2023 Dean's Report

2023 Dean’s Report

We Are
LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
2023 Dean’s Report

OUR MISSION
We prepare a diverse student body with a relevant,
high-value education to succeed in their careers and
positively impact their communities in greater Los
Angeles.
OUR VISION
To become the top-ranked business college in the California
State University system, recognized nationally for propelling
the social mobility of our students.
OUR VALUES
• Impact
• Growth Mindset
• Engagement
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Community & Giving Back
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
• Academic Excellence & Scholarship
• Student Experience & Success
• Career Preparation & Readiness
• Welcoming & Inclusive College
• Engagement, Service, & the Public Good

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

IN THIS REPORT
1
3
5
7
9
11
15
17
19
23
25
26
27
29
31
33
35
41
43
About CBE
By the Numbers
Award-Winning Programs
Pathways to Success
Student Spotlight
Faculty Spotlights
Career and Professional Development
Year in Review
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 | 2023 Dean’s Report
ABOUT THE CBE...
The College of Business & Economics is accredited by the
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
(AACSB), putting it in the top 5% of business schools
worldwide. We are consistently highly ranked in numerous
college lists including the US News & World
Report Best Business Programs, The Diverse Top 100, and
Washington Monthly College Rankings. Our faculty have
won distinguished teaching and research awards from
professional organizations and our staff has been honored
numerous times within the University.
CBE graduates are career-ready, armed with the knowledge
and skills to succeed in today’s sought after business fields.
Through our programs we offer specializations in forensic
accounting, entrepreneurship, social media, information
systems, health care management, logistics, and applied
economics as well as many other business fields. Students
can customize these programs to fit their career goals.

We Are LA’s Business School | 2
WE ARE LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
The College is continuously incorporating hands on learning
and project-centered activities into all of its Business
programs. Students are able to obtain real world experience
by applying their knowledge to classroom and internship
opportunities. Our students are working internships
with Creative Artists Agency, JPL, Boeing, Southern
California Edison, and many other corporations as well as
major accounting firms.
Our students participate in over 15 award-winning student
organizations and compete in industry-sponsored events and
competitions throughout the year. Our honor societies
offer opportunities for students in Business (Beta Gamma
Sigma) Accounting (Beta Alpha Psi), and Economics
(Omicron Delta Epsilon). Between our programs and our
student organizations, there are a multitude of opportunities
for students to gather real-world
experience for any career path.

3 | 2023 Dean’s Report
BY THE NUMBERS:
Enrollment has increased by 16%
Number of
Records
4178
4203
4122
3845
3660
Fall 2019
Fall 2020
Fall 2021
Fall 2022
Fall 2023
Source: Cal State LA Office of Institutional Effectiveness

We Are LA’s Business School | 4
U.S. News & World Reports
rated the College of Business and Economics as
a top 10 business program in California among
public institutions in 2023.

5 | 2023 Dean’s Report
AWARD-WINNING PROGRAMS
3 Years in a Row
#
1 *
#
1 *
#
1 **
#
1 **
MBA Program
in Southern California
Accounting Program in California
Best Affordable Degree in:
Operations Management Degree
Best Affordable Degree in:
Entrepreneurship Program
#
1 **
#
2 **
Best Affordable Degree in:
Business Management Degree
Best Affordable Degree in:
Supply Chain Management
* Source: Best Value Schools
**Source: University HQ

We Are LA’s Business School | 6
AWARD-WINNING PROGRAMS
2 Years in a Row
#
2 **
#
3 **
Best Affordable Program in:
Economics Program
Best Affordable Degree in:
Information Systems/IT

7 | 2023 Dean’s Report
PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
PROGRAMS & EXPERIENCES
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

We Are LA’s Business School | 8
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.
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.”
PROFESSIONAL FUNDAMENTALS
PROGRAM (P.F.P.)
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.

9 | 2023 Dean’s Report
A VICTORIOUS
2023 HEALTHCARE
MANAGEMENT TEAM
The College of Business and
Economics, Healthcare Management
team are the 2023 American
College of Healthcare Executives
College Bowl Recipients. With limited time on
their hands, the graduates headed to work.
Competing against 10 universities (USC, UCLA
Loma Linda) to name a few, the pressure was
on. It was now time to deliver their final presentation.
A 15-minute time limit, an audience
of 100 and a stomach full of jitters.
CBE Healthcare Management, was this year’s
2023 ACHE of Southern California College
Bowl winners, crediting hard work, tenacity,
and teamwork for their joyous victory.
With three weeks to present their case,
Healthcare Management students Anshul
Gudar, Ashkata Kadam, Aishwarya Sonawane
began their quest, with Giselle Chavez joining

We Are LA’s Business School | 10
“Facing off against Cal State Northridge and Cal State Long Beach to claim the grand prize,
The pressure to win lingered amongst the graduates. Taking a collective deep breath in, inhale,
now exhale, the ACHE bowl 2nd round has begun.”
later to cement the group. Giselle Chavez, a
Spring 2023 MBA graduate, became an instant
asset, with first year student Aksha, stating,
“Giselle was a huge savior.” Giselle’s arrival
added such value to the team.
Over the next three weeks, the team went to
work seeking information that would further
advance and prepare the Health Management
team for victory. With time beginning to narrow
down, nerves and anxiety surrounding presenting
began to kick in, with first year graduate
student Anshul highlighting the public speaking
component as his number one challenge. “It’s
intimidating,” Anshul professed.
The Day of the ACHE College Bowl, timorous
ran through the CBE team as they begun the
first of two rounds.
The first round consists of a 10-minute presentation
in front of a small group of hospital administrators
and executives, serving as judges,
who subsequently hire out MS-HCM students
into promising Healthcare Management careers
annually since 2011.
Now finished, the graduate students, Akshata,
Anshul and Giselle sat quietly but felt
unsettled.
The feeling of putting your all into a 10-minute
presentation and now the fate left in someone
else’s hands was nerve wrenching. Team captain
Aishwarya ensuring her team, ensuring
their performance and confidence to encourage
herself and the team, they did their best
and that it would speak in their performance.
And it did.
The Health Management Team was among the
four teams selected for the 2nd and final round
of the ACHE of Southern California Bowl.
Facing off against Cal State Northridge and Cal
State Long Beach to claim the grand prize, The
pressure to win lingered amongst the graduates.
Taking a collective deep breath in, inhale,
now exhale, the ACHE bowl 2nd round has
begun.
Leaving it at the podium, CBE Health
Management team anxiously waited to hear
the results. The last presentation, out of the
four, left an impression, but the jitters still
hovered on the surface. With each minute
passing by, a sense of calmness and serenity
appeared among the group, which was not
throughout the first round; Akshata stating, “I
felt more relaxed and grounded.”
Anshul Gudur,Giselle Chavez, Akshata Kadam, Aishwarya Sonawane Team captain, Aishwarya Sonawane (right), a MBA graduate of the 2023

11 | 2023 Dean’s Report
PROFESSORS: THE SILENT FORCE
BEHIND THE 2023 HEALTHCARE
MANGEMENT TEAM
Students’ excellence is nothing without
the support of a solid foundation or in
the case of the College of Business &
Economics, Healthcare Management
team, Professors. Who questioned our management
team to victory. The American
College of Healthcare Executives is an annual
academic contest for graduate and undergraduate
students currently enrolled in healthcare
programs. It originated as a jeopardy format
but has since evolved into a case study competition.
Students used their creativity and
knowledge of Healthcare Administration to
solve the case study.
The Healthcare Management team was
guided by the respective professors Andre
Avramchunk, Charleatte Battle, Seongwon
Choi, Mengying He, Barrington Hunt, and
Roger Mendoza.
The opportunity of being involved in the
American College of Healthcare Executive

We Are LA’s Business School | 12
“Questioning became the form of question. The more she questioned,
the more students formulated a deeper anecdote to their own responses
granting them an opportunity to either be persuaded or stand firmly
in their dissertation.”
is not taken lightly by professors, with professor
Charleatte Battle, the MS HealthCare
Management Student Services Coordinator,
encouraging her students to participate in
hopes that groups form for the competition.
Whereas professor Barrington Hunt insists,
“Students will learn a lot, form close ties with
team members and meet top-healthcare industry
leaders who will accelerate your entry into
the profession.”
With encouragement comes hindrance between
coaches and mentees, fighting the resistance
of allowing solutions to organically come
to fruition without giving direct feedback.
The Healthcare Management mentees are not
allowed to assist the students during their presentation
but conducted critical analyses and
questioned the content in questioning.
Thus, allowing the students to think critically
of their responses and fully interpret the
messaging behind responses, with Professor
Choi stating, “Questioning became the form
of indirect questioning.” The more she questioned,
the more students formulated a deeper
anecdote to their own responses granting them
an opportunity to either be persuaded or stand
firmly in their dissertation.
Professor Roger Mendoza’s response to coaching
is “having to find or devise helpful ways
that convey alternative perspectives, approaches
and strategies from a problem–solving
standpoint.” Probing in the team’s strategy
by asking “what if” questions allow the team to
adopt case scenarios, implementational constraints
or population demographics granting
them an opportunity to further dive into analysis
of their case to see the perspective of reach
and impact the case will affect.
The hours are long. Time is continual, becoming
one of the main challenges when facilitating
a team Professor Hunt professes “finding
students who are willing to commit to the
hours necessary to compete and win the competition.”
It’s a daunting challenge, but the
reward is endless of possibilities,” Healthcare
Management 2023 winner and graduate
Giselle Chavez states “many sleepless nights,
but the opportunities that have come my way
are worth enduring.”
The success of the Healthcare Management
team relies on the team, but the coaches
are unsung heroes who don’t always get the
acknowledgment. But, for the College of
Business and Economics professor the reward
is witnessing and being a part of student’s
ability to grow and translate the knowledge
into thought provoking analysis showcasing
information was gathered.
As Professor Barrington Hunt states, “It’s the
gift that keep giving.”

13 | 2023 Dean’s Report
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ON OUR DOORSTEP
With the rise of discussion in AI in today’s common sector, Yves-
Martin Felker, assistant professor of Strategic Management
recently presented surprising insights on how machine learning
can detect human personality and provide explanations for
how we behave.
Inspired by poor leadership he observed in several workplaces, Felker sought
to understand the correlation between CEO psychology and decision-making.
First, he used videos of CEOs delivering presentations to make his own
assessments. “I used videos to determine if I would like to work for the
manager or not” Felker said to students, faculty and staff gathered for his
research. “After a while I asked myself: If I can analyze a person, then a machine
can do this more sophisticated?”.
Felker’s presentation was part of CBE’s Brown Bag series, which aims to provide
an informal space for students and professors to share their research
within the college community.
Machine learning can make determinations about a person’s personality
with an up to 90% accuracy rate, according to Felker (Gucluturk et al..2017).
Factors like vocal pitch, language and micro-movements produce comprehensive
personality profiles. Probability-based-learning methods produced
results far more detailed and accurate than any humans could have provided,
Felker said.
Felker believed this understanding could better equip workers around the
world in their search for positive leadership in the workplace.

We Are LA’s Business School | 14
“After a while I asked myself: If I can analyze a person, then a machine can do
this more sophisticated?”
To conduct the study, Felker decided to take
a closer look at CEOs in 1,500 of the United
States’ largest and most successful companies,
listed in Standards and Poor’s Composite 1500
index, the S&P 1500.
To gather data, professor Felker and his colleagues
sourced publicly available videos of
CEOs giving presentations. His goal was to utilize
videos where CEOs spoke candidly so that
their voices, gestures and facial expressions
accurately conveyed their personality traits.
The finding revealed that CEOs were less
likely to pursue the most lucrative deal for
themselves if they had many similarities to
the CEOs with which they were negotiating.
Much like in everyday social settings, Felker’s
research found that favoritism plays a role in
negotiations with personality likeness directly
correlating to suboptimal deals and less aggressive
negotiation.
Since this research’s development in 2022,
Felker furthered an analysis in the context
of strategic decisions, organizational culture
and firm performance. Utilizing sophisticated
methods such as natural language processing
and machine learning. A recent study has explored
topics such as the relationship between
CEO personality and organizational culture,
the impact of CEO personality on stock price
and the effect on organizational structure.
Beginning his discoveries in O’Reilly et al.
(2023) in CEO personality and organization
culture, revealed significant correlations
too the Big Five personality traits of CEOs
(openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness,
extraversion, and neuroticism) and
nine dimensions of organizational culture,
including agility, innovation, and execution.
Whereas in Wang et al. (2019) the impact of
CEO Personality on stock price, demonstrating
through analysis of earning call transcripts
and stock returns that the market reacts positively
to CEOs high in openness to experience
and negatively to those high in neuroticism.
Thus, Schumacher (2021) the effect of CEO
personality on organizational structure,
particularly focusing on CEO dominance—a
personality trait associated with the desire for
influence and control. The study investigated
how CEO dominance influenced two key organizational
design decisions: the CEO’s span of
control and the delegation of responsibilities
to a chief operating officer (COO).
Felker research provides insight suggesting
that one of the most important variables for
CEOs to maintain their position is exhibiting
low values in Neuroticism. This personality
trait, characterized by a tendency to experience
negative emotions, can significantly
impact a CEO’s effectiveness in navigating
challenging situations.
With the rise of AI becoming the norm, Felker
research has proven that we can’t run from AI
but instead join forces. AI is not designed to
replace human intelligence but rather augment
it.

15 | 2023 Dean’s Report
CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MEET THE FIRMS
In collaboration with the Accounting Society
and Beta Alpha Psi, Meet the Firms is an annual
event hosted in the fall semester. The
event allows Cal State LA students majoring
in Accounting and Finance to learn about the
profession, network with firms, professionals,
and recruiters, and seek potential internships
and part-time and full-time positions in various
business functions across business industries.
This fall semester, the event attracted
23 employers, and over 120 students got an
opportunity to make meaningful connections
with industry partners.
ACCOUNTING ALUMNI REUNION
Hosted by Carl Sasaki ’83 and Larry
Rodriguez ’67, the Accounting
Alumni Reunion took place on campus
Wednesday, September 27, at 3:00 pm.
We had over 40 guests in attendance,
including recent graduates from the last
decade and current accounting students.
The reception was an excellent opportunity
to reconnect with fellow alumni and
network with industry peers.
The Accounting Alumni Reunion took place
in conjunction with the Meet the Firms
event, proudly hosted by CBE, Beta Alpha
Psi, and the Accounting Society. We are
glad the resource is back after a brief hiatus
due to pandemic challenges.

We Are LA’s Business School | 16

17 | 2023 Dean’s Report
Year in Review

We Are LA’s Business School | 18
1.The 2023 Healthcare College Bowl Recipients
The College of Business and Economics Healthcare Management are
the 2023 winners of the Healthcare Management Bowl.
2.Knox Bradford Wasley Scholarship Endowment in
Information Systems
The Knox Bradford Wasley Memorial Scholarship Endowment in
Information Systems was created through the generous contributions
of Knox’s wife Terri O’Brien, his brother James Wasley, and
sister-in-law Pam Schermer. Together, these donors contributed
$25,000 to establish the endowment which will honor Professor
Wasley in perpetuity.
3.Kemper Scholar Recipient - January Regino
A Kemper Scholar Recipient, January Regino received an internship
with Walt Disney through her time spent at the Kemper Insurance,
where she also managed to receive 2 mentors a marketing executive
at Walt Disney and marketing director at EA Sports.
4.Dias de Los Muertos
On Thursday, November 2, 2023, the College of Business &
Economics hosted Opens House in connection with the celebration
of Dia De Los Muertos “Day of the dead "The purpose of the
event was to welcome newly admitted students and foster a sense of
belongings.
5. Ask Me Anything Series
A 6-week Career Placement series took place during the Summer
with students granted the opportunity to speak with Zeidy Cabrera,
Career Placement Coordinator for resume building, internships with
corporate guest each week.
6.CBE Suits Me Program
Designed to offer disadvantaged students' free access to professional
attire. The initiative aims to enhance students’ performance
in professional settings like interviews, networking events, and
performances.
7. Career Preparation Program
Removing Barriers to Employment for First Generation Graduates”
will offer a series of workshops led by faculty, alumni, and industry
professionals for students at Cal State LA and East Los Angeles
College. The program will cover career goal planning, résumé
building, networking, effective communication, and professional
development.
8.Social Community Engagement
An LA based, non-profit organizations whose mission is to break
down barriers to health and fitness that restrict the blind and visually
impaired so that they may pursue physical, mental, and emotional
wellness
9.EA Sports Information Session
In collaboration with Cal State LA Career Center students had the
opportunity to learn about career and internship opportunities,
with priority for juniors and seniors in data analytics, engineering,
and business analytics to apply.
10.Congratulations to the Class of 2023
We would like to celebrate the 2023 graduates of College of
Business and Economics and also honor the university 75 th commencement
last May.

19 | 2023 Dean’s Report
PREVIEW DAY:
The goal of the Preview Days is to acquaint provisionally
admitted students with the campus,
introduce them to their academic College and
department. Provide them with information
about our programs, services, and student organizations,
and most importantly, encourage
them to make Cal State LA their college choice
for Fall 2023.

We Are LA’s Business School | 20
UNDERGRADUATE
GRADUATES
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
GRADUATES
998 151
Source: Cal State LA Office of Institutional Effectiveness

21 | 2023 Dean’s Report
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.
Todd Gober, Assistant Vice President of
Kemper was the Fall 2023 Professor for a Day.
Where he discussed the lessons from his career
and life’s journey.
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.

We Are LA’s Business School | 22

23 | 2023 Dean’s Report
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.
Female
1,791
43.40%
Total
4,122
Male
2,327
56.50%
Non-Binary
4
0.10%
Source: Cal State LA Office of Institutional Effectiveness

We Are LA’s Business School | 24

25 | 2023 Dean’s Report
UNDERGRADUATE 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.
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.
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, consumer-driven
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.

We Are LA’s Business School | 26
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
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.

27 27 | 2023 Dean’s Report
LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
Welcomes:
New Faculty
Welcome to the CBE. We are so thrilled to have you be a part of our team.

Sharmin Attaran
Marketings
Dr. Sharmin
Attaran is an
Assistant
Professor of
Marketing. She
has presented
at the Digital
Marketing
Org Advanced
Conference,
contributed to
an encyclopedia
article on revolutionizing
agriculture
through digital twins, and collaborated
on research papers exploring perceptions of
online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic,
inclusivity in luxury retail, and the environmental
responsibility of recycled products.
Muhammad Mollah
Marketing
Dr. Muhammad
M. Mullah is an
Assistant Professor
of Marketing,
College of Business
and Economics,
California State
University, Los
Angeles. Prior to
joining CAL State
University LA, he
earned his PhD
and MBA degree
(in Marketing) from Saint Louis University and
Western Michigan University respectively.
He also spent nearly nine and half years as an
Assistant Professor of Marketing, Southeast
University in Bangladesh. His research interests
are in marketing strategy, new product
introduction (NPI) and marketing alliances,
corporate social responsibility (CSR), CEOs’ personality
traits, and marketing-finance interface.
Serdar Yayla
Marketings
Dr. Serdar Yayla
is an Assistant
Professor in the
Marketing department.
Dr. Yayla
earned his Ph.D.
from Rutgers
University and an
MBA in Marketing
from Purdue
University. His
work has been published
in journals
such as the Journal of Business Research,
International Business Review, and Journal
of Product and Brand Management. Prior to
joining academia, he worked in the banking
industry.
Anwesha Choudhury
Management
Dr. Anwesha
Choudhury is
an Assistant
Professor in the
department of
Management.
Her research
and teaching
focus are in
the areas of
leadership and
organizational
behavior. Her
research has
been published in The Leadership Quarterly
and has been supported by the Society of
Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
Nika Qiao
Accounting
Dr. Nika Qiao is an
Assistant Professor
of Accounting.
He received a
B.S. in Business
Administration
from University of
California, Berkeley, a
M.S. in Finance from
University of Southern
California, and a Ph.D.
in Accounting from
University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Qiao
also holds Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
and Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
licenses.

29 | 2023 Dean’s Report
LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
Applauds:
Promoted Faculty
Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion! You make the CBE better.

We Are LA’s Business School | 30
Jeffrey Anderson
Marketing
Associate Professor
Andre Avramchuk
Management
Full Professor
Yiting Cao
Accounting
Associate Professor
Luna Fu
Information Systems
Associate Professor
Lusi Li
Information Systems
Associate Professor
Scott Li
Finance, Law & Real Estate
Associate Professor
Roger Mendoza
Management
Associate Professor
Carlin Nguyen
Marketing
Associate Professor
Juanita Trusty
Management
Associate Professor

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.

We Are LA’s Business School | 32
Carol Blaszczynski
Management
41 Years of Service
Madhu Mohanty
Economics & Statisticss
32 Years of Service
Lifan Wu
Finance, Law & Real Estates
34 Years of Service

33 | 2023 Dean’s Report
LA’S BUSINESS SCHOOL
Honors
Our Retirees & FERP
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.

We Are LA’s Business School | 34
Carol Blaszczynski
Management
41 Years of Service
Ellen Drost
Management
18 Years of Service
David Hossain
Accounting
21 Years of Service
Rika Houston
Marketing
26 Years of Service
Gregory Kunkel
Accountings
30 Years of Service
Richard Lau
Accountings
34 Years of Service

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. Vanessa 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
Managing 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 has built and developed an exemplary
professional career.
Karin Kricorian, PhD
VP, Decision Science Products,
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 long-time 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.

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
Business Consultant, Consulting LLC
In June 2016, Berta Montoya was recruited
as Director of New Buiness Development by
Thrivent Financial, a Fortune 300, Non-for
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.

Remi de la Rocha, ‘01, ‘06
President & CEO,
AltaMed Health Network
Remi de la Rocha is 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 a board
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 | 2023 Dean’s Report
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
James Bell, ‘97, former 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.
Richard Cordova, ‘72, former 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.
Remi de la Rocha ‘01, ‘06, President & CEO, AltaMed Health Network Inc
Alan Fohrer, ‘81, former Chairman and CEO, Southern California Edison. Alan earned a Master’s
degree in Business at Cal State L.A. in 1981
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.
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.
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.

We Are LA’s Business School | 42
Thomas McKernan, ‘81, ‘85, former 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.
Raul Porto, ’84, CEO, Porto’s Bakery. Raul earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
and Accounting.
Lawrence Rodriguez, former 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.
Gilbert Vasquez, ‘64, Managing Partner, Certified Public Accounting Firm of Vasquez & Company,
LLP; former President, the California Board of Accountancy.
Linda Wah, ‘85, ‘89 MBA, Member, PCC Board of Trustees; Member, Board of Trustees, Pasadena
Area Community College District.

43 | 2023 Dean’s Report
PARTNERSHIPS

We Are LA’s Business School | 44

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