Scott L. Carmona College of Business News

October 25, 2021

Saginaw Valley State University Professor Receives Distinguished Professor of the Year Award

Saginaw Valley State University Professor Joseph Ofori-Dankwa was recognized as one of the state’s three recipients of the 2020 Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award by the Michigan Association of State Universities. The award recognizes the dedication and outstanding efforts of faculty from Michigan’s 15 public universities to the education of undergraduate students.

“Dr. Ofori-Dankwa’s commitment to bringing his students outside of the classroom and into the world shows how higher education in Michigan continues to evolve to meet the needs of its students and Michigan’s people,” said Dr. Daniel J. Hurley, CEO of the Michigan Association of State Universities. “These professors give their all when it comes to dedication to student success, helping them achieve their ambitions, all the while strengthening Michigan’s prosperity.”

Ofori-Dankwa is the Harvey Randall Wickes Professor of International Business and a professor of management at Saginaw Valley State University. Since joining SVSU in 1987, he has earned several university awards including the House Family Award for Teacher Impact, the Rush Distinguished Lectureship, the Braun Fellowship, and the Thomson Award for Community Engagement. He has helped develop and teach courses for SVSU’s Vitito Fellows Global Leadership Institute, including experiential leadership projects for SVSU business students. Among the inter-disciplinary teaching initiatives he has helped to co-coordinate is the B.A.T.S. (Business, Art, Theatre and Sociology) program. 

A native of Ghana, Ofori-Dankwa is a leader in expanding programs to Africa. He has led and facilitated 10 trips with students, faculty, and Saginaw community leaders to Ghana since 2000. In addition, he served as a faculty advisor for SVSU electrical and computer engineering students planning to design and install solar panels at a health clinic for the Royal Seed Home Orphanage in Ghana.

He has founded or coordinated additional programs including the Makola Institute, which is a training and advocacy center for market women and small-scale business operators in markets in Ghana, and the Makola Foundation which provides funding for entrepreneurs and students. He has also provided a curriculum on leadership and ethics for the U.S. State Department’s Young African Leadership Institute, initiated by former President Obama and located at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.

Ofori-Dankwa received his Bachelor of Law from the University of Ghana, his M.S. in management and technology from the University of Wales, and his Master of Labor & Industrial Relations and Ph.D. in organizational behavior from Michigan State University.

The other two recipients of the 2020 award were Grand Valley State University Professor Stephen Mattox and University of Michigan Professor H. Scott Fogler. 

The Michigan Association of State Universities will recognize Ofori-Dankwa and Tami Sivy, SVSU professor of chemistry and a 2021 recipient of the award, during the SVSU Board of Control meeting Monday, Oct. 25.  

May 14, 2021

SVSU hires new dean for business school

Saginaw Valley State University has hired an experienced leader in business education to serve as the new dean of the institution’s Scott L. Carmona College of Business. Jayati Ghosh will head SVSU’s business school after devoting more than two decades to a career in higher education, most recently at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. Ghosh said she was excited for the opportunity to join an institution with SVSU’s strong ranking among top business schools worldwide.

“I am honored and excited about the opportunity to lead the Carmona College of Business in its upward trajectory of academic excellence,” Ghosh said. “I am impressed by the commitment of the college towards the professional and personal development of students and looking forward to working with the faculty and staff, centers of excellence and engaging with the community.”

Deborah Huntley, SVSU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said Ghosh brings impressive leadership experience to SVSU as an administrator as well as a strong record of professional service, research and teaching.

The arrival of Dr. Ghosh comes at a very important time for our Carmona College of Business,” Huntley said. “She brings extensive leadership experience as a dean, and we are counting on her experience and innovative thinking to enhance business education for our students and to collaborate with regional businesses to support the vitality of our region. We have outstanding faculty and a world-class facility, and I know she is excited about the opportunities at SVSU.”

SVSU opened the doors to its new $25.4 million business facility in spring 2020. The 38,500-square-foot addition includes data analytics labs and Bloomberg Trading terminals, which track stock data in real time. Upgrades include cutting-edge equipment used by Fortune 500 companies, providing students with hands-on experience utilizing resources adapted to match global business trends.

Ghosh has over 25 years of higher education experience at public and private institutions. As dean of the School of Business Administration at Widener University, Ghosh led program development, AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education accreditations, Widener University’s Small Business Development Center SBDC, Environmental Management Assistance Program and worked with alumni and business leaders. 

Prior to joining Widener University, Ghosh held leadership roles including associate dean, director of the Honors Program, director of faculty development and founding executive director of the Global Education Office at Dominican University in San Rafael, California. She held teaching positions at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada.

Ghosh serves on AACSB peer-review teams as a member and chair and serves as mentor to a school going through initial accreditation process. She has served on the Steering Committee of the Small Schools Network Affinity group of AACSB and is a member of Women Administrators in Management Education, an AACSB affinity group.

Ghosh is a strong advocate of high impact practices such as internships, cooperative education, global experience, faculty-led research with undergraduate and graduate students, and service learning.

Ghosh completed her doctorate at the University of Waterloo (Ontario, Canada) and earned an M.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University (Ontario, Canada). She also earned an M.S. from University of Calcutta (India).

SVSU provides access to tools and technology fine-tuned for the next generation to strengthen an academic college already honored with an AACSB-International accreditation, a gold standard distinction earned by fewer than 5 percent of the world’s business colleges. For more information about SVSU’s Carmona College of Business, visit svsu.edu/scottlcarmonacollegeofbusiness.

Ghosh will join SVSU Monday, June 28.

May 6, 2021

SVSU graduates to celebrate Commencement in person Friday; first outdoor ceremonies to be held in Wickes Stadium

More than 700 SVSU graduates have registered to participate in Saginaw Valley State University’s three outdoor commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 7. The ceremonies, SVSU’s first-ever outdoor commencement celebrations, will be held in the Harvey Randall Wickes Memorial Stadium. Relocating the ceremonies outdoors provide a safer venue and allows more people to participate in person. 

“I have spoken with a number of our May graduates, and I know how much it means to them to don regalia and hear their name called as they cross the stage,” said SVSU President Donald J. Bachand. “They have overcome much to earn their degrees.” 

The schedule of ceremonies is: 

10 a.m. ― College of Health & Human Services 

1 p.m. ― College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences and College of Education 

4 p.m. ― College of Business and College of Science, Engineering & Technology 

Each graduate may bring two guests who have registered in advance. Health and safety protocols will be observed. SVSU also is providing a live video-stream of each ceremony. Details are available at www.svsu.edu/2021. 

Editor’s note: Members of the media are welcome to cover any of the Commencement ceremonies and speak with graduates and their guests. Please follow SVSU health and safety guidelines, such as wearing a mask when coming within 6 feet of others.  

Prior to or during each ceremony, please call/text Justin Engel at 989-284-4087 for assistance. Following each ceremony, you may call/text J.J. Boehm at 989-295-8225.  

In the event of mild to moderate rain, the ceremony will continue. In the event of severe weather, a ceremony may be postponed until later in the day, or if necessary, rescheduled for Saturday, May 8. 

May 3, 2021

SVSU graduating seniors: Kyndall LoVette

KYNDALL LoVETTE

management major

Holt native

Kyndall’s story

With a passion and penchant for engaging with people, Kyndall LoVette will be ready to launch soon from her status as a graduating senior at Saginaw Valley State University to the professional career that will soon follow.

The management major said she has benefited from her classroom studies as well as extracurricular opportunities at the university. All of these experiences have allowed her to build her skillset as an engaged citizen.

Among the SVSU opportunities Kyndall said served her best: her selection to the Vitito Global Leadership Institute. The SVSU program of distinction annually provides leadership development to a select group of students enrolled in the SVSU Scott L. Carmona College of Business. LoVette called the opportunity a “rewarding experience” that allowed her to collaborate with fellow Cardinals across the academic disciplines as well as student ambassadors from Ghana.

One of her academic courses — a family business class — also sharpened her community engagement skills. As part of the class, she volunteered at a fundraising event for The Mustard Seed Shelter, a Saginaw-based nonprofit which moves women and children from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

We asked Kyndall a series of questions about her experience at SVSU. Here are her responses:

What was your favorite memory at SVSU?

“My favorite memory, while attending SVSU is the community service opportunities I’ve had, once I joined Delta Sigma Pi, and the Organization of Black Unity.”

What was your proudest accomplishment at SVSU?

“My proudest accomplishment overall would be graduating college cum laude, and also being able to join RSOs on campus.”

What advice would you give an incoming freshman at SVSU?

“The most important advice I would give incoming freshmen would be to engage with their professors and get to know them, as well as getting involved with the student organizations. Your college experience goes by faster than you think — you get what you put in.”

What are your plans after graduation?

“My plans after graduation are to find a job I enjoy, and hopefully relocate to a warmer state.”

The following are clubs, organizations and accomplishments that highlight Morgan’s SVSU experience:

• Vitito Global Leadership Institute, 2020 cohort
• Delta Sigma Pi-Mu Phi Chapter
• Organization of Black Unity

March 18, 2021

SVSU set to host in-person, outdoor commencement ceremonies for May 2021 graduates

Saginaw Valley State University will provide an opportunity for its May 2021 graduates to participate in commencement exercises and celebrate their achievements in three outdoor ceremonies planned for Friday, May 7, in the university’s Wickes Memorial Stadium.

January 21, 2021

SVSU sponsors 2021 First Ward Leadership Fellowship Program

Eleven Saginaw County residents between the ages of 18 and 30 have been selected as 2021 First Ward Leadership Fellows and will participate in a 14-week leadership training program hosted by Saginaw Valley State University. 

First Ward Leadership Fellows will join SVSU students who are in the 2020-2021 Vitito Global Leadership Institute in the Scott L. Carmona College of Business. The focus of the training is to highlight opportunities to become community leaders through board memberships. Workshops led by local civic and community leaders will emphasize the importance of service on boards. 

“We welcome the opportunity to further the partnership between SVSU and First Ward Community Center with the creation of this fellowship program,” said Dawn Hinton, director of SVSU’s Center for Academic Innovation & Online Learning. “This program is designed to assist young community members in developing the leadership skills that will allow them to make significant contributions to their community.” 

Hinton said students in SVSU’s Vitito Global Leadership Program each year are required to select a community engagement project; this year, the choice is a peer-to-peer leadership mentoring program with First Ward Community Center. The weekly training sessions will be held online from January through March, 2021. 

The following individuals, all from Saginaw, have been selected to participate in the First Ward Leadership Fellowship Program: 

• Amaya Bradley, an SVSU marketing major 
• Daeveon Clemons, an SVSU biology major 
• Indigo Dudley, an SVSU general studies major 
• Bria Gregory, a self-employed financial professional 
• Airiana Hamilton, an SVSU health science major 
• Jalen Latimore, a staff member at Francis Reh Academy 
• Tess Martin, an SVSU social work major 
• Jesse Sanchez, a mechanic serving in the military 
• Alissiana Scott, a Kroger employee 
• Demetria Simmons, a Federal Express employee 
• Simone Vaughn, an SVSU communication major 

The goal of the program is to fill a gap that exists within the Saginaw County community and address the large number of vacancies on boards and commissions. Those who are selected to participate must submit to an application process that outlines their previous participation in First Ward programming. The SVSU Foundation is providing funding support for the fellowship. 

“This project will culminate in a ‘Signing Day’ event, where the First Ward Leadership Fellows will publicly announce the board on which they want to serve and sign their completed application for board consideration,” Hinton said. 

Hinton will provide guidance for First Ward Leadership Fellows and Joseph Ofori-Dankwa, SVSU’s Harvey Randall Wickes Endowed Professor, and Dominic Monastiere, Boutell Executive-In-Residence, are responsible for developing the leadership skills training. Michael Mosher, SVSU professor of art, will introduce the First Ward Leadership Fellows to students enrolled in his Art 390 course to develop an illustrated comic book that will creatively tell the stories of each of the fellows. 

For more information on the First Ward Leadership Fellowship Program, contact Hinton at (989) 906-1400, or hinton@svsu.edu. For more information on the Vitito Global Leadership Program, contact Ofori-Dankwa at (989) 284-0684, or oforidan@svsu.edu. 

September 28, 2020

SVSU-based Michigan Small Business Development Center gets CARES Act boost to help region's economy

Great Lakes Bay Region communities will be among 83 Michigan counties where small business owners challenged by the pandemic will benefit from expanded support offered by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which operates a regional office at Saginaw Valley State University. 

September 21, 2020

SVSU to host virtual panel featuring women entrepreneurs

The Saginaw Valley State University-based Dow Entrepreneurship Institute will host an empowering virtual panel discussion featuring successful women entrepreneurs. 

August 5, 2020

Once determined to continue his education without pause, SVSU alumnus now thrives at Dow

Kevin Finley, a 2017 alumnus of Saginaw Valley State University, is proof that challenges can be overcome with drive and opportunity. 

The Flint native was determined to create a better future for himself and his community, despite facing adversity at a young age.

"I was beaten up really badly in high school," Finley said. "I was really, really frustrated but then I realized, it's not about who does what to you. It's about your response. I can say, 'I don't want to see that happen to someone else so let me show people that there's more to life than negativity.' I don't want to let stuff like that hinder me. I just want to stay positive."

A first-generation college student, Finley defied limits to overcome obstacles and forge his own path to success. After high school, he was determined to continue his education without pause, enrolling at SVSU to pursue a career in accounting.

“Growing up in the inner city you can get distracted by other things, but going to college was always important to me. I saw people in my community grow up without opportunities to do what they wanted to do,” he said.

Going to college opened new doors for Finley, and the opportunities he had at SVSU helped him to push his limits and better prepare for a successful career.

Finley took every opportunity to get involved with student organizations, on-campus jobs, and programs of distinction at SVSU, including studying abroad to Asia with the university’s Roberts Fellowship Program, which annually provides year-long leadership development opportunities for a select group of students. The program helped him expand his worldview and open his mind to new possibilities.

He also took advantage of networking opportunities and practice interviews through SVSU’s Office of Career Services, which helped him make connections and secure an internship at Dow, a Midland-based global corporation and one of the region’s largest employers. His perseverance and hard work paid off with a full-time job immediately after he received his bachelor’s degree in accounting.

He recalls how the leadership and communication skills that he developed at SVSU helped to grow his confidence and prepare him for his professional duties, including leadings events at Dow.

“These resources were really impactful from a professional standpoint. I really appreciate SVSU and I’ll always be grateful for them helping me learn who I am and how to lead,” he said.

Finley began his career at Dow as a financial accountant, and through his dedication and determination, was recently promoted to the corporate audit department of the organization.

He hopes to continue the trajectory of his career success and is diligently working toward his next professional milestone— becoming a certified public accountant. Finley has already passed his first exam and is studying for the following three in order to complete his certification. 

Finley became a mentor to other students during his time at SVSU, and he has continued this tradition of mentorship into his professional life as well. He hopes to encourage and inspire others to pursue their passions and go after what they want to achieve. As he learned first-hand from his own pursuits, following a high school diploma immediately with a college education at SVSU provided him with the momentum needed to earn him a full-time job that fulfills him.

“If you really want to do something, take a chance on yourself and believe in yourself,” Finley said. “It’s a learning opportunity, whatever you go through.”

April 22, 2020

Retiring leader leaves SVSU program in strong position to support regional businesses challenged by pandemic

As its leadership changes hands, a Saginaw Valley State University entrepreneurship-supporting program will continue its momentum at a time when the business community needs it most, officials say.