{"id":18121,"date":"2026-03-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/?page_id=18121"},"modified":"2026-03-19T15:39:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T22:39:32","slug":"pop-mar-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/pop-mar-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Points of Pride – March 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\t\tCarson College of Business\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Points of Pride<\/span><\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tMarch 2026\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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College<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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\"Fuel<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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The Carson College of Business held its inaugural Fuel for Finals food drive, providing free snacks and refreshments to students during finals week. Strong participation allowed the event to extend through the end of the week, helping support student wellbeing during a busy academic period. The Accounting and Finance and Management Science departments were recognized for their contributions to the effort.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Professor
Professor Robert Crossler works with WSU student Eden Brooks and her teammates during the AI @ Carson Workshop.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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The Carson College of Business hosted its first AI @ Carson<\/a> workshop, where more than 50 business students explored how to apply artificial intelligence across disciplines. The immersive certificate experience focused on practical, job-ready skills designed to help students leverage AI responsibly and creatively. The workshop was supported by the Hubman Endowment.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Students<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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Hudson Bedward<\/a>, a junior majoring in hospitality business management at WSU Everett<\/a>, has accepted a food and beverage management internship at Seattle Golf Club, where he\u2019ll learn about the operations of one of Seattle’s most prestigious private golf clubs. Bedward also serves as a part-time director of events for the Associated Students of WSU<\/a> and works part time as a front desk associate at the 360 Hotel Group in Mukilteo.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Tiger
From left to right, Tiger Lily Brim, Margarita Mogilny, Meghan Sanchez, and Celine Ciotta<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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Tiger Lily Brim<\/a> (\u201927 Hosp. Busi. Mgmt.), Margarita Mogilny<\/a> (\u201928 Hosp. Busi. Mgmt.), Meghan Sanchez <\/a>(\u201926 Busi. Admin., Finance), and Celine Ciotta<\/a> (\u201928 Hosp. Busi. Mgmt.) participated as student ambassadors at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles this January. The students connected with industry leaders across hospitality, real estate, finance, and technology, gaining valuable professional development and networking experience. The WSU Office of Corporate Engagement<\/a> supported their travel to the event.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Celine Ciotta<\/a> (\u201928 Hosp. Busi. Mgmt.) accepted a summer housekeeping internship with the Four Seasons Resort and Residences at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Ciotta serves as a student ambassador in the School of Hospitality Business Management<\/a> and is actively involved in Sigma Iota<\/a> and the Society of Innkeepers Hospitality Group. She is a resident advisor on the Pullman campus and provides front and back of house service at catering events in the WSU Marriott Hospitality Culinary Innovation Center.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Olivia Grose<\/a>, a hospitality business management senior who will graduate in May 2026, recently accepted a position in the Marriott Food and Beverage Voyage program at the St. Regis Deer Valley location. The prestigious program offers recent college graduates 12 to 18 months of full-time immersive job training focused on their discipline, with short rotational experiences in other departments.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\"Lindsay
<\/a>Lindsay Hayes<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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Zoie Rodman<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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Alex Rose<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n
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The Beta Alpha Psi<\/a> chapter at WSU Vancouver<\/a> received a $3,200 grant from the Washington CPA Foundation to support its Essential Skills event series. The program brings professionals from accounting, finance, and information systems to campus to share broadly applicable career skills and connect with students across majors. The grant submission was led by Chapter President Alex Rose<\/a> (\u201926 Accounting), outgoing Vice President of Accounting Zoie Rodman<\/a> (\u201925 Accounting, Finance), and incoming Vice-President of Accounting Lindsay Hayes<\/a> (\u201926 Accounting, Finance). The events are open to all Vancouver campus students.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Keir Lopez<\/a> (\u201926 Intl. Busi., Mktg.) earned third place and a prize of $500 at WSU\u2019s annual Sales Competition, hosted by the Center for Professional Sales<\/a>. Thirty students competed using a case developed by industry partner Marsh McLennan Agency, demonstrating their skills in real-world sales scenarios. First and second place went to Anna Olson (\u201926 Const. Mgmt.) and Jadey Ong (\u201926 Ani. Sci.) respectively.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Mary Ann (Mia) Claire Ong<\/a> (\u201927 MBA) was promoted to education and partnership development manager for the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce. Ong is a veteran of the US Army and has years of experience in marketing and communications.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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MBA student, Dr. Varsha Sridhar<\/a> (\u201926 MBA) was recently promoted to the director of clinical research at Overlake Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center in Redmond, Washington. Dr. Sridhar holds a medical doctorate from the Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital and has more than a decade of experience in healthcare and the medical industry.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Kayla Tate<\/a> (’28 Accounting) earned a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship<\/a> to participate in a faculty-led study abroad program in Seville, Spain. One of eight WSU recipients, Tate received the US State Department\u2013supported award, which provides up to $5,000 to help Pell Grant\u2013eligible undergraduate students pursue international learning experiences.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Alumni<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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Tiffany Barbre<\/a> (\u201996 Accounting) is the senior vice president, corporate controller, and principal accounting officer for Costco.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Cedar Cunningham<\/a> (\u201922 Finance) competed with Team USA in the World Rowing Championships in Shanghai. The men\u2019s eight earned a bronze medal, and the team finished fourth in the men\u2019s quadruple sculls, the best result for the US since 1998.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The New Orleans Saints honored Steve Gleason<\/a> (\u201900 Busi. Admin.) with its inaugural Courage Award. Gleason joined the Saints\u2019 2025 Hall of Fame class. Gleason played for the Saints from 2000 to 2008. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2011 and, together with his wife Michel, formed Team Gleason<\/a> to inspire others with the diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Jadon Hawkins<\/a> (\u201924 Busi. Admin.) is the program coordinator for veteran and military-affiliated students at WSU\u2019s Global Campus<\/a>. Hawkins has worked at WSU in roles supporting veteran students since 2021.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Phung Quang Hung<\/strong> (\u201902 MBA) is CEO of One Mount Group, one of Vietnam\u2019s largest technological companies. Previously deputy CEO of Techcombank, Hung now leads a technology ecosystem spanning retail, real estate, and financial services, bringing together platforms focused on digital payments, online real estate, and retail distribution across Vietnam.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Phung Le<\/a> (\u201914 Accounting) is senior vice president and controller at Riverview Bancorp, Inc. in Vancouver. Le has worked for Riverview Bank in prior roles as a senior accountant and assistant controller since 2019.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Bob Ledford<\/a> (\u201986 Busi. Admin.) was appointed to the board of directors for Orion Group Holdings, Inc., a specialty construction company in Houston, Texas. Ledford is president and CEO of Prime Electric, an electrical construction contractor in Bellevue.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Richard McFadden<\/a> (\u201915 MBA) was recently hired to be vice president and general manager of industrial components at Hengstler-Dynapar. McFadden is a veteran of the US Navy with more than a decade of experience in corporate management and marketing.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Jeff Pierce<\/a> (\u201903 Busi. Admin.) is president of Johnson Wealth Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson Financial Group. Pierce has previously served as president and chief operating officer at Annex Wealth Management, and as CEO for the Mather Group.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Allyssa Sheppard<\/a> (\u201915 Hosp. Busi. Mgmt., Psych.), executive chef of catering services at WSU, was the chief chili curator for Pullman\u2019s 2025 National Lentil Festival.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Andreia Todd<\/a> (\u201918 Mktg.) is vice president of global brand marketing at Zefr, a brand suitability and contextual advertising platform.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Colin White<\/a> (\u201903 Busi. Admin.) opened Spokane Valley Montessori, a nonprofit preschool. White has more than two decades of experience in financial and investment consulting.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Faculty\/Staff<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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Robert Crossler<\/a>, Hubman distinguished professor and Carson College senior associate dean for academic affairs, delivered the keynote address at the March 2026 Southern Association for Information Systems conference. His address focused on how faculty can navigate rapid advances in AI by focusing on small, manageable decisions and incremental progress rather than attempting sweeping, large-scale change. Crossler\u2019s research focuses on information security, privacy, and individual decision-making.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Lisa Desmarais<\/a> transitioned into the role of student engagement and career development manager in the Carson College of Business in December. In this position, she oversees the Career Amplifier Program<\/a> and career development activities in the Carson Center for Student Success<\/a>, while continuing to support undergraduate recruitment, the college\u2019s EDGE program<\/a>, student onboarding, and retention initiatives. Desmarais has worked in advising and recruitment at WSU since 2023.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Dogan Gursoy<\/a>, WSU Regents Professor and Taco Bell Distinguished Professor of Hospitality Business Management, received the 2026 Founder\u2019s Award at the Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism, recognizing his significant contributions to research, scholarship, and graduate education in the field. In July 2025, Gursoy also earned the Outstanding Literary Award for Social Scientists at the International Conference on Hospitality and Tourism Management, presented by Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation with support from Emerald Publishing.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Ash Hyman<\/a>, assistant professor of accounting at WSU Vancouver<\/a>, received the Washington Society of CPAs Educator of the Year Award. The honor recognizes his dedication to teaching, mentorship, and professional engagement, including his work advising the Nu Theta Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi<\/a> and supporting students\u2019 connections to professional development, networking, and scholarship opportunities within the accounting field.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Long Nguyen<\/a>, assistant professor in the Department of Management, Information Systems and Entrepreneurship<\/a>, received the Best Reviewer Award from AIS Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the peer-review process at one of the leading journals in the human-computer interaction field.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Previous Editions’ Points of Pride<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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2025<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tMarch 2025\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tAugust 2025\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tDecember 2025\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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2024<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tMarch 2024\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tAugust 2024\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tDecember 2024\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tMarch 2023\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tAugust 2023\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tDecember 2023\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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2022<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tMarch 2022\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tAugust 2022\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\tDecember 2022\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":[],"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"categories":[643,419],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18121"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39272"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18121"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18121\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19714,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18121\/revisions\/19714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18121"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/business.wsu.edu\/edividend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/author?post=18121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}