2022 CAL STATE LA CBE Dean's Report

1

LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
3

MISSION / VISION / CORE VAULES
DEAN TYE W. JACKSON
OUR MISSION
We develop engaged leaders and foster their
professional and social mobility to benefit greater
LA and the world.
OUR VISION
To become the top California State University Business college
in graduation rate, employability and social mobility
OUR CORE VALUES
Collaborate. Engage. Care.
Dedicated to developing the next generation of business
professionals, the CBE cares deeply about the lives
we are improving. We understand professional skills
cannot be an afterthought. Building critical professional
skills is strategically integrated into our curriculum and
a core part of our students’ progress towards graduation.
Students are encouraged to connect with our industryleading
faculty and alumni so they, too, can be prepared
to enter the workforce and actively contribute to the
communities they are a part of.
A Message from our Dean
Welcome to the home of the Golden Eagles! I am Tye W. Jackson,
Dean of Cal State LA’s College of Business & Economics.
We are excited to welcome you to LA’s Business School,
Cal State LA’s College of Business & Economics (CBE).
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, our College offers unique
programs rooted in real-world learning. Our focus on hands-on
projects makes our students career-ready when they graduate.
We recognize the potential in future generations and provide
meaningful insight into how to best navigate what lays ahead.
Our commitment to excellence consistently ranks us as one of
the premier business schools in the nation. Students leave CBE
equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in
today’s competitive business fields, no matter what field they choose.
Though our community is vast, we are tight knit—and proud to
facilitate continued mentorship and career support through our
vibrant alumni network. We hope that here each student finds
comradery in the classroom, and mentorship that will last a lifetime.
With a degree from one of our many accredited programs, there is
no limit to what students can accomplish. Welcome to CBE, where
you’ll learn why, “We Are LA’s Business School.”
Dr. Tye W. Jackson

6
IN THIS REPORT
1
3
5
7
15
21
23
25
26
27
29
31
33
35
41
43
About CBE
Award-Winning Programs/By the Numbers
Pathways to Success
Alumni/Student/Faculty Spotlights
Career and Professional Development
CBE Events
Diversity & Inclusion
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
New Faculty
Newly Promoted & Tenure Faculty
Emeritus Faculty
Retiring Faculty
Dean’s Advisory Board
Distinguished Alumni
Partnerships

1 ABOUT THE CBE
LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
2
ABOUT THE CBE...
WE ARE LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
The College of Business & Economics is accredited
CBE graduates are career-ready, armed with the knowledge
The College is continuously incorporating hands on
Our students participate in over 15 award-winning student
by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of
and skills to succeed in today’s sought after business fields.
learning and project-centered activities into all of its
organizations and compete in industry-sponsored events and
Business (AACSB), putting it in the top 5% of business
Through our programs we offer specializations in forensic
Business programs. Students are able to obtain real world
competitions throughout the year. Our honor societies
schools worldwide. We are consistently highly ranked in
accounting, entrepreneurship, social media, information
experience by applying their knowledge to classroom
offer opportunities for students in Business (Beta Gamma
numerous college lists including the US News & World
systems, health care management, logistics, and applied
and internship opportunities. Our students are working
Sigma) Accounting (Beta Alpha Psi), and Economics
Report Best Business Programs, The Diverse Top 100, and
economics as well as many other business fields. Students
internships with Creative Artists Agency, JPL, Boeing,
(Omicron Delta Epsilon). Between our programs and
Washington Monthly College Rankings. Our faculty have
can customize these programs to fit their career goals.
Southern California Edison, and many other corporations
our student organizations, there are a multitude of
won distinguished teaching and research awards from
as well as major accounting firms.
opportunities for students to gather real-world
professional organizations and our staff has been honored
experience for any career path.
numerous times within the University.

3 AWARD WINNING PROGRAMS
BY THE NUMBERS
4
Award-Winning Programs
2 Years in a row
BY THE NUMBERS:
#
1 **
#
1 **
#
1 *
#
1 *
$72,979
MBA Program
#
in Southern California
1 *
Best Affordable Degree in:
Business
#
Management Degree
6 *
Best Affordable Degree in:
Business Administration
Accounting Program in California
#
2 *
Best Affordable Degree in:
#
Supply Chain Management
25 *
Best MBA/Graduate Program
Human Resources Management
Best Affordable Degree in:
Operations Management Degree
#
2 *
Best Affordable Program in:
#
Economics Program
36 *
Best MBA/Graduate Program
Supply Chain Management
Best Affordable Degree in:
Entrepreneurship Program
#
3 *
Best Affordable Degree in:
#
Information Systems/IT
44 *
Best MBA/Graduate Program
Management Information Systems
Employer Partnerships
Placement Services met with over
100 new and existing employer
contacts, including new connections
such as Netflix, Moss Adams, U.S.
Accountability Office (GAO), GHJ
Advisors, Entertainment Partners
and Boeing
510
# of jobs and internships shared
CBE Graduate’s Average Annual Starting Salary Upon Graduation
58 %
# of students who are first generation
to pursue graduate degree
48 %
Average acceptance rate
Graduation rate:
CBE majors graduate faster than majors
in all other Cal State LA Colleges
37
# of virtual information sessions
*Source: University HQ
** Source: Best Value Schools
Source: Cal State LA Office of Institutional Effectiveness

12 5
PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
PROGRAMS & EXPERIENCES
613
PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
PROGRAMS & EXPERIENCES
VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (V.I.T.A.)
VITA offers free tax preparation to people with
annual incomes of $55,000 or less, to persons with
disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
FINANCIAL FITNESS FORCE
Faculty, lecturers, industry experts
and external partners develop and
offer essential financial workshops/
information to empower students.
PROFESSIONAL FUNDAMENTALS
PROGRAM (P.F.P.)
BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH
ANALYTICS VISUALIZATION
ENVIRONMENT (B.R.A.V.E.)
Allows faculty, students,
communities, & businesses to
conduct research in a secured lab
environment using behavioral
research technology.
CBE SUITS ME
Provides disadvantaged students
with free access to professional
clothing that can be used for
business related activities.
CAREER PLACEMENT
Connects local businesses with
students and recent alumni. Helps
local businesses connect with
students and recent alumni; educates
students and alumni about their
business; and matches talents with
their needs
CONNECTING ALUMNI & STUDENTS
WITH EMPLOYERS (C.A.S.E.)
“C.A.S.E. presents unique opportunities for students to build
relationships with alumni and sponsoring companies in the Greater
LA community. C.A.S.E. projects serve as opportunities for students
to solve real-world business problems from sponsoring organizations
and to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world experience to
create best practices working solutions and potentially connect them
to create internships and job opportunities.”
PFP prepares students for a career
and life after college through tangible
experience obtained through invaluable
mentorship from speakers, faculty, and
alum. The program’s targeted approach
toward filling in the gaps between what
is learned in the classroom and what
is needed in the workplace not only
prepares students for what’s to come,
but establishes an immeasurable sense
of self-reliance and self-confidence
evident for the rest of their career.

714
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
DR. SANTOR NISHIZAKI
8
CAL STATE LA’S CBE ALUMNUS AND
PROFESSOR DR. SANTOR RELEASES
HIS BOOK ON WORKING WITH GEN Z
“We can help our students by providing tools like how to budget and increase
credit scores, how to network, or tips to negotiate their first salary, all from
experts in these fields,” Dr. Nishizaki said. “These tools aren’t offered at many
colleges and universities.”
Distinguished Cal State LA College of
Business and Economics alumnus and
Professor, Dr. Santor Nishizaki announced
the release of his first book, a publication
five years in the making, titled Working
with Gen Z: A Handbook to Recruit, Retain,
and Reimagine the Future Workforce after
COVID-19.
This project is a reflection of Dr. Nishizaki’s
desire to support “Gen Z,” the generation
born between the years of 1995 and 2012.
He has been studying generations in the
workplace for over a decade, seeking to
educate employers on best practices for
attracting talented Gen Z and millennial
graduates, while preparing students for the
workforce in his classroom.
Much of Dr. Nishizaki’s research outlines
differences in what has traditionally
characterized many workplaces and the
preferences and desires of Gen Z workers,
such as a desire for a hybrid work schedule
or their affinity for finding a workplace that
embodies core values such as empathy and
intentionality. Dr. Nishizaki believes that to unlock
the potential of the new generation, employers and
colleagues must understand them. He emphasizes
that this generation consists of “digital natives,”
seeking meaningful work and mentorship beyond
what is typically offered with basic digital or
functional skill training.
Dr. Nishizaki’s research and book is in part inspired
by a special collaboration between one of his
mentors, Dr. Tye W. Jackson Dean of the College
of Business & Economics, and Dr. Angela Young
Associate Dean of the College of Business &
Economics to bridge the gap between students
and young professionals. “College has historically
left students underprepared for the workforce
and the Professional Fundamentals Program
changes that,” Dr. Nishizaki said. The program
within CBE features guest speakers from a variety
of industries, who highlight topics like how to
network or strengthen public speaking skills.
“We can help our students by providing tools like
how to budget and increase credit scores, how to
network, or tips to negotiate their first salary,
all from experts in these fields,” Dr. Nishizaki
said. “These tools aren’t offered at many colleges
and universities.”
Prior to the publication of Working with Gen Z,
Dr. Nishizaki has also been quoted as an expert in
news features on Gen Z in the workplace in notable
publications such as the Wall Street Journal,
Forbes, Inc. and Psychology Today. “Gen Z is very
optimistic about the world. They care about the
environment, about equality, and they’re very
serious about their future early on,”Dr. Nishizaki
said in an interview with Cal State LA’s College
of Business & Economics. “They’re interning for
Fortune 500 companies as early as high school.”
Dr. Nishizaki’s work is further explored in his
podcast, “Zillennial Leader,” at his regular keynote
speaker appearances, and on the Cal State LA
website. His new book, Working with Gen Z: A
Handbook to Recruit, Retain, and Reimagine the
Future Workforce after COVID-19, is available
to purchase on Amazon and the audiobook is
available on Audible. To learn more about Dr.
Nishizaki and any upcoming work, connect with
him on LinkedIn or visit his website.
Working with Gen Z: A Handbook to Recruit,
Retain, and Reimagine the Future Workforce
after COVID-19 by Dr. Santor Nishizaki

16 9
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
MARKUS JUST
10
STUDENT-ATHLETE BRINGS
LESSONS FROM THE FIELD
AND THE CBE CLASSROOM
TO THE WORKFORCE
“My advisor Professor Arun Aryal and Professor Nanda
Ganesan both really helped me to get to where I am today.
Without them, I would not have pursued my master’s, or
gotten a job at this amazing company,”
Shah Akshat Utpal, Markus Just, Dr. Ming Wang, Sindhuja Dasaka, and
Uriel Avila representing Cal State LA and placing 2nd in the world at the
ERPSim Sustainability Challenge.
CBE student Markus Just, center back for
Cal State LA’s men’s soccer team, credits luck,
hard work, and a great support group for his
successful journey to landing a dream job
after graduation.
After graduating from San Francisco State in
2022 as captain of the men’s soccer team with
a bachelor’s degree in business, Just had a year
of eligibility left as a student-athlete. He was
faced with the question of whether to retire and
return home to Norway or pursue another year of
collegiate soccer.
It was his love for the sport that led him to Cal
State LA, where he was able to pursue a master’s
degree in information systems while continuing
to play.
Just plans to graduate in May and has accepted a
job as an IT engineer with Sopra Steria, which was
named “Norway’s best workplace” by Great Place
to Work in 2022 for the fifth year in a row.
Just said that practicing in Southern Californian
weather has been a welcome change.
“My advisor Professor Arun Aryal and Professor
Nanda Ganesan both really helped me to get
to where I am today. Without them, I would
not have pursued my master’s, or gotten a
job at this amazing company,” explains Just.
His experience as a student-athlete is unique,
Just said, and not a common opportunity for
students in Norway.
“My family is really proud that I am able
to accomplish this, while getting a stellar
education,” he details. His gratitude is evident.
Through his experiences on the field and in his
CBE courses, Just said he has learned valuable
tools that will help him in his career.
“My experience being a student-athlete at CBE
has taught me time management, goal-setting
practices, and leadership,” he said.
“It has definitely been busy doing a master’s in
just one year but my supportive and helpful
Professors have made this possible for me.”
It is evident that Just feels both excitement for
the future, nostalgia and appreciation about
this chapter’s end.
Just also recently represented CBE alongside
teammates in the International ERPSim
Logistics Sustainability Game Competition,
placing second among teams from around
the world. He serves as an example of both
academic and athletic excellence at Cal State
LA. His fellow Golden Eagles are excited to
see where his experience at CBE takes him next.
Just on friendship: “Everywhere feels like home, it’s the people and not
the place that create that feeling.” His teammates from left to right: Emil
Antonacci and Tommaso Belli.

18 11
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
PRATIMA SHERPA
12
“Sherpa notes that the skills learned in her courses at CBE,
especially a leadership class taught by her favorite Professor, Brandon Shamim,
directly translate to her golf career and make this vision possible.”
PRATIMA SHERPA:
CBE ATHLETE ON
THE WORLD STAGE
home not only golf balls, but the lessons she
grew up with on her family’s farm: hard work,
dedication, and self-reliance. Though her daily
tasks may look different, waking up with the
sun and completing schoolwork and practice
to the best of her ability are still Sherpa’s
primary goals.
After putting together a highly successful
women’s golf league fundraising event in
Nepal, Sherpa’s outlook on the future reflects
the large impact it left on her. “I want to better
my family, my country, and lastly, women
around the world. I definitely want to return
home, but I want to find a way to keep golf a
part of my life.”
Sherpa notes that the skills learned in her
courses at CBE, especially a leadership class
taught by her favorite Professor, Brandon
Shamim, directly translate to her golf career
and make this vision possible.
“He gave me goosebumps with such great
examples and stories,” Sherpa recalled.
Among skills like networking and public
speaking, she points out that the biggest
takeaway from leadership class was learning
to “speak up for herself,” and to “socialize
no matter how different you may think
you are, remembering the importance of
self-confidence.”
Sherpa continues to inspire many and is
expected to graduate this spring with a degree
in Business Administration Management.
Pratima Sherpa is a celebrated College of
Business & Economics student-athlete,
but first and foremost, she considers herself
a Nepalese athlete, representing both her
country and women of color on the world stage.
Sherpa’s story has been told by well-known
outlets such as ESPN and Golf Digest, and
her life’s journey is viewed as a fairy tale by
many, though the rising star has always felt
immensely fortunate even before receiving
such recognition. “I never felt different
or out of place because of my home or my
background,” she said. “My parents always
made me feel like I had everything I needed.
I had a home filled with love and support.”
Starting with a make-shift club provided by
her father and free lessons from a charitable
local coach, Sherpa now spends her days
with what is effectively a second family
according to her coach, Hans Kersting.
“She fits in seamlessly,” he said. “Her attitude
gives nothing away of how far she’s had to
come to get here.”
Sherpa and her team practice frequently
at Rio Hondo Golf Club, where she drives
Sherpa and her coach, Hans Kersting, discuss techniques during practice.
Sherpa on the practice range.
(From left:) Gabrielle Lawrence, Emily Wang, Harley Richardson, Pratima Sherpa,
Morgan Sjoerdsma, Joshlyn Ayala, and Coach Hans Kersting.

13
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
21
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK
2022 PANEL
Professor Yuanyuan Li
CBE’s own Marketing Professor Yuanyuan
Li participated in the Cal State LA
Faculty Panel on International Activities for
International Education Week on November
18th, 2022. The virtual panel also featured
Professor Danelle Dyckhoff (an English
Professor at the College of Arts and Letters)
and Professor David Blehkman (a Technology
Professor at the College of Engineering,
Computer Science & Technology). Topics
included the benefits of international
education and exchange worldwide, how
to best facilitate both international and U.S.
student mobility, and how to encourage being
a global citizen among many other themes.
International Education Week was held
November 14th –18th in 2022, and is a part
of a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of
State and the U.S. Department of Education
to promote programs that prepare Americans
for a global environment, as well as attract
future leaders from abroad to study, learn and
exchange experiences.
Prior to International Education Week,
Professor Yuanyuan Li discussed the
importance of faculty international
experience in relation to student interest and
success in Global Business classes. She also
shared her story about co-authoring research
with colleagues located in five different time
zones, described her visits to Universidad
EAN in Bogotá, Colombia (through Cal State
LA International Programs), and outlined her
Collaborative Online International Learning
program (COIL) via the X-culture platform,
where Cal State LA students can work with
students from five different continents.
Professor Yuanyuan Li closed out her
presentation by stating, “Our faculty and
student international mobility facilitates
mutual understanding and plays an important
role in our diversity, equity, inclusion, and
belonging (DEIB) initiative.”
It is her hope that International Education
Week gains even more support and
participation next year.

22 15
CAREER & PROFEESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
23
CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PROFESSIONAL FUNDAMENTALS PROGRAM
The Professional Fundamentals Program was
created to bridge the gap between soft skills,
hard skills, and the expectations of employers,
as CBE educators noted that this gap was
largely present among many colleges across
America. The following research inspired a
collaboration between CBE’s own Dean Jackson
and his colleagues, Dr. Santor Nishizaki and
Dr. Angela Young to better prepare CBE
graduates for life after the classroom:
“Barely one in 10 (11%) business leaders
strongly agree that college graduates have the
skills and competencies that their workplaces
need.” [1] In addition, Gallup found that “onethird
of students believe they will graduate
with the skills and knowledge to be successful
in the job market (34%) and in the workplace
(36%). Just half (53%) believe their major will
lead to a good job.” [2]
This program features essential highlights
such as guest speakers from prestigious
companies sharing career advice and best
practices, current requirements made by
today’s employers related to the soft and hard
skills being sought out in the workplace, how
to network and connect, how to problem solve
utilizing critical thinking, public speaking
skills, and much more.
[1] https://news.gallup.com
[2] https://stradaeducation.gallup.com
FEMBA
The Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA) program
at Cal State LA Downtown allows students
to earn their degree in 16 months through a
rigorous curriculum that includes Saturday
in-person class meetings and remote
assignments. An MBA allows working
executives and professionals to build upon
their experience, enhance their management,
leadership, analytic, and communication
skills, and make an impact on their careers
in an increasingly global economy.
Classes are taught by accomplished, awardwinning
faculty who teach at Cal State LA’s
main university campus. Cal State LA
Downtown’s FEMBA program is accredited
by the Association to Advance Collegiate
Schools of Business International (AACSB).

17
EVENTS
EVENTS
18
CBE EVENTS
HONORS CONVOCATION:
CBE’s annual celebration where undergraduate and graduate students
are recognized for their distinguished academic achievements.
WOMEN IN DATA SCIENCE:
This one-day technical conference provides an
opportunity to hear about the latest data sciencerelated
research in a number of domains; learn
how leading-edge companies are leveraging data
science for success; and connect with potential
mentors, collaborators and others in the field. In
addition to streaming the event, the College of
Business & Economics will host a poster session
of recent work using big data by Cal State LA
students and faculty and an ERPsim Distribution
Game for attendees to play.

19 EVENTS
27
COMMENCEMENT:
A University-wide celebration at which degrees
are conferred upon Cal State LA’s graduating
students by the President of the University. It is
also a time for the University, President, Deans,
Program Directors, faculty, and staff to pay
special tribute to students for the outstanding
efforts put forth toward earning degrees.
UNDERGRADUATE
GRADUATES
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
GRADUATES
832 262
Source: Cal State LA Office of Institutional Effectiveness

21
EVENTS
EVENTS 22
CBE is proud to host an array of speaker series, inviting
faculty, staff and students to network with both their campus
community and the greater community around them to receive
valuable insight and career advice.
PROFESSOR FOR A DAY:
Accomplished CBE Alumni in management
positions at top companies present their career
expertise and personal insight to the campus
community. Attendees are able to engage
speakers with questions and understand the
perspectives of the very leaders in professions
they’re interested in.
C-SUITE:
Corporate level speakers from both the CBE
alumni network and outside of CBE facilitate
meaningful presentations about navigating
management in an evolving business
landscape. They share best practices and
personal stories in their industries.
CBE BROWN BAG:
Research is discussed and presented by
students or faculty in a round table setting,
inspiring close conversation, suggestions
for how to further develop research, and a
cross-collaboration between the different
departments in CBE.

23
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
31
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
It is imperative to the College of Business
& Economics that our graduates reach
their full potential each and every year, and we
recognize that this can only be achieved with
an inclusive and diverse campus. Our Golden
Eagle family strives to be reflective of the
families of the very students, faculty and staff
who make our college so unique, enriching
and special with their varied perspectives and
experiences. It is our hope that the diversity LA
is known for is evident at CBE, as we encourage
our students to be global citizens, seeking to
learn beyond the boundaries of a classroom.
CBE prides itself on a history of welcoming
students, faculty and staff without regard to
religion, race or gender. It is within CBE core
values to uplift and celebrate the authenticity
of each individual walking our halls, as we
understand that the greatest feats in academia
and in business are accomplished through
collaboration and open-mindedness. We
encourage a deep respect for one another, and
an understanding that success walks hand -inhand
with diversity.
2.57%
5.12%
1.33%
4.90%
0.12%
4.28
Hispanic
Asian
16.20%
4,203
65.48%
White
Two or More
Unknown
American Indian
Black
International
Female
1,933
46.0%
Male
2,266
53.9%
Non-binary
4
0.1%
Source: Cal State LA Office of Institutional Effectiveness

32 25
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
26
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Accounting:
Students perform innovative research
influencing both policy-making and practice
as well as providing students with all of
the financial knowledge and skills needed
to become strong leaders with informed
decision-making skills in a constantly
changing world.
Economics and Statistics:
Professors equip students with the skills
required in today’s job market. Students can
use the broad training in Economics as the
basis to specialize in many areas such
as education, public policy and financial
market analysis, and business forecasting.
The department offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA)
and Master of Arts (MA) degree, as well as a
minor in Economics. Students graduating
from our BA and MA programs have gone on
to such positions as statistician, teacher, and
business professional.
Finance, Law, & Real Estate:
Classes focus on growing well-rounded
financial management skills, as well as
developing an understanding of the practice of
law on varying societal levels and its impact.
Here, students learn about the nature of
the real estate market and best practices for
purchasing or selling property.
Information Systems:
Professors assist students in understanding
how to change the world through technology.
This includes comprehending the impact
of information and technology on business
operations, overall efficiency and structure.
Management:
The Management track prepares students for
all business scenarios by offering a foundation
rooted in fundamental concepts and practices
across a variety of disciplines. Central focuses
include planning, organization, staffing,
leading and upkeep.
Marketing:
Professors delve into the creative, consumerdriven
art of marketing as well as analytical
practices and proven strategies for success.
Students hone communication skills, and
learn about pricing, product delivery and how
to effectively convey product and service value
to audiences.
MBA:
Our Master of Business Administration
program combines a respected, accredited
program, with flexible scheduling and
the affordability of a state university. The
college is consistently ranked among the
best business schools in the Princeton
Review and US News & World Report and
is a recognized leader in enabling the social
mobility of its students.
MS Accounting:
With options in Taxation, Financial
Accounting and Information Systems,
a Master of Science degree in Accounting
(MSA) from Cal State LA’s College of
Business and Economics will help you
accelerate your career in accounting. Our
program’s customizable options and flexible
scheduling allow you to target your career
path and be prepared for what lies ahead in
an ever changing profession.
MS Healthcare Management:
The Master of Science degree in Healthcare
Management (MS HCM) at Cal State LA has
been a local staple since 1975 and is one of
the longest-running programs of its kind
positioned in an accredited business school.
Our comprehensive curriculum succeeds
by explaining the practical implications of
complex issues in healthcare.
MS Information Systems:
The Master of Science in Information
Systems (MSIS) program at Cal State LA
is designed to provide advanced technical
and managerial skills to those seeking
advancement in their current career
in Information Systems/Information
Technology (IS/IT) and to those on the
verge of transitioning to a career in IS/IT.
MS Business Administration:
The Master of Science in Business
Administration (MSBA) is a specialized
degree program. The program is appropriate
for students who will seek careers as
specialized professional managers, business
analysts or consultants, or who intend to
pursue further graduate study (D.B.A. or
Ph.D.) in business administration.
MA Economics:
Our Master of Arts in Economics program
focuses on current, real-world economic
issues and trains students in the applied
analytics and quantitative skills needed to
support and advise employers.

34 27
NEW FACULTY
NEW FACULTY
28
LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
Welcomes:
Rui Hu
Accounting
Chengyong Liu
Accounting
Angela Xiangge Wang
Accounting
Niraj Koirala
Economics & Statistics
Gokhan Kumpas
Economics & Statistics
New Faculty
Welcome to the CBE. We are so thrilled to have you be a part of our team.
Mohammad Hashemi Joo
Finance, Law & Real Estate
Charleata Battle
Management
Seongwon Choi
Management
Yves-Martin Felker
Management
Alexandru Roman
Management
Sharmin Attaran
Marketing
Neda Mossaei
Marketing
Justin Munoz
Marketing
Irem Yoruk
Marketing

29
PROMOTED FACULTY
FACULTY PROMOTIONS
30
LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
Applauds:
Promoted Faculty
Porschia Nkansa
Accountings
Promotion: Associate Professor
Dr. Daniel Lee
Finance, Law & Real Estates
Promotion: Full Professor
Arun Aryal
Information Systems
Promotion: Associate Professor
Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion! You make the CBE better.
Fang Fang
Management
Promotion: Associate Professor
Shikha Upadhyaya
Marketings
Promotion: Associate Professor
Maryam Tofighi
Marketings
Promotion: Associate Professor

31
EMERITI FACULTY
EMERITI FACULTY
32
LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
Treasures:
Emeriti Faculty
On behalf of the College of Business & Economics, we want to recognize our
Faculty Emeritus. We thank you for carrying on your scholarly endeavors as
contributing members of the academic community of the University,
through your teaching, research, writing, and consultation.
Dr. Taewon Kim
Finance, Law & Real Estates
34 Years of Service
Dr. Kwong Kern
Managements
35 Years of Service

33
RETIREES & FERP
RETIREES & FERP
34
LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
Honors
Our Retirees & FERP
Greg Kunkel
Accountings
30 Years of Service
Madhu Mohanty
Economics & Statisticss
24 Years of Service
Lifan Wu
Finance, Law & Real Estates
33 Years of Service
On behalf of the College of Business & Economics, we want to thank you for
your peerless performance during these past years, as we congratulate you on
this remarkable milestone in your professional careers. The years you have
worked here have been marked by unsurpassed efficiency and excellence.
You have been an inspiration to us all.
Joseph Otto s
Information Systems
29 Years of Service
Carol Blaszczynski
Management
41 Years of Service

35
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD 36
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD
Rosalina Cárdenas, ‘89
President, Cardenas Strategy Group
Rosalina Cárdenas is a leading expert in
the power and complexities of the Latino
community and how to speak to it
effectively. For over 16 years, Rosalina
has been involved at all levels in helping
educational, advocacy and political
campaigns understand how best to win
the hearts, minds and votes of Latinos
across the U.S. Rosalina’s 360° approach
to developing effective strategic marketing
campaigns includes a deep knowledge and
understanding of market and voter
demographics, broadcast and digital
media analysis, cross-platform campaign
design, total-concept value-added,
content development and paid media
solutions, messaging and production.
Oscar Chacon, CISA
Principal, ITRM Advisory LLC
Oscar Chacon is an experienced
Information Technology Audit Partner
with a demonstrated history of working
in the accounting industry. He currently
serves as an IT Risk & Advisory Services
Principal at Vasquez & Company, LLP, a
minority and small business enterprise.
He is highly skilled in Business Process,
Enterprise Risk Management, Internal
Audit, Analytical Skills, and Banking, and
has demonstrated much experience after
his long-standing time in the industry. A
strong finance professional, Oscar earned
a Bachelor of Science (Double) focused in
Computer Information Systems, Business
Administration (Accounting), minor in
Economics from Cal State LA’s CBE.
Vanessa Faggiolly, ‘07
CFO, Amerisal Foods LLC
Vanessa Faggiolly attended the CBE from
January 2005 to June 2007. She graduated
from Cal State LA with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Business Administration with an
option in Finance and is the Co-owner and
CFO of Amerisal Foods LLC. Vanessa’s greatest
achievement was purchasing a company
that was on the brink of bankruptcy and
transforming it into a food empire. The most
important thing Vanessa learned while at
the CBE was being resilient. This resilience
has helped her face challenges in life and her
career. Her advice to current CBE students
is “never give up.” Vanessa states that life is
about making your opportunities happen and
making your dreams come true. WVanessa
serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board and
recently sponsored teams of students in the
CBE’s first C.A.S.E. Competition. Vanessa is a
true Golden Eagle and now helps others soar!
Steven Kang, CPA
Partner, KSGA, LLP
Steven Kang was first certified to practice in
California in 1985. He is the current Managing
Partner of KSGA, LLP, formerly known as
KAGW, LLP. He was President of Kang &
Associates, an Accountancy Corporation and
predecessor of KAGW, LLP. He has decades
of demonstrated experience in international
financial consulting, auditing, and tax services.
While he was previously president and
chairman of Korean American Certified Public
Accountants Society of Southern California
from 2013-2014, Steven currently serves on
the Dean’s Advisory Board for the CBE. Steven
earned his Master of Business Taxation from
the University of Southern California; Master
of Business Administration from Cal State LA;
and BS from Indiana University. Steven is also
trilingual (English, Korean, and French)
and a US Private Pilot.
Gary Guibert
Senior Vice President, Public Fund
& Taft Hartley Northern Trust
Gary Guibert is serving as Senior Vice
President at The Northern Trust Company.
Northern Trust Corporation is a financial
services company headquartered in Chicago
that caters to corporations, institutional
investors, and ultra high net worth individuals.
With expertise in corporate and institutional
services, Gary Michael has built and developed
an exemplary professional career.
Karin Kricorian, PhD
Director, Management Science &
Integration, Walt Disney Company
Karin Kricorian is a data science executive at
the Walt Disney Company, leading corporate
analytics consulting services across several
business units. At Disney she is a management
champion for diversity, equity and inclusion
(DEI) efforts and sponsor of Disney Data
Analytics Women, a program that makes
it possible for outstanding college women
to attend Disney’s popular annual Data &
Analytics Conference. After developing this
program at Disney, she partnered with Yale’s
Office of Career Services to pilot it at Yale;
the program has since expanded to attract
applicants from more than 150 other
universities. She is on the board of directors
at MiOra and vice chair of the Dean’s Advisory
Board at the CBE at Cal State LA. Kricorian
earned a PhD from the Stanford Graduate
School of Business. As a Yale volunteer,
she is a founding member of 1stGenYale,
an agent for the Class of 1994, and a longtime
interviewer for the Alumni Schools
Committee. She has had the opportunity
to speak at several Yale panels and events,
including First Year Scholars and Careers,
Life and Yale.

37
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD 38
Donald Lam
CPA, Lam Robinson & Company
Donald Lam is a co-founder and CPA at
Lam Robinson & Company, a tax firm in
Southern California. Here, “they believe in
the value of relationships. We view every
client relationship like a partnership, and
truly believe that our success is a result of your
success. We are committed to providing close,
personal attention to our clients. We take
pride in giving you the assurance that the
personal assistance you receive comes
from years of advanced training, technical
experience and financial acumen. Our
continual investment of time and resources
in professional continuing education, state-ofthe-art
computer technology and extensive
business relationships is indicative of our
commitment to excellence.”
Rosario Marin, ‘83
Former U.S. Treasurer, Owner of Marin & Marin
Rosario Marin is an entrepreneur, an
international public speaker, author, and
serves as advisor to two corporations in
Australia and Mexico. She served in Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cabinet as Secretary
of the State and Consumer Services Agency.
Later appointed by President George W.
Bush and unanimously confirmed by the U.S.
Senate, Rosario served as the 41st Treasurer
of the United States. As Chairwoman of the
California Integrated Waste Management
Board from 2004 to 2006, Rosario presided
over the successful attainment of California’s
50 percent recycling mandate. In addition,
Rosario served as elected council member and
Mayor of the City of Huntington Park. She
has held numerous leadership positions with
nonprofit boards. Currently she is a member
of the Cal State LA CBE Foundation Board and
formerly served for nine years in the Special
Olympics International Board of Directors.
For her contributions, Rosario has been awarded
countless recognitions including four
Honorary Doctorate degrees.
Rudy Medina
Market President, U.S. Bank
With over 35 years of experience in
banking and financial services, Rudy
Medina serves as the Southern California
market president for U.S. Bank, the fifth
largest commercial bank in the United
States. Rudy currently serves as board
member, Pacific Coast Banking School and
chairman emeritus of the Fresno Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce. Previously Medina
served as chairman, Business Advisory
Committee, Craig School of Business at
California State University Fresno and board
member, California Bankers Association. He
has also shared his time and expertise with
Reading and Beyond and the Fresno Food Bank
organizations. Rudy earned a bachelor’s degree
in finance from University of the Pacific and
is a previous winner of the Kermit O’Hansen
Award of Excellence from the Pacific Coast
Banking School. Rudy and his wife, Susan,
and their two sons reside in the Los Angeles
metropolitan area.
Sal Mendoza
Sr. Vice President, City National Bank
Sal Mendoza serves as Senior Vice
President and Manager of City National
Bank’s Community Reinvestment Department.
He is responsible for managing, monitoring
and reporting on the bank’s CRA qualified
lending, investment and service activities and
spearheads advocacy and related outreach
activities. Sal is chairman of the board of
directors of the Los Angeles Neighborhood
Housing Services, the largest, non-profit
affordable homeownership provider in
Southern California. He also is a member
of the boards of directors of People Assisting
the Homeless and the San Fernando Valley
Financial Development Corporation and a
member of the Executive Council of the City
Scholars Foundation. He also chairs the bank’s
Latino Advisory Board which supports business
development in the Latino community.
Berta M Montoya, ‘02
Director, New Business Development
Latino Market, Thrivent Financial
In May 2016, Berta Montoya was recruited
by Thrivent Financial, a Fortune 300, Nonfor
Profit faith base organization to create,
build, launch, and execute the organization’s
Latinx Community Initiative Nationally.
In this role, Ms. Montoya gets to build a
whole new business unit within a 110+ year
organization and most important she continues
to provide resources, opportunities and be a
gateway to corporate America for the Latinx
community as the first Latinx Director hired
into an executive level position within the
organization. Berta Montoya holds a bachelor’s
degree in business administration with an
emphasis on Management from California
State University, Los Angeles. Her commitment
and involvement in the empowerment of the
Hispanic community is unwavering, having
launched and cofunded her own nonprofit at
age 19, G.A.T.E.S to serve the community in
South LA. Ms. Montoya serves as a director
on multiple boards such as YWCA Pasadena,
Saint Francis Center and Advisory Board
member for Cal State LA’s College of Business
and Economics, and many others across Los
Angeles county for over a decade.
Luis Patiño
CEO of Austin PBS
With over 25 years of media experience
and mission-focused leadership, Patiño
oversees the operations of Austin PBS as an
organization that informs, entertains and
bridges communities in Central Texas and
beyond. He most recently served as President
and General Manager of Univision Media
Group in Los Angeles. Prior to moving to
California, Patiño served as the Vice President
and General Manager of Univision in both
Austin and San Antonio.

39
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD 40
Remi de la Rocha, ‘01, ‘06
Vice President, Managed Care,
Altamed Health Services
Remi de la Rocha may be the President
and CEO at AltaMed Health Network,
managing a team of over 70 individuals
and spearheading the growth of the
company’s Independent Practice
Association (IPA), their first Limited Knox
Keene license, as well as their very own
Management Service Organization (MSO),
but his visions did not come to fruition
overnight. In fact, he first honed his
conscious-leadership chops at the CBE,
which required many of late nights,
planning, collaboration, and hard work.
In 2001, he obtained his B.S. in Business
Administration and in 2006, he earned
his MBA with an emphasis in Health
Management. As the current President
and CEO of AltaMed Health Network, Remi
continues to live by the CBE way by as a
business leader in healthcare management.
He hopes to one day return to teaching at
his alma mater and “give back to the
university that gave me so much.” In the
meantime, he would like to leave current
CBE students with this, “Enjoy this time.
Make friends and learn how to work
in teams. Find a mentor and work to
become the leader you want to be.”
Lawrence “Larry” Rodriguez
Retired Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
Larry Rodriguez served as the managing
partner of the Ernst & Young’s Honolulu
Office before retiring in 2007. His 40- year
career was spent serving companies in the
financial services, healthcare, airlines,
retail, hospitality, real estate and insurance
industries. Rodriguez received the Pacific
Business News “Leadership Legacy Award”
for his services and contributions to local
charities and community groups.
David Tetreault, ‘89, ‘94
President, Triller
With a proven track record in the TV and
entertainment industry, David Tetreault
strategically drives in all TV and streaming
licensing deals, media, entertainment,
marketing, communications, corporate
development, sponsorships and
co-managing all financial aspects of the
company. David Tetreault joined Golden
Boy in 2015 as the Executive Vice President
of Media and Entertainment, following
major executive stints in the entertainment
industry with FOX, Warner Bros.,and Sony.
Luis Rojas, ‘88
President & CEO, Del Terra
Over twenty one years ago, Luis Rojas
and his sister, Virginia Campos founded
and developed Del Terra Real Estate
Services, Inc. Luis has been the company’s
President and CEO where he remains hands-on
and continues to lead, manage, and oversee the
program/project/construction management,
general contracting, and consulting firm with
over $3.2 billion in projects managed and
implemented of public and institutional
funded Capital Improvement Bond Programs.
Rojas is also the founder of Evergreen
Energy Solutions, LLC, a renewable
energy development firm. Evergreen is
registered with the California Energy
Commission. Additionally, the Rojas
family, founded the Del Terra Education
Foundation, a non-profit to support
students seeking higher education and
the educators that support them. The
mission of the foundation is to increase
the number of students obtaining college
degrees with the school districts and
community colleges that Del Terra Group
serves throughout California.
Mike Sarian, ‘83
President of Operations, Prime Healthcare
Mike Sarian was recently honored by the
Armenian American Medical Society at
its 32nd Anniversary Gala for his positive
influence as an executive and his extensive
community service. He has over 25 years
of executive management experience in
healthcare and is currently president of
Hospital Operations for Prime Healthcare.
Mr. Sarian was born in Lebanon and
immigrated with his family to the U.S. when
he was a teenager. He earned a Masters in
Business Administration from the University
of La Verne and a Bachelors of Science in
Business Administration, Accounting and
Finance, from Cal State LA. Mr. Sarian is also
active in various community, charity, and civic
organizations and donates countless volunteer
hours as an executive board member of the
California Hospital Association and aboard
member of the Venice Family Clinic.
He actively supports Armenia’s hospital,
Armenian churches, Armenian schools,
ANC, and the ARS. Through his company,
he recently helped donate medical equipment
in excess of $2 million to hospitals in Armenia.
In 2015, Mr. Sarian received the prestigious
Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his exemplary
contributions to his community.
Carl Sasaki
Partner, Crowe LLP
Carl Sasaki is a partner at Crowe LLP
and a member of the Deans Advisory Board.
Carl is a past student president of Beta Alpha
Psi and graduated in 1983 with a B.S. Business
Administration, Option in Accounting.
Reflecting on time spent at Cal State LA, Carl
recalls an influential professor, Dr. Ronald
Stone, who taught Carl’s first accounting
course. The two have remained in contact
over the years. Carl’s best memory of the CBE
was getting involved with Beta Alpha Psi and
enjoying the camaraderie and transformative
experience. Carl believes that the diversity
that the Cal State LA student body represents
supports an important learning process
where students can share many different
perspectives. “I think that’s important as you
make your way out into the world because as
we all know, the world is a diverse place.”
Susan Sifuentes-Triqueros
Regional Public Affairs Manager,
Southern California Gas Company
With a long history of advocating for the
Latinx community, Susan joined Southern
California Gas Company (SoCalGas) in 1982
and eventually became one of the first
Latinas in the External Government Affairs
department. Some of Susan’s professional
and personal highlights supporting the
Latino community include the National
Association of Latino Elected Officials
(NALEO); MALDEF, the nation’s leading
Latino legal civil rights organization; TELACU,
a pioneering institution committed to
service, empowerment, advancement and
the creation of economic self-sufficiency
within minority communities; the Mexican
American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF)
which provides socio-economic betterment
opportunities; the Southwest Voters
Registration Project; her alumni USC
Latino Alumni Association and HOPE
(Hispanas Organized for Political Equality).
Susan served as Chair of the USC Latino
Alumni Association and was instrumental in
raising approximately $2 million of the goal to
establish a permanent $5 million endowment.
Susan is proud of receiving the Corporate
Award for her support of the mentoring
program “Girls Today, Women Tomorrow.”

41 DISTINIGUISHED ALUMNI
DISTINGUISHSHED ALUMNI 42
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
James Bell, ‘97, retired President, Executive Vice President and CFO, The Boeing Company. He
earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from College of Business and Economics, Cal State L.A.
Read More about James.
Richard Cordova, ‘72, President and CEO, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Richard received a
Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the College of Business and Economics,
Cal State L.A. in 1972.
Rosalina Cardenas, ‘89, President, Cardenas Strategy Group. Read More about Rosalina.
Remi de la Rocha ‘01, ‘06, Vice President, Managed Care, AltaMed Health Services.
Read More about Remi.
Alan Fohrer, ‘81, retired Chairman and CEO, Southern California Edison. Alan earned a Master’s
degree in Business at Cal State L.A. in 1981. Read More about Alan.
Marshall Geller, ‘61, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, St. Cloud Capital, LLC. Marshall
graduated from the College of Business and Economics, Cal State L.A, with a BS in Business
Administration, where he currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College.
Read More about Marshall.
Karen Kanemoto, Vice President of Finance, Paramount Pictures.
Michael A. Lucki, ‘78, CFO and Sr. VP, CH2M HILL; Member, CSU Foundation Board of
Governors. Lucki received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in
Accounting from the College of Business and Economics. He is also the 2014 Cal State L.A. Alumnus
of the Year. Read More about Michael.
Rosario Marin, ‘83, Former U.S.Treasurer, Owner of Marin & Marin. Rosario received a Bachelor of
Science degree in Business Administration-Marketing from the College of Business and Economics.
Read More about Rosario.
Thomas McKernan, ‘81, ‘85, retired CEO, Auto Club of Southern California (AAA), Thomas
graduated from the College of Business and Economics, Cal State L.A., with a Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration and an MBA in Finance.
Thomas Nassif, ‘65, Esq., former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco; President and CEO,
Western Growers Association. Read More about Thomas.
Raul Porto, ’84, CEO, Porto’s Bakery. Raul earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
and Accounting. Read More about Raul.
Lawrence Rodriguez, retired Managing Partner, Ernst & Young Hawaii. Lawrence received a
Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the College of Business and Economics.
Noelia Rodriguez, ‘86, former White House Press Secretary and Director of Communications;
former Deputy Mayor, City of Los Angeles. Noelia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business
Administration from the College of Business and Economics.
Wesley Ru, ‘78, Entrepreneur; President, Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. Wesley is the
Distinguished Alumnus for the College of Business and Economics in 2014.
Louis Rubino, ‘79, Professor and Director of the Health Administration program at California State
University, Northridge (CSUN).
America Tang, ‘79, President and CEO, Ace Fence Co. America earned her Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration with an option in International Business. Read More about America.
Gilbert Vasquez, ‘64, Managing Partner, Certified Public Accounting Firm of Vasquez & Company,
LLP; former President, the California Board of Accountancy. Read more about Gilbert Vasquez.
Linda Wah, ‘85, ‘89 MBA, Member, PCC Board of Trustees; Member, Board of Trustees, Pasadena
Area Community College District.

43
PARTNERSHIPS PARTNERSHIPS
44
PARTNERSHIPS

NOTES
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