Wolf Tracks: Business Edition Northern State University School of Business May 2025 Artificial Intelligence and Agriculture is the Subject of 2025 Lamont Rhodes Lecture Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a revolutionary technology that changes how work gets done and how data is used to guide decisions. Many new applications of AI are being applied or investigated across plant and animal agriculture. That is the basis of what Dr. James Koltes, speaker for the 10th annual Lamont Rhodes Lecture Series, shared with the attendees who filled the Kessler’s Champions Club on April 8th . In his presentation, Dr. Koltes discussed the amazing opportunities, shortcomings, and expectations for AI applications in agriculture in the coming years. Dr. Koltes, an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science within the Animal Breeding and Genetics group at Iowa State University, received his BS in Dairy Science and Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and PhD in Genetics from Iowa State University. His research has two main focus areas, including: The use of new tools such as sensors and biomarkers in the genetic improvement of feed efficiency and health in dairy cattle Identifying the function DNA that lays outside of genes to assess its applicability in selection. Dr. Koltes is a faculty co-leader for the Food, Energy, and Water (FEW) emphasis area within the Translational Artificial Intelligence Center (TrAC) at ISU and a cocoordinator for the USDA NRSP8 multistate program, which provides bioinformatics tools and genomic database resources for animal science researchers and industry across the United States. He has worked extensively on improving the health and See LAMONT RHODES on Page 3 Koltes Update from the Dacotah Bank Dean Greetings from the Northern State University School of Business. Spring was a busy time around campus. From student achievements and faculty research to guest presentations and networking events, this newsletter will share some of the highlights from the semester. As with every semester, the culminating event was graduation. The commencement ceremony was held on Saturday, May 10, and 44 graduates from the School of Business, including associates, bachelors, and master's degrees, received their diplomas. Though the summer slows down a bit on campus, plenty of work will be done welcoming the first-year students during the HOWLS, reviewing the curriculum, planning for re-accreditation, and making plans for the next academic year. We are excited to start the Agricultural Business major this fall, along with our collaboration with Southeast Technical College. The construction of the new Business and Health Innovation Center continues with classes planned for the spring 2026 semester. Have a great summer! ~ Dean Kristi Bockorny Faculty and staff toured the new Business & Health Innovation Center in early May. Be sure to check out the construction cam by scrolling to the bottom of this page: northern.edu/about.
Sumption Brian Sumption -Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Class of 2018 Please share a little bit about your life now. I’m currently living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I’m the Controller at Rocket55, a digital marketing agency, and I also own Troubadour Wine Bar and Minnesota Bartending Services. Outside of work, I love traveling, attending live music events, and spending time with my girlfriend and our miniature dachshund, Lady May. What has your career path been like and how did the NSU School of Business prepare you for what you’re doing now? My career has taken me through accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship. The School of Business at NSU gave me a solid foundation — especially in financial analysis, project management, and leadership. Courses in accounting principles, business law, and entrepreneurship were particularly impactful, helping me succeed both in corporate roles and while launching my own businesses. How did your experience at NSU help you find your first position after graduation? Through networking opportunities and internship programs promoted at NSU, I was able to land a finance internship during my senior year. That internship turned into my first full-time position after graduation, setting me on the path I’m on today. What is one of your favorite memories or experiences from your time at Northern? I have a lot of great memories from my time at NSU. Working at the Tech Center gave me the chance to build connections across campus and really feel like part of the Northern community. A highlight was getting the opportunity to speak at the Meet the Donors event, where I was introduced by the University President — it was an incredible honor. On the athletic side, one of my favorite moments was winning Player of the Week for a multiple-interception performance during my senior year of football. Being able to represent Northern on the field and off made my time there truly special. Is there anything else you’d like to add? I'm truly grateful for my time at NSU. The supportive professors, smaller class sizes, and hands-on opportunities made a lasting impact. I’m proud to be a part of the NSU alumni family. A fun personal milestone: I was recently featured on Season 8 of Love Is Blind on Netflix. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that taught me a lot about personal growth, communication, and embracing new opportunities — both personally and professionally. For more information about Brian’s time on Love is Blind, check out these links: https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/love-is-blind-season-8-couples-engaged-offscreen https://www.forbes.com/sites/monicamercuri/2025/02/14/meet-the-love-is-blind-season-8cast---who-are-the-32--singles-looking-for-love/ 2
Two NSU Students Secure Prestigious Internships With Wight & Company Two Northern State University business students have been selected for competitive summer internships with Wight & Company, a nationally recognized design-build firm based in the Chicago area. Luana Matos, an international business major, and Ethan Russell, a business administration major, will intern in the architecture and construction management departments, respectively. Wight & Company’s internship program provides hands-on experiences with professional mentors in an interdisciplinary environment. Interns work as valued members of project teams, gaining real-world exposure to the fields of architecture, engineering and construction. The opportunity was made possible through the Cramer Center for Design and Innovation, located in the NSU library. “These new Wight-Cramer internships aim to deepen the understanding of design and innovation in business,” said James P. Cramer, Northern alum and founder of the Cramer Center. “They will provide weekly career coaching and mentorship, highlighting valuable career opportunities in design and construction.” “The Cramer Center board members are creating connections between Northern and their companies that are opening up opportunities for Northern students,” said Dr. Erin Fouberg, associate vice president for academic affairs and a Cramer Center board member. Wight & Company set aside two paid summer internships specifically for Northern students. The opportunity was open to all majors and did not require prior experience in architecture or construction management. Applicants completed an on-campus application and interview process, with finalists advancing to interviews with Wight & Company representatives. Matos Russell “I am thankful and excited for this great internship opportunity with Wight & Co. through the Cramer Center for Design and Innovation,” said Russell. In his role, Russell will work alongside superintendents and tradespeople onsite and assist project managers with estimates, schedules, contracts and other management tasks. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of Wight & Company’s summer internship program,” said Matos. “Learning from both marketing and architecture professionals at such a prestigious firm is an exciting next step in my journey. I look forward to gaining hands-on experience, expanding my skill set and immersing myself in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.” During her architectural internship, Matos will work closely with project managers while gaining hands-on experience with leading technologies such as Revit, Enscape, 3D printing, and drone surveying. She will also spend several weeks collaborating with the firm’s marketing team. To learn more about the Cramer Center for Design and Innovation at Northern State University, visit northern.edu/library/cramer-center. LAMONT RHODES Continued from Page 1 efficiency of dairy cattle. His research includes using tools like sensors and biomarkers to advance farming practices. He also studies how non-coding DNA can be applied to genetic selection. The annual Lamont Rhodes Lecture Series is held on the NSU campus and is made possible by contributions from descendants of longtime Aberdeen residents Ernest & Louise Rhodes, William & Frances (Peg) Lamont, and Robert & Ruth Lamont. The Lamont and Rhodes families were original investors in the company that has grown to become Dacotah Bank. Aberdeen remains the home office to the community bank that serves clients with banking, insurance, mortgage, trust, and wealth management services in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Thank you to the Lamont and Rhodes families for their investment in Northern, NSU students, Aberdeen, and the surrounding communities. 3
forensic actionable enhance held cost Momeni Northern State University Professor Publishes New AI in Marketing Textbook Dr. Hannah Walters, associate professor of marketing at Northern State University and director of the NSU Honors Program, has published a new textbook, AI in Marketing: Applications, Insights, and Analysis, with Routledge. Routledge is a global publisher of academic books, journals, and online resources in the humanities and social sciences. Walters served as the co-editor of this edited volume, working with 18 contributors from around the world. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how businesses research, create, implement and evaluate strategies for success. In marketing, keeping up with the applications and implications of AI is challenging for brands and consumers alike. Walters “This comprehensive textbook equips marketing students with the knowledge and skills to use AI effectively, ethically, and responsibly in the future workplace,” said Walters. “As one of the first higher education textbooks focused on AI in marketing, it’s an essential resource for marketing educators looking to integrate AI into their curriculum.” The book explores the transformative role of AI in marketing, covering foundational concepts, applications, consumer insights, and ethical considerations. It includes real-world examples, exercises, and AI resources to help students develop practical skills. The final section examines how AI can be integrated into marketing education. AI in Marketing: Applications, Insights, and Analysis is available at routledge.com. Dr. Momeni’s Research Published in Accounting Journal Dr. Eman Momeni, assistant professor of accounting at Northern State University, coauthored and served as the corresponding author for an article published in the December 2024 issue of the Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting. The paper, titled “The Prospect Theory and Managements’ Fraud Incentives in Financial Reporting: A Literature Review,” examines how behavioral theory can provide insight into management decisions that lead to financial fraud. “This study is the result of a comprehensive review of literature exploring the role of descriptive decision theories in understanding managerial decision-making in corporate fraud and explores the psychological, cultural, and legal factors that drive fraudulent behavior in corporate settings,” Momeni said. “By applying prospect theory in accounting, our findings offer recommendations for stakeholders to corporate governance and mitigate financial reporting risks.” Dr. Momeni started teaching at Northern State University in 2020. Before that, he worked in public accounting and auditing in California and positions internationally as a controller and accounting manager. His research and professional background provide students with practical insights into the complexities of accounting and financial reporting. The article is available on the Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting website at nacva.com or here. 4
Henderson Earns Pedagogy Grant Empowering Creativity: Leveraging Technology and Training for Transformative Learning in BADM742, Creative Thinking and Design Dr. Amber Henderson, Associate Professor for marketing and management, recently earned a grant given through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Northern. Dr. Henderson used the grant to participate in IDEO U’s Creative Thinking for Complex Problem Solving course. The knowledge gained in this five-week program helped Henderson enhance active learning strategies within her BADM742 Creative Thinking and Design course. BADM742 is a core course in the new M.S. in Strategic Innovation and Leadership program. The IDEO U (www.ideou.com) training equipped Henderson to create a course environment where students feel empowered to take risks, experiment, and co-create. As part of BADM742, students partnered with Northern State University Student Affairs and the Boys and Girls Club of Aberdeen Area on projects. Each group applied course concepts to develop innovative, professional solutions tailored to their partner organization’s needs. During finals week, students presented action plans to each organization. These plans are designed to support and advance each organization’s mission. Henderson The CETL Pedagogy Grant enhanced the impact of BADM742 by integrating innovative pedagogy with community-based learning, equipping students with creative problem-solving skills and empowering them to make meaningful contributions to their communities. School of Business Alum Delivers Commencement Address Mr. Gregg Wiitala, NSU Distinguished Alumnus of 2012, delivered the 2025 spring commencement address on Saturday, May 10. Wiitala graduated from Northern in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in economics. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in economic development from Ohio University in 1972. Over the course of his career, he has led economic expansion projects across developing and poverty-stricken countries, including work in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Wiitala began his international service as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya from 1966 to 1969. He later held managerial roles with Technoserve, Inc., focusing on agro-business enterprise development, before beginning a 25-year career with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Throughout his time with USAID, Wiitala led multimillion-dollar initiatives in Kenya, Mozambique, Ghana, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Jordan. His work has spanned areas such as financial and private sector development, agriculture, infrastructure, and humanitarian aid. In his most recent roles with USAID/Jordan, he served as senior program management advisor and senior private sector advisor. Wiitala and his wife, Laura, have two children and currently reside in Jordan, maintaining a home in Minnesota. 5 Wiitala
Villegas Bockorny Shannahan Northern State University Business Faculty Publish Case Study Villegas Earns Outstanding Faculty Award Northern State University announces Dr. Sal Villegas, assistant professor of management, has received the NSU Outstanding Early Career Faculty Award. The award was announced at Northern’s spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10. The award, which honors faculty members who have demonstrated a strong record of commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service early in their careers at NSU. Since joining the School of Business in 2020, Villegas has quickly become an invaluable asset. Villegas is lauded for his unparalleled enthusiasm and dedication to teaching and mentorship. He brings nearly two decades of banking and finance experience into his classrooms, providing students with practical, real-world insights. He is known for his personalized approach, including meeting individually with every student in his classes each term. This commitment yields remarkable results: his students have achieved global recognition, ranking as high as first in the world in the GLOBUS business strategy simulation, and have consistently earned top awards at the Governor's Giant Vision competition. In addition to his teaching prowess, Villegas has taken on significant leadership roles. He now leads NSU’s banking and financial services program, working to align curriculum with industry needs. He also is playing a key role in NSU’s upcoming HLC reaccreditation efforts and serves as chair of the School of Business assessment committee. Villegas maintains an active research agenda, with numerous publications including impactful work on "A Modern Framework for Leading Autistic Adults in the Workplace." As a nominator noted, "Northern State University is fortunate to have such a dynamic and engaged faculty member." Upon receiving the award, Villegas said, “Earning the Outstanding Early Career Faculty Award is both humbling and energizing. It affirms that student-centered teaching, experiential learning, and authentic engagement are critical in higher education. I’m proud to be part of a university that values innovation and impact from day one. Winning this award was only possible due to the constant support of my loving family, outstanding colleagues, and phenomenal students who motivate me to be a better educator. Thank you to the entire Northern community for your inspiration and constant support.” Three Northern State University School of Business faculty members have published a collaborative case study in the Journal of Case Studies. Drs. Kristi Bockorny, Salvador Villegas and Daniel Shannahan authored “Modes of Entry: The Best Choice for a Boutique Owner,” which appears in the Fall 2024 issue (Vol. 42, Issue 3). The decision-based case study focuses on evaluating different market entry strategies for small businesses. Students are challenged to assess local competition and opportunity as they learn to navigate the small business landscape. “We designed this case study to give undergraduate management and entrepreneurship students a realistic look at the critical decisions facing aspiring business owners,” said Dr. Dan Shannahan. “We think this case will really help students see what goes into choosing how to enter the small business world— whether that’s starting something from scratch, buying an existing business, or going with a franchise. It’s all about understanding the pros and cons and making the best choice for the situation.” Dr. Sal Villegas said the case study approach helps students engage with material in a practical and meaningful way. “Using case studies in business classes has been incredibly effective for helping students step into the shoes of real decision-makers,” Villegas said. “Instead of just reading about theories, they get to explore real-world situations, weigh different options, and learn through the power of storytelling, thus making the lessons feel more relevant and memorable.” 6
Northern Student Lands Competitive Internship with Delta Air Lines Zachary Daggett, a junior studying accounting at Northern State University and an ambassador for the School of Business, has secured a competitive summer internship with Delta Air Lines. Daggett will relocate to Atlanta, Georgia, from June through August to work at Delta’s corporate headquarters. There, he’ll assist with financial reporting, analysis and compliance tasks as part of the airline’s corporate accounting division. “This is such an exciting opportunity,” Daggett said. “I’ve worked with Delta at the Aberdeen airport for over a year now, so getting the chance to see how things operate behind the scenes at headquarters is something I’ve been hoping for.” Daggett initially applied online, unsure if he’d even make it through the early rounds. After a series of interviews—both virtual and in-person in Atlanta—he landed the offer. He credits Northern’s supportive environment for helping him get to this point. Daggett “The professors and staff in the School of Business have been incredible,” he said. “Their guidance, encouragement and real-world insight have made a huge difference. I’m walking into this internship confident and prepared because of everything I’ve learned here.” Faculty who’ve worked closely with Daggett are also celebrating his achievement. “We are incredibly proud of Zach for being selected for the Delta internship,” said Candi Olson, MBT, Instructor of Accounting. “He was up against applicants from Harvard, Stanford, and Big 10 schools. This achievement is a testament to his dedication, strong work ethic, and passion for excellence. We are excited to see him apply his skills in a real-world setting and continue to grow as a future leader in the field.” School of Business Faculty Earn Awards for Research & Collaboration The following professors have been recognized with 2025 Faculty Awards for their continued commitment to research, academic collaboration, and innovation. The Sanford Faculty Development Award for Research - Dr. Eman Momeni, assistant professor of accounting for Audit report lag and its contemporary issues: a comparative review of literature The Sanford Faculty Development Award for Interdisciplinary Research - Dr. Sal Villegas, assistant professor of banking, financial services, and management for No Dead Indians - just spirits everywhere (with Dr. Pamela Monaghan-Geernaert, assistant professor of sociology) The Lauver Fund for Academic Excellence supporting collaborative academic initiatives - Hannah Walters, associate professor of marketing for Digital Futures: Experiential Learning in Media, Marketing, and Communication (with Jason Knowles, assistant professor of art/digital media and Meng Tian, assistant professor of communication studies) Northern State University congratulates these faculty members for their continued pursuit of knowledge and innovation, and thanks them for their meaningful contributions to the university’s academic community. Momeni Villegas Walters YOU CAN HELP! Like what you see? Want to make a positive difference for students, linkedin.com/groups/12004520 your business, and the community? Please consider a donation today by scanning the code to the left or clicking the link below. Make a gift to the NSU School of Business instagram.com/nsuschool_of_business facebook.com/NorthernStateBusiness 7
School of Business Ambassador Kaylin had the amazing opportunity to attend the NVIDIA GTC Conference in San Diego in March. She experienced everything from groundbreaking AI innovations to seeing how tech intersects with all kinds of fields. It was a reminder that innovation belongs to everyone, no matter your major. Dr. Bockorny was recognized for 15 years at NSU Spring Business Advisory Board meeting School of Business faculty, staff, and families at bowling fun night Twenty students from the School of Business took part in the oath & pinning ceremony on Saturday, May 10. President Schnoor, faculty, and students attended Aberdeen Day in February at the State Capitol Dr. Bockorny and School of Business Ambassadors Louise, Brooklyn, & Grace at Northern Bound Day Faculty, staff, and students attended the SD CEO Women’s Business Conference in March Some photos and content by NSU’s Marketing & Communications Department
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