Smeal Update: January 22, 2021
Introducing Ask the Dean
We share information about the college in our weekly Smeal Community Zoom sessions, but sometimes there isn’t time to discuss an issue fully. To address those topics, we’re introducing Ask the Dean. Send your questions to AskTheDean@smeal.psu.edu. We’ll do our best to provide answers in a video to be included in an upcoming Smeal Update.
Registration now open for Executive Insights
The next edition of Executive Insights, offered in collaboration with the Tarriff Center for Business Ethics and Social Responsibility, is planned for 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5. Our guest will be Walter C. Rakowich, the former CEO of Prologis. Walt currently serves as chairman of the Penn State Board of Trustees Audit and Risk Committee. He is also a member of the executive committee of Smeal’s Real Estate Advisory Board. Executive Insights will provide an opportunity to discuss lessons in Walt’s recently published book “Transfluence: How to Lead with Transformative Influence in Today’s Climates of Change.” The event is open to the public, but online registration is required.
Smeal in the News
Steiner research cited in The Economist
Research conducted by Eva Steiner, associate professor of real estate and King Family Early Career Professor, formed the basis of a story about returns on investment in property. A subscription is required to read the story online.
Procurement is missing in supply chain sustainability
Veronica Villena, assistant professor of supply chain and information systems, wrote a story for the Network for Business Sustainability based on research she conducted that revealed that supply chain sustainability efforts are leaving out the procurement function. Read the story.
Executive Insights: Former Prologis CEO Walt Rakowich to speak at Penn State Smeal leadership series
Walter C. Rakowich, the former CEO of Prologis, will discuss business and leadership with the Penn State Smeal College of Business on Feb. 5. His virtual discussion is part of Smeal’s Executive Insights series. Read the story.
Brian and Sherry Dreibelbis make estate commitment to Penn State
Penn State Smeal College of Business class of 1985 alumnus Brian Dreibelbis, the senior director of supply chain human resources and labor and employee relations for Land O’Lakes, and his wife, Sherry, recently made a $500,000 estate commitment to the University. Read the story.
Appraisal Foundation approves Penn State Smeal Master’s in Real Estate Analysis and Development
The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) Appraisal Qualification Board (AQB), which is authorized by Congress as the source of appraisal standards and appraiser qualifications, recently approved Smeal’s Master’s in Real Estate Analysis and Development. Read the story.
Gary Lilien featured in Q&A on MSI.org
Research conducted by Gary Lilien, ISBM director emeritus and distinguished research professor of management science, was the subject of a question-and-answer story about how a well-planned, well-executed marketing strategy helps early-stage B2B and late-stage B2C start-ups. Read the story.
Steve Tracey quoted in Philadelphia Inquirer story
Steve Tracey, executive director of the Center for Supply Chain Research®️ , professor of practice in supply chain management and executive director of Penn State Executive Programs, was quoted in a story about the lag in distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Read the story.
Terrance Guay cited in SputnikNews.com
Terrance Guay, clinical professor of international business, was quoted in a story about a post-Brexit trade agreement reached by the European Union and the United Kingdom. Read the story.
Do you know someone who rocks? Nominate them!
Each month the Smeal Staff Advisory Committee names a You Rock! Award recipient. The recipient for January is Mindy Fisher, administrative coordinator in the Office of Professional Graduate Programs. Congratulations! You can nominate a co-worker for the You Rock! Award online.
The Smeal Community Weekly Poll
The Staff Advisory Committee, in an effort to engage the Smeal community, is conducting a weekly poll. This week's survey matches your laundry habits to others in the Smeal Community. Click this link to participate. Results will be shared during next week's Smeal Community Zoom.
Questions from Faculty
Is there a phone number I can call if I have questions about COVID-related topics at Penn State?
Faculty, staff members, students, and families across all Penn State campuses can call the Penn State COVID-19 Response Center at 814-865-2121. The center’s hours of operation (all Eastern Time) are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Before calling, individuals are encouraged to view the University’s official coronavirus information website to see if their questions are answered there. The site includes links to Penn State COVID-19 resources, as well as a comprehensive list of COVID-19 FAQs for students and families, faculty and staff, and members of campus communities.