oneColumn
2024 Spring Newsletter
UNF Coggin College Updates - Spring 2024
UNF Coggin College of Business named among top MBA programs for business schools.
Truist career readiness event held on UNF campus.
Schwab Scholarship awarded to Coggin College student.
Shapiro scholarship given for first time in Fall 2023.
Blackstone LaunchPad gains momentum
SBDC rebrands business procurement wing
Department of Economics and Geography sees key course development
International Business gains table talk
Coggin College student featured in Study Abroad program
Alumni Spotlight
Faculty Spotlight
Coggin College listed as Tier One business school by CEO Magazine global rankings
The UNF Coggin College of Business has been named among the most elite business educational institutions in the world offering MBA programs, according to CEO Magazine’s annual global rankings.
Coggin College was not only listed among the “Tier One” business institutions, but there was a double honor for the UNF school. CEO Magazine listed both the MBA and Global MBA Coggin College programs as “Tier One” in the business school ranking released in March.
Coggin College of Business Dean Dr. Richard Buttimer said the double honor is impressive.
“The fact that two Coggin College graduate programs were named in this list is a testament to our level of excellence. It’s a rare honor and one which we think is a valued achievement. It’s public recognition of the high standards we foster,” Dr. Buttimer said.
CEO Magazine said the ranking list is designed to be a guide for potential students who are trying to decide which business institution they should enroll.
“Using a ranking system entirely geared and weighted to fact-based criteria, CEO Magazine aims to cut through the noise and provide potential students with a performance benchmark for those schools under review,” CEO Magazine editors said.
Truist career readiness event held on UNF campus
The Coggin College of Business hosted Truist Market President Will Landreth on March 11 for a Career Readiness event for UNF students.
The event was held at the University Center and focused on getting students ready to enter the workforce by providing insights into developing a career in business. Students heard from Landreth during a fireside chat as he recounted his journey and provided advice on navigating the professional world after graduation. The event was one of the many student success initiatives planned after a generous gift given to the Coggin College of Business from the Truist Foundation.
The Truist Charitable Fund committed $100,000 to the UNF Foundation to help the UNF Coggin College of Business provide more support for business students in the beginning of their college careers. The funding will support career readiness activities and prepare students to become productive and employable professionals, such as the event hosted by Coggin on the UNF campus on March 11.
Another benefit of the funding will go toward establishing a set of professional development seminars for the students. The seminars will focus on “soft skills” development. Topics to be covered in the seminars will include interviewing skills as well as professional etiquette.
Landreth said the grant is perfectly matched with the UNF Foundation and the mission of Coggin College.
“Coggin College has established itself as one of the leading business education institutions in Northeast Florida, providing real and tangible impact for students,” Landreth said. “Our purpose at Truist is to inspire and build better lives and communities, and that's exactly what Coggin College is doing.”
The funding will be used throughout 2024 and beyond.
“This is an incredible act of generosity from Truist and it will have immediate impact and practical application for our students entering our college,” said Dr. Richard Buttimer, dean of the Coggin College of Business.
“We’re always looking forward and aiming to give our students the soundest education beyond theoretical study. Our priority is to provide immediate career readiness so our students are prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation. We are also grateful for Truist’s kindness that will provide emergency assistance funding for students who find themselves facing crises during their years at UNF,” Buttimer said.
Some students attending the Truist career readiness event held at UNF CampusSchwab Scholarship awarded to Coggin College student
The Charles Schwab Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) Talent Advantage Scholarship was awarded to UNF Coggin College of Business student Ansley Nicolaus.
The scholarship award worth $10,000 featured intense competition from multiple students from different
universities who are seeking to enter the RIA industry. Nicolaus is working on a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at the Coggin College of Business.
The scholarship will support her educational and professional journey, furthering her potential as a future leader in the financial planning industry. Schwab Advisor Services in partnership with Charles Schwab Foundation created the RIA Talent Advantage Student Scholarship to help remove financial barriers, advocate for diversity, and open doors for future talent within the independent Registered Investment Advisor industry.
Shapiro scholarship awarded for first time in Fall 2023
In Fall, the UNF Coggin College of Business celebrated the very first Steven Shapiro Scholarship. Shapiro is an emeritus economics faculty member from the Department of Economics and Geography.
The scholarship was endowed in his honor in 2023 by former student Dr. Edward Graham and his wife Lee who wished to acknowledge the life-long impact of Shapiro’s teaching and mentorship had on their lives.
The scholarship is intended for students in economics that exhibit outstanding academic performance.
Graham chose to name the endowment after Shapiro in recognition of his guidance, mentorship and caring he showed him during his studies at the University of North Florida. He said Shapiro helped lead him to his current faculty position with the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Shapiro, who was part of the original founding of UNF and the original business school in 1972, said he was honored by the endowment in his name.
Blackstone LaunchPad gains momentum
From left, Martin Luytjes and Diane Denslow, Co-directors of Blackstone LaunchPad
The Blackstone Launchpad, having opened in the Fall of 2023, has taken great strides in engaging students across the UNF campus through venture development and career readiness programming.
The Blackstone LaunchPad was developed after a generous donation from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation. An office was established in the Coggin College of Business building. The services are designed to help all students on campus seeking help in entrepreneurship.
Spring 2024 has seen continued growth, adding internship opportunities, Innovation Skills Badging, and additional programs such as Personal Branding to help students prepare for their post-UNF endeavors. New "Innovation Sprints" are being planned with collaboration of different departments across the UNF campus.
To learn more visit Blackstone LaunchPad
SBDC rebrands business procurement wing
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UNF is thrilled to unveil the latest initiative under its umbrella: the Florida APEX Accelerator. Formerly known as the Florida PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center), this rebranded entity aims to revolutionize the landscape for Florida-based businesses interested in pursuing federal, state, and local government contracting opportunities.
In the grand scheme of economic growth, APEX Accelerators, established by the U.S. Congress in 1986, play a pivotal role in bolstering the capabilities of businesses to engage in a diverse array of opportunities that fortify America’s industrial foundation. The program's emphasis lies in fostering robust, sustainable, and resilient U.S. supply chains, catering to a myriad of businesses venturing into contracts with the Department of Defense, various federal agencies, state and local governments, and prime government contractors.
Debbie Magyar, Regional Director of UNF’s SBDC, emphasized the significance of this endeavor, said, "The APEX Accelerators program is instrumental for empowering small businesses to thrive in the government contracting sphere.”
Seasoned government contracting consultants stand ready to assist Florida’s small business community in navigating the intricacies of bidding and executing government contracts. These consultants are eager to streamline the process of selling to the government, rendering it less daunting and more lucrative, all at no cost to the small business.
The rebranding was commemorated with a vibrant kick-off networking reception on March 28 at the Adam W. Herbert University Center on UNF's campus. Furthermore, the APEX Accelerator at UNF will soon establish a presence at the Barnett Building in downtown Jacksonville, facilitating consulting appointments and hosting training events later in the year.
To schedule an appointment with an APEX Consultant: Book Appointment.
Department of Economics and Geography sees key course development
During the Fall 2023 semester Dr. Madeline Zavodny taught a “Special Topics” course in Economics of Immigration within the Department of Economics and Geography. Dr. Zavodny is widely acknowledged as an expert in this area, and her research has been cited in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Economist, among other outlets.
This course is an example of Coggin College students engaging at a high level with timely and important policy issues. Immigration is a hot-button issue that involves many misconceptions, which the students can now debunk.
The eight students in the seminar spent the semester learning about who migrates and why, the economic effects of immigration, and the structure of immigration policy in the U.S. and around the world.
The course culminated with students presenting a summary of immigration policy in another country. This led to robust discussions about how and why those other countries differ from the U.S. and from each other.
International Business gains table talk
The International Business Program hosted the first International Business Table Talk networking event for undergraduate students on March 6, at the UNF Student Union.
Sponsored by VyStar Credit Union, IB Table Talk was an intimate, structured speed networking event between Coggin College of Business students interested in internationally focused careers and Northeast Florida professionals in the field.
Students and professionals participated in a series of five 10-minute group networking sessions focusing on specific topics, and then spent the last half hour networking informally at a casual reception with refreshments.
Some of the participants in the Table TalkCoggin College student featured in Study Abroad program
Traveling to other countries and immersing oneself in different cultures is a great way to gain knowledge and learn about the world.
University of North Florida Coggin College of Business student Damien Jackson had the opportunity to experience this first hand as national Gilman Scholarship recipients. Jackson received the scholarship for the October 2023 application cycle, allowing him to study abroad.
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program gives students from around the country opportunities to study abroad. Its mission is to develop a generation of future American leaders who represent the rich diversity of the nation. According to its website, the much sought after Gilman Scholarship is quite competitive, with only 1 in 4 applicants being selected each year for the scholarship.
An honors student, Jackson is a junior majoring in financial planning at the Coggin College of Business. During spring break, the Jacksonville native and first-generation college student attended the European Business School in Paris (EBS Paris) with Coggin College of Business faculty and students to learn about various subjects from corporate payouts to fintech innovations. Jackson hopes to become a financial planner to help those with limited resources gain financial knowledge.
“It’s a huge opportunity to learn and to use this experience to help myself, my family and future generations,” said Jackson. “Having a scholarship like the Gilman helps immensely.”
Alumni Profile features Chris Kalin, PNC Bank executive
Name: Chris Kalin Company/Organization: PNC Bank
Position/Title: Regional President
Year graduated: 2008
Degree: Finance
What’s your best memory about the Coggin College of Business?
Some of my best memories about Coggin have come post-graduation. It’s been immensely rewarding to watch the students I’ve had the opportunity to mentor secure their first full-time jobs and follow their journeys as they progress in their career. I recall the self-doubt I felt in early 2008 as I neared graduation and did not have a full-time employment offer. I also recall the joy I felt on May 1, 2008, when I received a full-time offer, just one day before graduation. As I connect with students and see them thrive, I’m reminded of those emotions. Reflecting on that chapter in my life keeps me humble and hungry.
Did you have a favorite professor and, if so, who were they and why?
There are far too many professors to thank from my time at UNF. However, there are two that stand out given their investment in me went beyond a semester.
Dr. Oliver Schnusenberg was still relatively new to UNF when I took (the course) FIN3403 – Financial Management. I had recently switched from being a Criminal Justice major, and the advisor at UNF said I would either be all in on finance, or look to go a different route, based on this class. I was hooked, I knew nothing about the field before this class, and Dr. S. opened my eyes to the world of finance.
After his class, I knew this was the direction I wanted to pursue. This started a multi-year period of learning from Dr. S. During my junior year, I had to select a professor to serve as the Academic Advisor for my honors thesis. Dr. S. agreed to serve in this capacity, and thus began an 18-month journey of research and analysis where we spent countless hours working together. This ultimately resulted in a publication titled “Students and Retirement Savings Predictors,” and the opportunity to present as a student at an academic conference, along with a formal publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Dr. Reiny Lamb also invested a considerable amount of time into my journey at Coggin College. Despite limited knowledge, I somehow convinced him that I was interested in finance and would be willing to put in the work to build my knowledge so that he would select me to join the Osprey Financial Group. Each year, this group of ten students is selected by Dr. Lamb and manages a portion of UNF’s endowment. This is not just an educational exercise; this group actively manages the investment portfolio and is held accountable by the board for performance at the end of the year.
What was the hardest thing or challenge during your time at the Coggin College of Business?
The greatest challenge at Coggin College was balancing multiple commitments while working to ensure each was delivered with excellence. Between a full class load, working 25-30 hours per week off campus, writing an Honors Thesis, Osprey Financial Group, community volunteerism, and serving in leadership roles in several on-campus organizations, the schedule was always full.
What piece of advice would you give to a freshman entering the Coggin College of Business?
Don’t wait to get involved and do more than just show up for class. Four years may seem like a long time, but I promise it will fly by, and you will soon look back on this chapter as just a brief moment in your journey. Use this time to be a sponge and expose yourself to as many things as you can, especially things that stretch you beyond where you are comfortable, because that’s where growth happens.
Sometimes you will succeed, and other times you will fail, either way you will learn and grow. Be willing to fail, fail forward, and your future self will thank you for being bold rather than taking the safe and easy path.
Describe how your time at the Coggin College of Business still impacts your life and career today?
My time at UNF was a grind because of the many commitments I had made, but it taught me that anything is possible for those willing to put in the work. I did not grow up with family or friends working in business, so for me, there was no easy path to my career. Like most students at Coggin who don’t come in with a leg up, I had to out hustle my peers to stand out.
Tell us about you as a person:
I grew up in Jacksonville, my father served in the military, and he spent most of his career here. My mother worked at home, raising me and my two siblings, shuttling us around town and working overtime when dad was deployed.
After UNF, I married my best friend, who is also from North Florida. A year after we were married, my wife and I had the opportunity to move around the country, working in Los Angeles and Chicago for four years. After finishing business school at the University of Chicago, we returned to Jacksonville to start our family. We now have three kids and couldn’t be prouder to be raising them in North Florida.
I currently serve as the Regional President for PNC Bank in North Florida. In this role, I’ve been given the opportunity to lead our 800 team members across all lines of business in this region. It has been my life’s greatest professional honor to serve in this capacity and to play a role in our growth in my hometown.
What is your favorite hobby and why?
My favorite hobby is golf. This hobby has been largely sidelined while my wife and I raise our three kids, but I play corporate and weekday golf, and enjoy the game because of the relationships it has helped build and strengthen in my life.
What was the last film you saw in a movie theater?
I’m not sure, I honestly can’t recall the last movie I saw in a theater it’s been so long. The last one that comes to mind is Titanic…1997!
Who is your favorite band or musical artist and why?
I don’t have a favorite band but enjoy experiencing any type of music live. I didn’t grow up going to concerts. But as an adult, I’ve had the opportunity to see many live performances.
What is your favorite color?
Teal…Go Jags!
How do you relax?
Traveling with my family is the best way to relax. The opportunity to create memories and expose our kids to other parts of the country brings me great joy. No matter how far we travel, we still enjoy coming back to North Florida. This is an incredible region of the country, and we feel lucky every day that we get to call this home.
Three Coggin College profs have status elevated
A trio of UNF Coggin College faculty members received elevated status recently. All three were honored as endowed professors.
The three Coggin College of Business faculty members named for the status recognition include:
Dr. Rachel Frieder was named as a Coggin College Endowed Professor. Dr. Frieder is an assistant professor of management and her areas of expertise include business administration, leadership, management, quantitative methods and small business work habits along with other concentrations.Dr. Madeline Zavodny was named as a Donna L. Gibbs Endowed Professor and First Coast Systems Professor of Business. Dr. Zavodny researches economic issues related to immigration. Her findings have been published in many journals ranging from the Journal of Labor Economics, Industrial and Labor Relations Review and the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management and Demography among others.
Dr. David Bryan was named as a KIP Accounting Professor. Dr. Bryan is an associate professor of accounting & finance. His areas of expertise include archival auditing and managerial accounting. Dr. Bryan has had about a dozen research studies published in various journals.