To our valued alums, friends, and other supporters, it’s my great pleasure to update you on the excellent work of the Management and Marketing (M&M) Department at the University of Wyoming’s College of Business (COB) through this inaugural annual newsletter.
The M&M department—which also houses the college’s entrepreneurship, sales, supply-chain management, and business law curriculum—shares the COB’s goals to offer world-class student learning opportunities, advanced business knowledge, and provide direct assistance to our state and regional stakeholders. We accomplish these goals by partnering with regional companies to offer enriching, experiential learning projects, fostering world-class research, and promoting outreach work with business stakeholders throughout Wyoming. This past year, we engaged more than twenty business partners on either student learning projects, to deliver employee workshops, or to offer executive education. Our students engaged in numerous experiential learning projects, including with several Laramie-based non-profit organizations through the SparkTank initiative. I couldn’t be more proud of our faculty who perform this engagement work while conducting world-class research. In the past year, our faculty have published over 50 peer-reviewed publications, including in top journals such as the Journal of Management, Journal of Marketing, Journal of Consumer Research, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, and the Harvard Business Review. Headlining our faculty’s achievements this year, our distinguished Dick and Maggie Scarlett Chair of Business Administration, Linda Price, received the AMA-Irwin-McGraw-Hill Distinguished Marketing Educator Award. We are blessed to have tremendous students who give meaning to and thrive through our efforts, including those winners of our outstanding graduating student awards featured in this newsletter. Our success is your success, and we are tremendously grateful for your support. If you’d like to know how you can get more involved in shaping the success of M&M students and faculty, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely, Chase Thiel
Professor Linda L. Price, a distinguished member of the University of Wyoming faculty and the Dick and Maggie Scarlett Chair of Business Administration is the prestigious 2024 AMA-Irwin-McGraw-Hill Distinguished Marketing Educator Award winner. This accolade is bestowed by the American Marketing Association (AMA) to recognize living marketing educators who have made outstanding contributions to the field and demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of marketing education.
Dr. Price has made sustained contributions to the marketing field over her career. She has served in numerous capacities within the organization, including roles on the AMA Foundation Board and the AMA Academic Council, where she served as President from 2016 to 2017. Professor Price's contributions to marketing education extend beyond the AMA. She has also held significant roles with the Sheth Foundation, the Association for Consumer Research, and the Academy of Marketing Science. Her editorial leadership at the Journal of Consumer Research and her chairmanship at various scholarly conferences highlight her influential presence in the field.
The award recognizes not only Professor Price's contributions to marketing education but also her role as a mentor and researcher. Her research, which spans a variety of topics including services marketing and consumer relationships, is published in top-tier marketing journals and has significantly impacted the field. Her approach to mentorship, characterized by inclusivity, high standards, and a nurturing attitude, has made her a beloved figure among her doctoral students and colleagues.
This honor not only celebrates Professor Price's personal achievements but also underscores her profound impact on the discipline of marketing and the academic community at the University of Wyoming.
From October 9th to 14th, the University of Wyoming hosted its Ethical Leadership Showcase Week, organized by UW’s Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics. This event series offered a weeklong schedule of activities aimed at engaging students and the business community in discussions about ethical leadership.
The week began with a rapid-fire ethics case competition at the UW College of Business Green Johnson Student Success Center, where students showcased their ethical decision-making skills. The following day, an etiquette dinner at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center provided networking opportunities and lessons in professional conduct.
Midweek featured a presentation by Corey Ciocchetti at the Scarlett Auditorium, discussing the qualities of ethical leadership. This was followed by a panel discussion on Thursday, with experts exploring various ethical principles.
The week concluded with The Big Event on Saturday, a community service day that emphasized the practical application of ethical leadership through service and engagement. This series of events underscored UW’s commitment to fostering leadership and ethical standards in its community.
The University of Wyoming's Center for Professional Selling conducted its internal fall Cowboy Sales Challenge on October 20th, in partnership with Sherwin-Williams. The competition involved students in a multi-stage contest designed to test and enhance their sales skills through practical scenarios.
The challenge was divided into three rounds. In the first round, participants were tasked with navigating a breakfast networking event to identify and secure a meeting with a potential customer. The second round required competitors to gain initial business commitments in a direct, face-to-face meeting with their prospects. The final round pushed participants to propose solutions to grow their prospect's business, overcoming various objections in another personal meeting.
The event concluded with the announcement of the top five performers, with Annabelle Pierson taking the first place and a prize of $1,000. She was followed by Paige Ricketts in second place with a $500 reward, Bridger Stoddard in third place earning $250, Mason Masted in fourth place with $150, and Ridge Briggs rounding out the top five with a $100 prize. These results highlight the competitive spirit and grit of Wyoming students.
In 2023, one of the Management and Marketing Department’s most accomplished faculty members spent a sabbatical term in New Zealand studying how marketing influences bereavement processes, involving detailed interviews with bereaved families across New Zealand. This unique study enabled her to engage deeply with cultural practices surrounding bereavement, providing valuable insights into the intersection of culture and marketing.
During her stay, Professor Minton also promoted the University of Wyoming through various engagements. She presented her research at the University of Otago in Dunedin, connecting with both students and faculty, and discussed potential collaborations with local businesses. Her outreach efforts highlighted the university’s commitment to international academic partnerships and its strong research capabilities.
Additionally, Professor Minton established a study abroad course titled "Culturally Informed Marketing," set to launch in January 2024. This course was a direct outcome of her collaborations with local educational institutions and nonprofits, particularly in Nelson, where she laid the groundwork for future student exchanges.
These initiatives not only advanced her academic research but also significantly contributed to enhancing the University of Wyoming's international presence and educational offerings.
The University of Wyoming College of Business Ethics Club awarded $178,000 to four area nonprofit organizations during SparkTank 2024 that took place April 25. Each year, the UW Ethics Club and “Sales Seminar” students secure funding for SparkTank, a “Shark Tank”-style competition that champions Albany County nonprofit organizations that provide food, shelter, safety, clothing and other essential services to community members in need.
“SparkTank serves as a catalyst, empowering local nonprofits to address the diverse
challenges facing the community while simultaneously inspiring students to seek opportunities
to contribute to something greater than themselves,” says Kent Noble, UW Ethics Club
faculty adviser.
This year’s funding was allocated as follows: SAFE Project received $55,000 to support
survivors of domestic, intimate partner, and familial violence, as well as victims
of sexual assault and stalking. Stork Support was granted $46,000 to provide essentials
for newborns and children, along with offering community access to life-saving CPR
classes for infants, children, and adults. Laramie Interfaith was allocated $41,000
to assist in providing food, shelter, and other critical services to individuals and
families in crisis. Lastly, Tele-Hope received $36,000 to foster hope and community
through mentorship programs that connect middle and high school students with college
athlete mentors.
“This not only demonstrates our commitment to ethical leadership, but it also encourages our students to embrace a purpose-driven life by actively contributing to the long-term viability of their community,” Noble says.
Ethics Club President McKenna Kail, of Lander, reflects on the impact of SparkTank. “SparkTank has been the most meaningful educational experience of my academic career,” Kail says. Through its impactful initiatives and unwavering commitment to community betterment, SparkTank has not only enriched my learning, but also inspired me to actively pursue a life dedicated to making a positive difference in the world.
Since 2018, Ethics Club and “Sales Seminar” students have contributed an impressive $578,000 to local nonprofits through the SparkTank initiative. This year’s edition featured 376 donors, including major contributions from the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, Scarlett Family Foundation, Associated Students of UW, Dimitrios Smyrnios, ATBS (American Truck Business Services), Scott and Heather Neu, Powder Horn Realty, and the Wyoming Business Council.
Maria Jenks, an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Wyoming, is currently engaged in a consulting role with Wyoming Manufacturing Works. This collaboration is supported by a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized manufacturers within Wyoming. Wyoming Manufacturing Works serves as Wyoming’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) under NIST.
The project, part of the 2023 MEP Expansion Award dubbed "SCOIN" — MEP National Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network — involves a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening the manufacturing sector in the state. These activities include expanding the MEP Center's capacity to offer services that enhance supply chain optimization, capability growth, and resiliency. It also focuses on assessing domestic manufacturing capabilities and creating an integrated network of U.S. suppliers.
Additionally, the project aims to advance the growth of Wyoming manufacturers by connecting them with regional and national opportunities, building capacity and capability through expanded training and certifications, and developing new tools for supply chain optimization. These efforts are integral to boosting the overall economic landscape for manufacturers in Wyoming.
The department prioritizes experiential learning through real-world projects with company partners. This past year, the department partnered with several organizations to offer students projects such as these:
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The Management and Marketing Department prioritizes its business relationships. This past year, over a dozen businesses were either welcomed into the college or hosted students at their locations. These included events such as:
The production of practice-advancing and theory-enriching research is a critical element
of the Management & Marketing Department’s mission. In academic year 23-24, the department
faculty published over 45 peer-reviewed articles, including several in world-class
outlets. Moreover, many of these projects addressed timely, critical topics and contributed
to practical solutions for companies. Notable publications include (UW faculty member
highlighted):
Enacting positive social change: A civic wealth creation stakeholder engagement framework
Bailey, R. C., & Lumpkin, G. T. (2023). Enacting positive social change: A civic wealth
creation stakeholder engagement framework. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 47(1),
66-90.
Secondary Selling: Beyond the Salesperson–Customer Dyad
Burchett, M. R., Murtha, B., & Kohli, A. K. (2023). Secondary Selling: Beyond the
Salesperson–Customer Dyad. Journal of Marketing, 00222429221138302.
Technological Uncertainty, Value Appropriation, and Dense Versus Dispersed Patent
Portfolios
Heeley, M. B., Covin, J. G., & Matusik, S. F. (2023). Technological Uncertainty, Value
Appropriation, and Dense Versus Dispersed Patent Portfolios. Journal of Management
Studies.
A Common Identity Intervention to Improve Service Quality for Consumers Experiencing
Vulnerabilities
Cabano, F. G., & Minton, E. A. (2023). A Common Identity Intervention to Improve Service
Quality for Consumers Experiencing Vulnerabilities. Journal of Service Research, 10946705231157076.
Stripped of agency: The paradoxical effect of employee monitoring on deviance
Thiel, C. E., Bonner, J., Bush, J. T., Welsh, D. T., & Garud, N. (2023). Stripped
of agency: The paradoxical effect of employee monitoring on deviance. Journal of Management,
49(2), 709-740.
Paige Ricketts — Outstanding Senior in Professional Selling
My name is Paige Ricketts. I am graduating this spring with a double major in Marketing
and Professional Sales. While doing my undergraduate degree I have served as President
of Sales Club, been selected to participate in traveling sales competitions, and worked
as a graphic design intern. Outside of the College of Business I work for Wyoming
Sports Properties as the Associate Coordinator of Partnership Services. In my free
time I like to paddleboard, travel, and go to concerts. The College of Business has
given me the opportunity to grow my relational skills, network, and make long-lasting
mentorships.
Brook Deal — Outstanding Senior in Entrepreneurship
My name is McKenna Kail, and I was born and raised in Lander, Wyoming. I am a senior
marketing student at the University of Wyoming and will be attending law school at
the University of Wyoming in the Fall. Much like other Wyoming kids, I enjoy four-wheeling,
hiking, shooting, rock-hunting and the like. As for my life in Laramie, I am heavily
involved in the University of Wyoming Ethics Club and am looking forward to another
successful University of Wyoming SparkTank on April 25th. My work with the College
of Business has been some of the most rewarding of my college career, and I'm saddened
(and excited) to be moving on.
Sarah Drewry — Outstanding Senior in Management
My name is Sarah Drewry, and I am a graduating senior studying marketing, general
management, and professional sales with a minor in leadership. I am from Lander, Wyoming,
and enjoy being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. I
am involved in the College of Business Sales and Ethics Clubs, where I currently serve
as the Ethics Club marketing and community outreach officer, and am slated to become
president next year. I also work for the Green Johnson Student Success Center and
am a marketing intern with a start-up company, O3 LLC. After graduating this spring,
I will pursue my MBA here at the University.
Mckenna Kail — Outstanding Senior in Marketing
My name is McKenna Kail, and I was born and raised in Lander, Wyoming. I am a senior marketing student at the University of Wyoming and will be attending law school at the University of Wyoming in the Fall. Much like other Wyoming kids, I enjoy four-wheeling, hiking, shooting, rock-hunting and the like. As for my life in Laramie, I am heavily involved in the University of Wyoming Ethics Club and am looking forward to another successful University of Wyoming SparkTank on April 25th. My work with the College of Business has been some of the most rewarding of my college career, and I'm saddened (and excited) to be moving on.