Dear friends,

As we close out the fall semester and look toward a new year, I’m proud to share the many ways the Carson College of Business continues to lead through innovation, practical research, and the future-ready mindset we instill in students, faculty, and alums alike.

As part of WSU’s focus on innovation and practical research, the Carson College is poised to advance business education in a rapidly evolving business landscape. This issue of eDividend highlights how our college community is applying new technology and insights to solve complex problems, strengthen industry relationships, and improve how we teach, learn, and lead.

One example of this vision in action is the launch of the Carson Tech-Ready Collaborative, led by Professor Robert Crossler, chair of the Department of Management, Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship (MISE). By integrating education, research, and community engagement, the collaborative boosts understanding of AI, machine learning, and robotics applications to real-world problems.

We’re also proud to spotlight MISE senior Grant Shinohara. Shinohara is a remarkable example of the kind of student our programs are designed to support—creative, tech-savvy, and driven to innovate across industries. From AI-driven education platforms to regenerative medicine, Grant’s ventures embody the entrepreneurial spirit we cultivate at the Carson College.

At our Everett campus, Associate Professor Soobin Seo recently launched a virtual wine tasting room with support from the USDA. This immersive educational tool not only showcases Washington’s wine industry but also serves as a model for how digital innovation can support regional businesses and enhance hospitality education in new and engaging ways.

You’ll also read about alum Sally AboHana (’23 MBA), whose impressive career spans Amazon, Google, and now PricewaterhouseCoopers. Earning her MBA gave AboHana the tools to bridge technical expertise in AI with strategic business insight—empowering her to lead large-scale initiatives that are reshaping how companies operate and serve their customers.

This issue also features Mahsa Zohrabi, a PhD student whose work in explainable AI focuses on making algorithmic decision-making more transparent, ethical, and effective. Mahsa’s research represents a powerful example of the scholarly impact our graduate programs aim to achieve, as well as the broader role AI will play in the future of business.

In our event roundup, we highlight three signature Carson programs that brought industry insight directly to our students. At the Walton Lecture, Micron’s Collin Sower explored global risk modeling in tech supply chains. The Hubman Distinguished Lecture Series featured Joseph Valacich, cofounder of Neuro-ID, who shared real-world lessons from his journey in start-up innovation. And at the Business Technology Symposium, students gained valuable caree perspective from industry CIOs Joe Guptill and Jason Stefanski. Management information systems is one of the fastest growing fields in the workforce and the highest paying for business majors.  These events illustrate our commitment to connecting students with thought leaders at the forefront of business and technology.

As this year comes to a close, I want to thank you for being part of the Carson College community. Your continued engagement and generosity play a vital role in supporting our students, faculty, and programs. If you are considering an end-of-year gift, I invite you to explore how your contribution can support high-impact initiatives such as the Dean’s Excellence Fund, the Carson College of Business Fund, or programs that enhance student experiences, research, and scholarships.

Thank you again for your support—and for believing in the power of business education to change lives and shape the future.

Warm regards and Go Cougs!

Debbie Compeau,
Phyllis J. Campbell Endowed Dean