Scott L. Carmona College of Business News

May 12, 2026

Braun Fellowships awarded to SVSU professors of economics, education

The impact of multinational companies and science education for early learners are topics that will be further explored by the latest recipients of the SVSU Braun Fellowship. 
Zachary Cohle, associate professor of economics, and Anne Tapp Jaksa, professor of education, will each receive an award of $37,500 over three years to support their respective research projects.

Through his project, “The Effect of Globalization on Innovation, Health, and Happiness,” Cohle will study how increased spending by multinational firms impacts technological innovation, health and happiness in the countries in which they operate. Cohle explained that by understanding how large economic shifts impact health, interventions can be implemented to prevent widespread health declines.

About winning a Braun Fellowship, Cohle said, “I am thrilled. This is a great way that I'll be able to give back to the community at SVSU and the, hopefully, the intellectual community at large.”

Cohle joined SVSU in 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Science in economics-mathematics and philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh and master’s and doctorate degrees in economics from the University of Florida.

Tapp Jaksa’s project is “Discovering Wonder: A Science Education Framework for Early Learning,” which is designed to transform science education for very young children – birth to age 3. Tapp’s intention is to create both a comprehensive textbook and educator framework for early science instruction that are aligned to standards Next Generation Science Standards, which begin at kindergarten, and are appropriate for the different developmental stages of children in the age range.

“I chose to focus on birth to kindergarten because young children are natural scientists,” Tapp Jaksa said, “yet science and engineering are still too often overlooked in early childhood settings. The early years are a critical time for curiosity, inquiry, identity formation and rapid brain development, so I believe children deserve rich, equitable science learning opportunities from the very beginning.

In addition to her teaching role at SVSU, Tapp Jaksa is also the co-director of SVSU’s Center for Experience, Research & Design and Usability Research Team. In addition, Tapp Jaksa serves as educator in residence at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and as director of professional development for the University of Michigan Center for Digital Curricula. Tapp Jaksa is in the final year of her term as chair of the board of directors of AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) and also serves on board of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Tapp Jaksa joined SVSU in 2002. She holds a Doctor of Education degree from Wayne State University.

The Braun Fellowship program was created in 2005 through a $1.5 million endowment from the Saginaw-based Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation. Administered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, the program's purpose is to recognize the exceptional accomplishments and potential of select SVSU faculty and staff. It is named in honor of the late Ted and Ruth Braun.

December 31, 2025

SVSU graduating senior: Dalton Natke

From: Auburn
Major: Accounting
Future: Continuing his accounting career and pursuing the CPA license

U.S. Navy veteran Dalton Natke arrived at Saginaw Valley State University looking for a place that understood the unique challenges and strengths of military-connected students. He found that sense of belonging immediately through SVSU’s Military Student Affairs Office.

“SVSU made it clear that veterans are not just welcomed, they are understood, supported and given every opportunity to succeed,” Natke said.

As Dalton began balancing full-time work, a demanding academic load and his responsibilities as an Auburn city commissioner, he discovered that the road to graduation would require tremendous discipline. “As I reflect on everything, the feeling is honestly ‘dang, I made it,’” he said. “There were obstacles no doubt, but SVSU’s professors, the Military Student Affairs Office and a community that genuinely wanted to see me succeed made it possible for me to stay focused, stay disciplined and ultimately reach graduation.”

Dalton’s involvement on campus played a crucial role in shaping his leadership and professional direction. Through Military Student Affairs, mentorship and public service opportunities, he developed a strong sense of purpose. “SVSU helped me find my purpose by giving me opportunities to lead, serve and make an impact, both on campus and in the community,” he said. “Through my work in Military Student Affairs and the mentors I met, I realized how much I value helping others and contributing to my community.”

Support from faculty and staff proved instrumental throughout his journey. “My professors did not just teach; they invested in me,” Natke said. “And in the Military Student Affairs Office, Beth Alford (the director) set the standard. Her guidance, honesty and belief in me came at the exact moments I needed someone in my corner.”

Dalton is especially proud of what his degree represents after years of commitment, sacrifice and personal growth. “Earning this degree proves to me that no matter the challenges, I can see things through and keep moving forward,” he said. “It is a milestone that reflects not just what I have achieved, but the future I am building.”

Following graduation, Dalton plans to continue growing in his accounting career with Weinlander Fitzhugh while pursuing his CPA license. Long term, he is interested in public service roles and hopes to serve his community in greater ways in the years ahead.

October 7, 2025

Economist to provide glimpse of what big data can tell us

Economist to provide glimpse of what big data can tell us

What can Google searches, social media posts, and online data reveal about human behavior? A lot, says Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a New York Times best-selling author, data scientist and former Google data analyst, who will share his insights during the Wickson-Nickless Distinguished Lectureship in Business presented by the Scott L. Carmona College of Business at Saginaw Valley State University. The lecture will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. It is free and open to the public.

His presentation, “Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us,” promises an eye-opening and humorous look at how data can uncover hidden truths about what people really think, want and do. 

Stephens-Davidowitz is the author of three acclaimed books, including the international bestseller “Everybody Lies” (an “Economist” Book of the Year), “Don’t Trust Your Gut” and “Who Makes the NBA?” He has published in leading academic journals, advised Fortune 500 companies and collaborated with major organizations — including Oracle on its 2023 “Decision Dilemma” study.

As part of his visit to SVSU, Stephens-Davidowitz will speak to SVSU students on the topic “Who Makes the NBA?: A Talk on Basketball and Artificial Intelligence.”

The Wickson-Nickless Distinguished Lectureship in Business commemorates the late James E. Wickson and Allen E. Nickless, who were prominent business and community leaders of Frankenmuth. The program is supported by endowments from the Wickson-Link Memorial Foundation and the Allen E. and Marie A. Nickless Memorial Foundation and offers forums to study and debate contemporary issues that influence business policy and behavior.

June 26, 2025

SVSU students collaborate on global leadership

Members of Saginaw Valley State University’s Vitito Global Leadership Program traveled to Ghana in March to collaborate with students in Ghana while learning about urgent contemporary leadership issues. The Vitito Global Youth Leadership Conference was a central component of the Vitito Fellows’ weeklong international travel experience, a pillar of the leadership program.

At the conference, which carried the theme “Enhancing Youth Leadership at the Intersection of Globalization and the AI Revolution,” SVSU students teamed with students from leadership programs in Ghana to research, discuss and present ideas for addressing global leadership issues. 
The conference was held at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in Accra.

During the conference, the students gained a better understanding of AI’s potential benefits and possible dysfunctions while participating in discussion and interactive workshops. The forum explored the impact of AI across subjects such as health, finance, agriculture, education and small business sectors. 

Rhea Schultz, a major in international business from Saginaw and member of the Vitito Global Leadership Institute, reflected on her time during the trip: “The visit was the encompassing experience of interacting with leadership students and professionals globally. It was firsthand, ground experience of global interaction and networking. This impacts SVSU and the students by cultivating a worldly perspective and education within our students.”

To continue the work that was begun at the conference, a virtual forum and a post-conference project involving students from SVSU and Ghana are underway.

“We are going to maintain the student connections by holding several collaborative online meetings with the goal of writing chapters to assemble into a book.” Said Micah DelVecchio, an SVSU associate professor of economics. “The subject is on how AI will affect businesses around the world and how important it is to develop human relationships in the face of these dramatic changes.”

In addition to participating in the leadership conference, the Vitito Fellows met with traditional and political leaders, toured historical sites and participated in cultural ceremonies. They also organized a donation drive to support the Royal Seed Orphanage in Accra. 

The Vitito Global Leadership Institute is an accelerated leadership development program for promising junior and senior business students at SVSU.  Through in-depth leadership education, hands-on coursework, faculty-led international travel and opportunities to interact with global business and community leaders, students develop a deep understanding of leadership on a global scale. 

The Institute was created by Robert J. (Bob) and Marianne M. (Bobbi) Vitito. Bob Vitito is a former member of the SVSU Board of Control and former chair of the SVSU Foundation Board of Directors. Bobbi Vitito taught students in the Saginaw school district and has been a leader in supporting the arts. The Vititos have supported many student-centered initiatives at SVSU, and their generosity continues to help develop a new generation of leaders through the Vitito Global Leadership Institute. 

October 9, 2024

SVSU to host lecture on artificial intelligence

Saginaw Valley State University is bringing to campus an expert in artificial intelligence to discuss how AI is reshaping the future. Hajj Flemings, a pioneer in harnessing the power of AI, will present “The AI Revolution: Re-architecting the World” on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall in SVSU’s Curtiss Hall. The lecture is free and open to the public.

In his lecture, Flemings will draw on his extensive experience at the intersection of technology, branding and culture to discuss how AI leverages existing ideas to create fresh solutions. Citing real-world applications of AI in various industries, he will show how AI can offer strategic advantages by enhancing creativity and driving efficiency.

Hajj Flemings, CEO/founder of REBRANDX/Rebrand Cities, is an author, brand technologist and engineer. He has worked with large brands like Cadillac, Nike and Disney, and he hosts a weekly segment on CBS News Detroit Tech Talk about AI and technology. Flemings is the author of “The Brand YU Life: Rethinking who you are through personal brand management.” His next book, “AI is a Remix,” is set to release later this year.

The Wickson-Nickless Distinguished Lectureship in Business provides forums to study and debate contemporary events and issues that influence business policies and behavior. The lectureship honors the late James E. Wickson and Allen E. Nickless, prominent business and community leaders of Frankenmuth. The program is supported by an endowment established by the Wickson-Link Memorial Foundation and the Allen E. and Marie A. Nickless Memorial Foundation.

June 17, 2024

SVSU student prepares to roll out small business with support from community

Thanks to support from the Midland Area Community Foundation, a Saginaw Valley State University student is starting a business that he hopes will innovate the sidewalk surfing world.

Ryan Pelletier, an international business major from Midland, has built his brand, Morphite Boards, from the ground up at SVSU. Pelletier has filed a patent on his newly designed longboard, which collapses for improved portability.

In 2023, Pelletier received a grant from the Midland Area Community Foundation that supplies up to $10,000 for SVSU student entrepreneurs from Midland County. Since receiving the grant, he has been working on his longboard company tirelessly.

As the name implies, longboards are larger than skateboards, which makes them more stable. And they have larger, softer wheels, which deliver a faster, smoother ride.

While longboards are valued for their comfortable ride, they are less portable than skateboards. Pelletier’s Morphite Board has a collapsible design and easily detachable wheels so it can be compressed to fit into a standard backpack.

“I came up with the idea back in 2018 when I was still in high school,” Pelletier said. “I loved riding my first board back then, but it was far too large to fit in my locker at school, so I was never able to use it to ride to school or even just take it to school.”

Working with the Product Innovation Lab in SVSU’s Scott L. Carmona College of Business, Pelletier has created multiple prototypes of his longboard that prove his concept will work. The most recent prototype is fully functional and rideable.

Although the Morphite Board is not yet available to purchase, the MACF grant has enabled Pelletier to turn his vision of an innovative longboard into reality. He is reaching the final stages of his business plan and is now meeting with investors to fund the production of the boards.

“The most important resource that I used during my time developing the business was the Product Innovation Lab in the Carmona College of Business. This is where I developed the fully functional prototype, filmed and edited all of my current advertising content, produced the first run of apparel that I gave to my early supporters, and did all of my creative ideation,” Pelletier said.

Currently, there is a waitlist to get first dibs on the boards, which are projected to start pre-orders in the late summer or early fall. Additionally, branded apparel and mugs are available on the Morphite website.

With the development of the functional prototype and the launch of Morphite Boards in the near future, Ryan is thankful for the support and resources at SVSU that have made the process possible.

“This was all done on campus with the resources made available to us as students,” Pelletier said. “Anyone with an idea can do it, too,” he added.

April 23, 2024

Nearly 900 SVSU students to participate in commencement

Consul general of Canada in Detroit to speak

Saginaw Valley State University will hold commencement exercises on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. When the celebrations are complete, more than 1,100 SVSU graduates will be ready to take their next steps into careers, graduate programs, or other endeavors to which their education has led.

Nearly 900 SVSU students eligible for graduation have indicated that they will march in the two ceremonies.

Graduates from the College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences, Scott L. Carmona College of Business and College of Science, Engineering & Technology will be recognized in the 10 a.m. ceremony.

Graduates of the Crystal M. Lange College of Health & Human Services and the College of Education will be recognized in a ceremony at 2:30 p.m.

Both events will take place at SVSU’s Ryder Center and will be livestreamed. The links to livestreams will be available at svsu.edu/graduate/commencementceremony/.

Colin Bird, consul general of Canada in Detroit, will address the graduates.

Bird was appointed to this diplomatic position in September 2022, bringing a skill set revolving around trade. In his role, Bird oversees consulate activities in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

The consulate in Detroit is one of 13 Canadian consulates in the U.S., in addition to the Embassy of Canada, providing services to Canadians visiting and living in the United States. While the consulate assists Canadians with passport and visa issues, provides information on studying and voting abroad, and offers other services, Bird’s role often puts him in meetings with U.S. and Canadian leaders to facilitate collaboration between the two countries, which have enjoyed a long and fruitful trade relationship.

Bird has held positions in Canada’s government since 2004, when he joined Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. In 2014, he was appointed minister-counsellor for trade and economic policy for the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C., where he handled all aspects of the United States-Canada trade relationship. He has also represented Canada before dispute settlement panels and the Appellate Body at the World Trade Organization.

Prior to his current appointment, Bird served as director of trade negotiations, multilateral and Americas, for Global Affairs Canada. In this role, he was responsible for multilateral trade matters, particularly Canada’s membership in the World Trade Organization. He also has served as Canada’s senior trade official at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, where he chaired the Trade Committee, and as Canada’s senior trade official for the G7 and G20.

Bird holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a law degree from the University of Ottawa.

SVSU graduates are building careers in high-demand fields in the Great Lakes Bay Region, throughout the state and beyond. According to a survey conducted by SVSU’s Office of Career Services, at least 96% of graduates from 2019 through 2022 are employed or continuing their education.

April 23, 2024

SVSU students to present research in two showcase events

Saginaw Valley State University students will cap off the academic year with two events designed to recognize and celebrate their work. On Friday, April 26, SVSU will host the SE&T Symposium and the SVSU Student Showcase. Both events are open to the public, and there is no charge to attend.

The annual SE&T Symposium features the work of students and faculty in SVSU’s College of Science, Engineering & Technology. Students will present original work, including research and design projects and special course work, through both poster sessions and oral presentations. Faculty are invited to present their research through posters or oral presentations. Faculty are also invited to organize a special session such as a panel discussion or workshop.

This year’s Symposium features over 120 students and their faculty advisors. It takes place in Pioneer Hall beginning at 8:30 a.m. and running until 3:00 p.m.

Poster sessions run from 10:00 a.m. until noon, featuring undergraduate research projects, class projects and senior capstone projects. Oral presentations begin at 1:00 p.m. and last until 3:00 p.m.

The SVSU Student Showcase will be held in SVSU’s Curtiss Hall, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Students from all five SVSU college will present scholarly projects they have worked on throughout the academic year. This year’s showcase will feature 39 poster presentations, 14 oral presentations and five performances.

The SE&T Symposium and SVSU Student Showcase are proud Cardinal traditions that recognize student achievements, inspire innovation and promote collaboration.

February 9, 2024

Saginaw Valley State University to host book discussion with Andrew Liveris, former Dow chairman and CEO

Saginaw Valley State University will host Andrew Liveris, former chairman and chief executive officer of Dow and former executive chairman of DowDuPont, for a discussion of his latest book, “Leading Through Disruption: A Changemaker’s Guide to Twenty-First Century Leadership.”

The discussion will take place in SVSU’s Rhea Miller Recital Hall (in Curtiss Hall) from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Complimentary copies of the book will be available, and a book signing will follow the discussion. Register for this free event here.

Liveris will share essential wisdom from his 40 years of global leadership experience. His model of leadership offers tools to tackle any problem quickly and responsively with an eye toward creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

Jayati Ghosh, dean of the Scott L. Carmona College of Business at SVSU, said, “Our students, who are future business leaders, will gain a lot from Mr. Liveris, an expert with a wealth of experience in a rapidly changing world proliferating with economic challenges and technological advances.”

In a career spanning more than 40 years with Dow, Liveris was the company’s longest-serving CEO, with a tenure of 14 years. Prior to being appointed chairman and CEO, he had assignments in manufacturing, engineering, sales, marketing, and business and general management.

Liveris currently serves as president of the board of the Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, chairman of The Hellenic Initiative, and as a director of Lucid Motors, IBM, Saudi Aramco, Worley, Novonix and the Minderoo Foundation. He has served as an adviser to President Biden and former Presidents Trump and Obama, including as co-chair of Obama’s Advanced Manufacturing Partnership. He is co-chair of the Build Together Coalition that successfully advocated for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed by President Biden in 2020. He was also appointed as a special adviser to the Australian government’s National COVID-19 Coordination Commission.

This book discussion is presented by Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Dow, Great Lakes Bay Economic Club, Midland Business Alliance, Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce and Saginaw Valley State University.

November 14, 2023

College students honed skills at SVSU regional sales competition

Promising future sales professionals had an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and receive personalized training during a groundbreaking regional sales competition hosted by the Scott L. Carmona College of Business at Saginaw Valley State University in October.

Open to SVSU and regional university students, as well as recent graduates interested in SVSU’s sales certificate program, the competition offered a unique opportunity for participants to test their skills in a supportive environment, while receiving advice and instruction from sales professionals.

“The Scott L. Carmona College of Business is committed to providing opportunities to our students that allow them to develop both professionally and personally,” said Jayati Ghosh, dean of the Carmona College of Business. “The SVSU Regional Sales Competition gave the students an opportunity to learn from professionals while honing their skills.  For the employers of the Great Lakes Bay Region, it was an opportunity to meet the talented students.”

On the first day of the competition, 12 students – nine from SVSU and three from Northwood University – received personalized training from the NBA Milwaukee Bucks inside sales team. The following day, the students participated in two competition categories: A tournament-style role play competition with three rounds and an elevator pitch competition. Representatives from SVSU employer partners assisted with judging both categories.

The role play scenarios were based on the training the student competitors received from the Milwaukee Bucks representatives. Chase Valuet, an SVSU marketing major from Sterling Heights, won first place and $1,000. Macy Hawkes, an SVSU marketing/professional sales major from Auburn, won the $500 second-place prize. Gavin Glefke, an SVSU marketing/professional sales major from Chesterfield Township, in Macomb County, was awarded $250 for third place. Northwood University student Brooke Englehardt took home the $100 prize for fourth place.

Three students were awarded cash prizes for the elevator pitch competition. Northwood University students Julian Lee and Aidan Wheeler won first ($300) and second ($250) prizes, respectively. Macy Hawkes, the SVSU marketing/professional sales major from Auburn, took home third place and $100.

The sales competition was made possible through an SVSU Resource Grant and support by corporate sponsors Morley Companies, Standale Lumber and Supply, VTC Insurance Group, Blue Wheel and Residential Home Health.