also comes lenges that they will face as accounting Visiting professionals also help students Other developments include increased up when accounting professionals visit for extracurricular professionals,” she says. learn about important issues such as interaction between the college’s depart- events. “When we bring in outside speakers, some of the “It’s a pretty thorough grounding and ethics and about the wide range of career ments as new programs and majors take is pretty pragmatic about what is required things they speak on are accountability, corporate respon- options for accounting majors, from Accounting shape. Schmutte believes it’s an exciting in the profession,” Parkison agrees. CPAs to CFOs to CEOs. Schmutte says instructor Dick Culp time for the department. “Our account- sibility, and ethics.” The strength of the department is faculty stress to students that opportuni- brings real world ing enrollment is growing,” he says. “I’m reflected in the fact that Ball State was experience to the ties go well beyond the obvious jobs at classroom. excited about where we’re going.” Steve Kaelble is editor of Indiana Business magazine.

15 Ball State business I Spring 2004 Spring 2004 I Ball State business 16

feature

aVoice forStudents The new student advisory board brings student

perspective and vision to the table. By Carmen Siering

Seated around the conference table duces his eight-year-old son, who also is in what is known affectionately as the in attendance. “Hall of Fame Room,” Miller College Welcome to a meeting of the Dean’s of Business advisory board members Student Advisory Board, the latest addi- and Dean Lynne Richardson take tion to several advisory boards estab- “To be able time to get reacquainted after a hectic lished recently by the college. to sit down with the dean holiday season. Upon her arrival in July 2001, of your college As board members mention their areas Richardson found only two advisory and discuss with of expertise, it becomes clear that this is boards in place—those for the insurance her what you think an unusual group of advisors. “I’m a fifth- and risk management, and entrepreneur- your college needs year senior accounting major,” says one. ship programs. Building on that founda- is incredible” “I’m a fourth-year senior and president of tion, she began forming boards to repre- —Shemshon Williams the Student Government Association,” sent a variety of areas within the college, says another. Two members introduce including accounting, information sys- themselves as sophomores. One intro- tems, and professional selling. But even

Student Advisory Board members, from left: Rebekah Rosenfield, Katrina Chrisman, Jessica Roberts, Joshua Colter, Joshua Tempel, and Rachel Schultz.

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“I’ll be able to look back and say, ‘They took my suggestions, my in which leaders are selected by mem- With a full academic schedule and an nity, too, because we’re going to be a opinions, and bers to represent the entire group, the eight-year-old son, Williams has his part of that community.” made them students serving on the advisory board hands full. Still, he sees his work with Serving on the advisory board is in a reality.’” are free to address issues from a more the advisory board as time well spent. itself a way to begin making the transi- “To be able to sit down with the dean tion from student to professional. “I get — Terry Mauer personal perspective. “Dean of your college and discuss with her what to know people from other areas of the “While they don’t represent a specific Richardson constituency, they are representative of you think your college needs is incredi- business school, not just accounting,” really shows the Miller College of Business as a ble,” says Williams. “Lynne has made a says Lisa Mitchell, a senior accounting great respect with these in place, Richardson still felt whole,” Replogle explains. lot of strides towards letting people know major. “And I get a sense of what it’s for the there was a missing element. Students serving on the board take she cares and making those personal like to serve with a group of people on students.” “I see advisory boards as a way to build their roles seriously, a reflection of the connections within the college. I feel a a board.” —Sherri Toll connections with the community,” says seriousness Richardson gives their con- lot more connected than ever before.” Senior Jayson Manship agrees. “A lot Richardson. “And it struck me last year cerns, questions, and suggestions. Sherri Replogle says that providing ways to of student organizations within the “It’s important to that the one group we weren’t listening Toll, a senior accounting major, notes connect students to the college is a prior- Miller College of Business are specific to know there are to, the one group that didn’t have a for- that board membership allows her to be ity, and the advisory board is one way to a major,” he says. “By serving on the people from the mal voice, was students.” more involved with the college even do that. “Getting students to feel com- advisory board, you get a sense of how make me aware of how they see things. When Richardson offered students an while juggling responsibilities to her son, mitted to the college, getting people people from other majors think, which is And they do.” community who opportunity to serve on an advisory job, and classes. The fact that the meetings engaged, that’s what we’re all about,” going to be important come business- The board has short-term goals in care what we board of their own, the response was are arranged around student schedules she says. world time.” mind for this academic year, including a think.” encouraging, and the resulting board is a has made an impression on Toll. Mirroring that philosophy, student Richardson has provided some of that “Dress for Success” fashion show and a diverse group representative of the stu- “Dean Richardson really shows great advisory board members hope to estab- real-world experience by arranging a faculty-student spring fling event. While —Farzana dent body of the college. respect for the students,” Toll says. lish a two-tiered mentoring program joint meeting of the student advisory they are enthusiastic about these events, Chowdhury Members range from freshmen who “She truly cares about what we are within the Miller College of Business. board and the executive advisory board. it’s the long-term impact the group will aren’t officially part of the college, as thinking. And she gives the college a The first tier will consist of current busi- Farzana Chowdhury, a junior finance make on the college that inspires them. they have yet to complete their core cur- more personal touch.” ness students mentoring newly admitted major, found the meeting valuable. “We’re here to enhance the appeal of riculum requirements, to fifth-year seniors It’s that personal touch that makes and transfer students who are consider- “We talked about things from a stu- the Miller College of Business,” says anticipating graduation and moving into serving on the advisory board worthwhile ing business majors. The second tier will dent perspective—classes, advising, men- Manship, “but we’re also thinking about the workforce or on to graduate school. for Shemshon Williams, a senior major- connect upperclassmen with mentors toring,” says Chowdhury. “If things long-term goals.” Some board members are traditional ing in management information systems. within the business community, helping change because of that meeting, it’s Richardson notes, “For the seniors, college students; others are older, some them make a smoother transition from good. But for me, it’s just as important to especially, they’re walking out the door with families. Every major except inter- college to career. know there are people from the commu- and this is their legacy.” national business is represented, and Terry Mauer, a senior majoring in nity who care what we think.” Senior Terry Mauer agrees and sees the ethnic, racial, and gender profile of entrepreneurship, enthusiastically sup- Clearly, Richardson cares. She notes serving on the advisory board as a way the group is encouraging to ports the idea of a mentoring program. that as a faculty member she always has to leave his mark on the Miller College Richardson. “The way I see it, every college wants been an advocate for students, but her of Business. Janice Replogle, director of under- the best students in its program. Getting role as dean has limited her classroom “Soon I’ll be an alumnus,” he says. graduate programs, coordinates many them involved earlier and letting them time. “My job is to be a sounding board, “And I’ll be able to look back and say, student organization functions within decide early on if this is the right major and this is a nonthreatening way to do ‘They took my suggestions, my opinions, “I get to know the college and worked with Richardson for them will help,” he says. Mauer also it,” Richardson says. and made them a reality.’ That’s going to people from to establish the advisory board. Like encourages alumni and business profes- The students’ job is to be honest with feel phenomenal.” other areas of Richardson, she is pleased with the sionals to get involved. “A group like her about their vision for the college. the business diversity of its members, but points out this will need sponsorship and support, “They should question us. They should school.” Carmen Siering is a freelance writer based that unlike many student organizations — Lisa Mitchell but we will benefit the business commu- make us better,” she says. “They should in Muncie.

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connections bottomline Najat Al Yarubiya , B.S. in Accounting Management 1992, has joined Hillenbrand 1988, is the functional resourcing develop- Industries in Batesville, Indiana, as a bene- ment advisor for Petroleum Development fits administration manager. Oman. V ince McCulloch, B.S. in Marketing Car rie Briar , B.S. in Marketing 1994, is 1995, is the business manager for Calumet the assistant vice presi- Energy Team. dent and regional team unexpected opportunities Br yan A. Mills , B.S. in Accounting 1982, coordinator for Old is the chief executive officer of VEI, an National Investment affiliate of Community Health Network of Services in Indianapolis. Indiana. ora Pcolinski Bammann wasn’t was focusing mostly on human resources, knows there’s even more that business Scott Cother m a n , B.S. in N counting on a long-term rela- and last May she took her present upper- schools can teach to help graduates as they Mar tin Noufer , M.B.A. 1997, is a finance Business Administration Ntionship with Ball State level position. move into the working world, she is pleased manager for Intel Corporation. 1980, is the chief execu- University when she enrolled in 1980. In As her career has evolved, Bammann has to see how open to input the Miller College tive officer of the newly formed Corbett , B.S. in Insurance and fact, she thought she’d train to be a secre- been amazed by how often she draws upon of Business is. “The college is reaching out Michael R. Pyles Accel Healthcare Group. A result of the Finance 1995, is an agent with Farm tary and leave with a two-year degree in knowledge that, as a student, she wasn’t sure to business people and saying, ‘What is it recent fusion of two leading Omnicom Bureau Insurance in Portland, Indiana. office administration. she would ever need. “But as you mature that you need our graduates to be trained companies—The Corbett Healthcare “But once I was on campus I fell in love and as the organization goes through its evo- for? What do you need, and we’ll try to , B.S. in Finance 1980, co- Group and Accel Healthcare T ony Schneider with being at Ball State,” she says. So she lution, you use a lot of it,” she says. adapt our curriculum.’” founder and managing director of Communications—Corbett Accel is one of switched to a four-year College of Business Bammann is part of an advisory board Schneider Huse & the largest healthcare communications major in management science, specializing that helps the college answer those kinds Associates, LLC, has been companies in the world. in management information systems and of questions. Some are more challenging elected to the advisory human resources. than others. For example, she hopes to Matt Deitchle , M.B.A. 2002, is the enter- committee of House Looking back, Bammann, now sen- see students learn better managerial prise support lead for Steak Investments— Real Estate Your classmates want ior vice president and director of skills, not just theory, that trans- n Shake at its corporate Opportunity Fund III, LP. to hear from you. Share human resources for Carmel-based late into everyday situations. office in Indianapolis. The recently closed fund insurance giant Conseco, says, “I “When you have an employee your news with us at provides mezzanine loans to Daniel Hatche r, B.S. in was never one of those over- calling in sick every other day, www.bsu.edu/ residential and commercial real estate Marketing 1995, was achievers in college.” But she what do you do? Or, how do developments in the Midwest. business/contactus accepted into the was always busy. She worked you teach people how to talk or send an update to University of Chicago throughout her collegiate expe- to other people?” Denise Town, B.S. in Marketing 1985, is M.B.A. program, where rience, first doing secretarial She hopes to help her alma Ball State University, the co-owner of Gallery 116 in downtown he will study analytic finance and econom- tasks for professors, then help- mater address such important Miller College of Business, Fishers, Indiana, which features the work ic theory. He is an investment analyst at ing students in the computer lab. matters through her work with WB 100, of local artists. AmalgaTrust, Inc., a division of She also was involved with her the business college and as part Muncie, IN 47306 , B.S. in Marketing 1988, is Amalgamated Bank of Chicago. Kar e n Wagner sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, as of the Discovery Group, a collec- the human resources director for the Indiana well as numerous campus activities tion of women interested in philan- Denise Harvey , B.S. in Business offices of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. and events, including BACCHUS, an thropy who support various Ball State organization focusing on the dangers of programs with grant money. alcohol abuse on campus. Bammann’s connections with the univer- Bammann’s well-rounded college experi- sity extend beyond professional and volun- Name ences proved valuable, enabling her to teer roles. Her husband, Steve, is a Ball Address explore a variety of jobs. In the first few Case in point: Conseco. For years it was a State alumnus and their children—who are years following graduation, her employers high-flying insurer, creating millionaires interested in architecture and teaching— City/State/ZIP included an HMO, a mall developer, a among its shareholders and making its CEO will likely consider the university as they trucking company, and the Little League, Indiana’s highest-paid executive for several begin making college plans. E-mail for which she served in a temporary posi- years in a row. Then trouble began to brew, What began as a short-term relationship Degree/Major/Year tion raising money for a new facility. and a huge debt load from acquisitions with Ball State has come full circle, provid- Then in 1987 Bammann brought her began to suffocate the firm. In December ing Bammann with a lifetime of unexpected Employer flexibility to Conseco, where she started as 2002, Conseco finally teetered into bank- opportunities. an executive assistant in the investment ruptcy in what was the third-largest corpo- Here’s my news for Ball State Business. (Use separate sheet if necessary.) group. “I worked through all kinds of posi- rate bankruptcy filing in history. Nora Bammann is a 1984 graduate. She is a member tions,” she recalls, including spending time Such upheaval brought major changes to of the Miller College of Business Executive Advisory Board. in the trading room and on assignments the company, reminding Bammann of les- that involved accounting, human sons she had learned in an organizational resources, and systems work. By 2000 she design class 20 years earlier. Because she By Steve Kaelble Support the Miller College of Business at www.bsu.edu/giving.

21 Ball State business I Spring 2004 Spring 2004 I Ball State business 22

Join us for the First Annual Miller College of Business Alumni Awards Dinner

A gala evening to honor outstanding business alumni

Keynote speaker Miller College of Business 2004 Hall of Fame Recipient John Schnatter, CEO and Friday, founder of Papa John’s, Inc. October 1, 2004

Mark your calendars and Ball State University Alumni Center watch for further details!

Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Ball State University

WB 100 Muncie, IN 47306