Business

USF Sarasota-Manatee to host Master’s Degree information session on July 11th

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The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) will be hosting a Master’s Degree information session for anyone interested in learning more about the available programs this fall.  It will take place at USFSM, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota on Wednesday, July 11th from 6-7pm.  The event is free and open to prospective students and their guests.

The session will include information about the following Master’s degree programs: Business Administration, Criminal Justice Administration, Hospitality Management, Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, Reading Education, Teaching in Elementary Education, Teaching in Exceptional Student Education, and English Education.  A brief overview of admissions processes, financial aid, and other services will also be available. Attendees will be given a campus tour and will have the opportunity to meet with Academic Advisors who will discuss prerequisites, transcripts and other pertinent details.

Registration can be found by visiting www.usfsm.edu/admissions and clicking on the event link.  Questions about USFSM can be directed to 941-359-4330 or kjander2@sar.usf.edu.

Three faculty members awarded for excellence at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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Three faculty members at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) have recently been awarded for excellence. Nominations were solicited from a variety of people for each award, including students, deans and faculty members.

Eleven nominations were submitted for the Excellence in Teaching Award and Dr. Anurag Agarwal, Associate Professor of Information Systems/Decision Sciences in the College of Business, was selected from those nominees by the Faculty Senate’s Awards & Rewards Committee for his diligence, creativity, and his ability to successfully teach some of the more difficult courses offered at USFSM.  Dr. Agarwal was also recognized for his assistance to other faculty members looking to strengthen their own teaching.

The Excellence in Research Award nominees were selected by USFSM faculty members and deans.  Five faculty members were nominated and Dr. Jim Unnever, Professor of Criminology in the College of Arts & Sciences, was selected based on his extensive body of research, the fact that his research has been cited by other researchers over 1300 times, his publications in the top journals in his field, and his ongoing research work.

The Excellence in Service Award encompassed service to the university, service to the academic discipline, and service to the community. Nominations were solicited from all of the members of the USFSM community for this award. There were eight nominees for this one and Dr. Elizabeth Larkin, Professor of Childhood Education in the College of Education, was selected by the committee for her extensive contributions to USF as a faculty governance leader, her consistent service as a journal editor and reviewer over the years, and for her work with children in the local community through Schools and the Big Brothers-Big Sisters organization.

The awarded faculty members were announced at a Faculty & Staff Recognition event held on campus.

Louise (Lou) Harrison makes pre-Grammy visit to USF Sarasota-Manatee

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Louise (Lou) Harrison paid a visit to the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) this week to speak with business students in a promotions class.  She introduced herself as “Lou” and began telling stories about her “kid brother” and “this band he was in” but did not mention either by name.  As she progressed through her story, she asked if anyone in the class could guess what band she was referring to – she dropped hints like “Liverpool” and “their big break on the Ed Sullivan show” and it wasn’t long before students began to catch on.

“I’m talking about the Beatles,” she stated, and even those that knew let out a small gasp.  “I promoted them tirelessly, even though I was met with discouragement from the men of that time.  It was expected that I would be at home cooking dinner for my husband, not out promoting my kid brother and his band.”  Lou went on to discuss her role in the beginnings of the introduction of The Beatles in the United States.  “Don’t ever promote something unless you truly believe in it,” she said.  “That is the secret to great promotion.”

The students at USFSM will be working with Lou upon her return from the Grammy Awards show next week, where she is competing with Shakespeare, Val Kilmer, Tina Fey and Betty White for Best Spoken Word Album for 2011.  The rest of Lou’s presentation entailed the details of her non-profit organization – Lou Harrison’s Help Keep Music Alive – an organization devoted to keeping music education in schools across the country.  The business students will work throughout the semester with Lou on business plans, promotion and publicity of her organization.

Louise Harrison poses with business students at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee where she shared her experiences with promotion by telling stories of promoting The Beatles along with her new non-profit organization, Lou Harrison’s Help Keep Music Alive.

Eight USF Sarasota-Manatee students receive FICPA scholarships

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Eight students at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) have been awarded scholarships by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA).  Those students are: Miranda Barber; Kimberly Kern; Colleen Laurie; Joseph McCourt; James Newman; Marcia Saulo; Jacqueline Taxdal; and Dat Vu.  Pictured above (L to R): Candy Kessel, FICPA Chapter Immediate Past President; David A. Cumberland, FICPA Chapter, President Elect; Francina M. Hollaway, FICPA Chapter, President; Dat Vu, Student, Scholarship recipient; James Newman, Student, Scholarship recipient; Leonard A. Belli, FICPA Chapter, Secretary; Robin K. Knuth, FICPA Chapter, Treasurer; and John M. Sarris, CPE Chapter Liaison.

MBA Students at USF Sarasota-Manatee score in 91st percentile nationally on Major Field Test

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The Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) students at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) have scored in the 91st percentile on the Major Field Test, a test administered by the same company that develops and administers the GRE and also administers the SAT.

The ETS Major Field Test is an innovative MBA outcomes assessment designed to measure critical knowledge and understanding obtained by students in the MBA field of study and is the only comprehensive national assessment for MBA program evaluation of its kind. USFSM students scored an average of 260 with the national average among other test takers at 248.9.

“The students worked very hard both professionally and academically and the results of their efforts are reflected in the results of the nation-wide assessment examination,” said Dr. Robert Anderson, Dean of the College of Business at USFSM.  “I am very proud of the students and faculty in this accomplishment.”

The test measures performance in 5 key areas: Marketing, Strategic Integration, Finance, Management and Accounting – most notably, the students scored in the 98th percentile in Marketing.  USF Sarasota-Manatee results are compared with national data from over 14,400 students at 225 different institutions who took the MBA Major Field Test over the last two years.

For more information about the MBA program or other programs in the College of Business or at USFSM, please visit www.sarasota.usf.edu.

USF Sarasota-Manatee fall Commencement to be held at Van Wezel this Sunday

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On Sunday, December 11th  the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) will hold its 56th Commencement Convocation for the Fall 2011 graduating class at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center in downtown Sarasota.  Beginning at 2:00pm, the ceremony will recognize 38 Master’s degree candidates and 230 undergraduate students.  Dr. Arthur M. Guilford, Regional Chancellor, will represent USFSM and USF Board of Trustees Vice Chair Harold W. Mullis will preside.

During the ceremony, several awards will be presented, including: Outstanding Professor, presented by the graduating class to Dr. Patricia Hunsader in the College of Education; Outstanding Graduate, presented by the USF Manatee-Sarasota Chapter of the USF Alumni Association to Krystalle Nichols, who will receive her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education; Golden Bull Service and Outstanding Leadership Award, presented by the graduating class to Andrea Javed, who will receive her Bachelors of Science in Accounting through the College of Business; and the Webeke Award, presented by the graduating MBA cohort to classmate Joseph Ramsey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Tricia D. Hunsader is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. She teaches courses in graduate and undergraduate mathematics education. Dr. Hunsader earned her Ph. D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Elementary Education and a cognate in Mathematics Education from the University of South Florida, Tampa in 2005.  Dr. Hunsader is co-author of Mathematical Literacy: Helping Students Make Meaning in the Middle Grades (2008) and has published articles in journals including Reading Teacher, Teaching Children Mathematics, Dimensions in Mathematics, Florida Reading Quarterly, Principal, and Education Digest. Her research interests focus on elementary mathematics classroom assessment, the link between reading and mathematical problem solving, and the influence of mathematics curriculum on student achievement. She has conducted Hands-On Mathematics teacher workshops in the United States, Guatemala, and at several schools in Cambodia. She is passionate about her work with the Asia’s Hope orphan organization in Cambodia, and travels there twice annually.  One of Dr. Hunsader’s career goals is to equip her students to be effective teachers of mathematics by developing their conceptual understanding and their love of the subject. She is honored to receive this award as a confirmation that her students have learned to share her enthusiasm for teaching mathematics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrea Javed, an Accounting major in the College of Business, was born in Manila, Philippines.  She came to the United States with her family at the age of 16.  She graduated from Lecanto High School and holds both Associate in Science and Associate in Arts degree in Accounting.  She has lived in Sarasota for 5 years with her husband, Adnan.  While a student at USF Sarasota-Manatee, Andrea was an active member of the Accounting Society for 3 years and has carried various roles with the club, including President.   During her year as president, she facilitated five Accounting Society events with participation from as many as 125 accounting students per event.  While remaining committed to her studies as a USFSM student and remaining involved with the Accounting Society, Andrea has also worked full-time as Accounts Receivable Specialist.  Andrea graduates today with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A proud member of Sigma Phi Theta, Krystalle Nichols is graduating today with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education.  During her time as a student at USF Sarasota-Manatee, Krystalle was involved with USFSM2, a club dedicated to teaching math in low-economic schools and PRIDE (promoting, recruiting, increasing diverse educators.)  While remaining active in each of these groups, Krystalle also held internships with Rogers Garden Elementary School and Willis Elementary School and currently holds a position with A Readiness Learning Academy as Lead School Age Teacher.  Krystalle has found the time to volunteer in the midst of her many commitments at Math Nights for two elementary schools, the walk for Juvenile Diabetes, and has been a fundraiser for Myakka State Park and the “Backpack for Kids” program at the Salvation Army.  On top of all of these activities, Krystalle has maintained a near perfect GPA and graduates today Magna Cum Laude.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born in Chicago, IL, Joe Ramsay, winner of this year’s Webeke Award, grew up in Oakville, CT.  He earned his Bachelors of Science in Bible from Philadelphia Biblical University in Langhorne, PA where he also did some graduate level work in Organizational Leadership.  Joe is currently a Sales Manager and plans to use his MBA to obtain a leadership role.  “The professors challenged me with new material, new ways of viewing a problem, and gave me concrete tools to use in the marketplace,” he said.  “They knew and loved their subject matter deeply and inspired their students to dig-in as well. They teach from their own passion, and that resonates deeply.”

USF Sarasota-Manatee fall Commencement to be held at Van Wezel this Sunday

Posted on

On Sunday, December 11th  the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) will hold its 56th Commencement Convocation for the Fall 2011 graduating class at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center in downtown Sarasota.  Beginning at 2:00pm, the ceremony will recognize 38 Master’s degree candidates and 230 undergraduate students.  Dr. Arthur M. Guilford, Regional Chancellor, will represent USFSM and USF Board of Trustees Vice Chair Harold W. Mullis will preside.

During the ceremony, several awards will be presented, including: Outstanding Professor, presented by the graduating class to Dr. Patricia Hunsader in the College of Education; Outstanding Graduate, presented by the USF Manatee-Sarasota Chapter of the USF Alumni Association to Krystalle Nichols, who will receive her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education; Golden Bull Service and Outstanding Leadership Award, presented by the graduating class to Andrea Javed, who will receive her Bachelors of Science in Accounting through the College of Business; and the Webeke Award, presented by the graduating MBA cohort to classmate Joseph Ramsey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Tricia D. Hunsader is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. She teaches courses in graduate and undergraduate mathematics education. Dr. Hunsader earned her Ph. D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Elementary Education and a cognate in Mathematics Education from the University of South Florida, Tampa in 2005.  Dr. Hunsader is co-author of Mathematical Literacy: Helping Students Make Meaning in the Middle Grades (2008) and has published articles in journals including Reading Teacher, Teaching Children Mathematics, Dimensions in Mathematics, Florida Reading Quarterly, Principal, and Education Digest. Her research interests focus on elementary mathematics classroom assessment, the link between reading and mathematical problem solving, and the influence of mathematics curriculum on student achievement. She has conducted Hands-On Mathematics teacher workshops in the United States, Guatemala, and at several schools in Cambodia. She is passionate about her work with the Asia’s Hope orphan organization in Cambodia, and travels there twice annually.  One of Dr. Hunsader’s career goals is to equip her students to be effective teachers of mathematics by developing their conceptual understanding and their love of the subject. She is honored to receive this award as a confirmation that her students have learned to share her enthusiasm for teaching mathematics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrea Javed, an Accounting major in the College of Business, was born in Manila, Philippines.  She came to the United States with her family at the age of 16.  She graduated from Lecanto High School and holds both Associate in Science and Associate in Arts degree in Accounting.  She has lived in Sarasota for 5 years with her husband, Adnan.  While a student at USF Sarasota-Manatee, Andrea was an active member of the Accounting Society for 3 years and has carried various roles with the club, including President.   During her year as president, she facilitated five Accounting Society events with participation from as many as 125 accounting students per event.  While remaining committed to her studies as a USFSM student and remaining involved with the Accounting Society, Andrea has also worked full-time as Accounts Receivable Specialist.  Andrea graduates today with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A proud member of Sigma Phi Theta, Krystalle Nichols is graduating today with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education.  During her time as a student at USF Sarasota-Manatee, Krystalle was involved with USFSM2, a club dedicated to teaching math in low-economic schools and PRIDE (promoting, recruiting, increasing diverse educators.)  While remaining active in each of these groups, Krystalle also held internships with Rogers Garden Elementary School and Willis Elementary School and currently holds a position with A Readiness Learning Academy as Lead School Age Teacher.  Krystalle has found the time to volunteer in the midst of her many commitments at Math Nights for two elementary schools, the walk for Juvenile Diabetes, and has been a fundraiser for Myakka State Park and the “Backpack for Kids” program at the Salvation Army.  On top of all of these activities, Krystalle has maintained a near perfect GPA and graduates today Magna Cum Laude.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born in Chicago, IL, Joe Ramsay, winner of this year’s Webeke Award, grew up in Oakville, CT.  He earned his Bachelors of Science in Bible from Philadelphia Biblical University in Langhorne, PA where he also did some graduate level work in Organizational Leadership.  Joe is currently a Sales Manager and plans to use his MBA to obtain a leadership role.  “The professors challenged me with new material, new ways of viewing a problem, and gave me concrete tools to use in the marketplace,” he said.  “They knew and loved their subject matter deeply and inspired their students to dig-in as well. They teach from their own passion, and that resonates deeply.”

USF Sarasota-Manatee students to present business ideas for Newtown redevelopment

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On Tuesday, December 6th, 15 students from USF Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) will present their business ideas to the City of Sarasota for redevelopment in North Sarasota/Newtown at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th Street in Sarasota.  Each of the students, currently taking an Entrepreneurship class at USFSM, will participate in one of 5 presentations, each focusing on a different business plan that has been developed specifically for the North Sarasota region.

The presentations will take place beginning at 6pm and the community is welcome and encouraged to attend.  Please call 941-359-4578 with questions.  If you are interested in attending, please click here to register.

Graduate level information session coming at USF Sarasota-Manatee

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Students with a Bachelor’s degree interested in pursuing a Master’s degree are invited to attend an upcoming information session about graduate level programming at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee.

The session will cover Graduate level degrees in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Educational Leadership, Reading Education, Business, and Hospitality Management and will be offered on Saturday, September 17th at 9:30am in the Selby Auditorium at USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  “Gear Up for Grad School” includes an introductory information session, an Alumni panel discussion, breakout sessions with faculty and program specialists, a financial aid workshop, campus tours, and a cookout in the courtyard.

The Alumni Panel will feature: Dan Callendar, Regional General Manager for WCI Communities, Inc.; Ann Broomes, Principal at D. Rogers Garden Elementary School; James McManemon, Graduate Research Assistant; Charlie Thorpe, Lieutenant at  the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office; and Alwin Woodall, Social Worker for the State of Florida.

For more information or to R.S.V.P. for the event, please contact Katrina Anderson at kjander2@sar.usf.edu or 941.359.4334.

USF Sarasota-Manatee Awarded Separate Accreditation

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The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee today was awarded separate accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

SACS is the private, non-governmental organization that accredits educational institutions in the southern states of the United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia). The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) is recognized by the United States Department of Education.

“We are extremely proud that we are now separately accredited and excited about the possibilities ahead,” said Regional Chancellor Dr. Arthur Guilford. “This now means that we will be able to design new programs, grant our own degrees, make faculty decisions, award diplomas, and have all advising, admissions and financial decisions here instead of in Tampa. It is a lengthy, but necessary and worthwhile process and I am so proud of our faculty, students, staff, community and President Genshaft for their incredible support.”

Institutions seeking accreditation undergo an intensive self-review process in which they assess how well they are meeting their educational missions, goals, and expected outcomes, and making improvements as needed. The institution is then visited and evaluated by a committee of experts from across the country. USF Sarasota-Manatee is committed to upholding the highest standards of teaching, research, and service, and earning separate accreditation shows the strength of their students, faculty, and staff.

“This is a terrific statement of quality for USF Sarasota-Manatee, and of maturity for the whole USF System,” USF System President Judy Genshaft said. “Congratulations to the entire team!”

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee opened in the 1974-75 academic year, providing courses for upper-level undergraduates, graduates and continuing education students. In a few years USFSM will begin recruiting a freshmen class. Today, the campus serves more than 4,500 students annually at its two location – the main campus on the border of Manatee and Sarasota Counties and in North Port.