April 2025 Newsletter from the USF Muma College of Business

USF information systems researchers are among the top producers when it comes to publishing in the world’s 11 premier academic research journals for the discipline.

"What's on your business card doesn't define you or how you are as a leader," said Elodie Dorso, CEO of Evara Health. She was the featured guest at the April 3 Conversation with a CEO.

We are proud to announce the 2025 Muma College of Business 25 Under 25 Award honorees. They are a tremendous group of high achievers, strategic thinkers, and global scholars.

graphic showing U.S. News rankings for part-time MBA

USF's part-time MBA program moved up 15 spots and now sits inside the top 50, at No. 38 in the nation, according to the 2025 U.S. News Best Graduate Schools Rankings.

Employee cohorts have a powerful impact on retaining new employees, especially among Gen Z, according to a new study led by USF. The findings suggest insights to reduce employee turnover.

It's Tax Day! USF Accounting Professor Mike Sinclair explains why we need to file returns, how the April 15 deadline came to be and major myths and mistakes around taxes.

From classroom to kickoff: How USF's partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is boosting career readiness for students in the Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management program.

The next generation of craft brewers celebrated with a pint in one hand and a certificate of completion in the other. Two dozen students graduated from USF's Brewing Arts program.

The Return of the Dire Wolf: the de-extinction of the dire wolf isn't the only animal that Colossal Biosciences wants to bring back. Matt James, MBA '15, is the company's Chief Animal Officer.

USF joined Tampa's tech and innovation leaders at the 2025 Synapse Summit, with students, faculty and researchers leading panels, keynotes and startup showcases.

international business forum group photo

Some of the leading thinkers in technology, trade and key industries gathered at the USF International Business Forum to discuss the many ways artificial intelligence will shape the future.

Attend the AMP conference May 15 for keynote speakers, topical panel discussions, networking and more. Muma alumni and friends get 75% off through this link through May 1.

USF Outstanding Young Alumni recipients honored

On April 10, Ashley Washington Julmis, Finance '11, received the 2025 USF Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Julmis, a director for Google Workspace, is the youngest alumna of the Muma College of Business to fully fund a business scholarship independently. Read more.

USF Student Managed Investment Fund visit NYC

Members of the USF Student Managed Investment Fund traveled to New York City to attend Quinnipiac's Asset Management conference, visit alumni at the Scotiabank US headquarters, and connect with SMIF alumni who work on Wall Street.

Faculty Spotlights

Triparna de Vreede, assistant professor in the School of Information Systems and Management, was featured in a Business Insider story about using AI for self-appraisals and performance reviews.

Christine Taylor was appointed director of outreach for the Monica Wooden Center for Supply Chain Management & Sustainability.

Luke Richardson, associate professor of instruction at the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, spoke to Bay News 9 about filing taxes and deducting hurricane losses.

Seckin Ozkul, director of the USF Supply Chain Innovation Lab, was quoted in a Tampa Bay Times story about tariffs.

Kerry Myers, associate professor of instruction in the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, contributed an article in Wallet Hub about automobile insurance risks.

Brooke Hansen, associate professor of instruction in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, was quoted in a FOX-13 news story about Florida beaches being named on the most dangerous beaches list.

View more faculty notes

Alumni Updates

Jesus Vidaurri Jr. ('12, BS, Business Management) founded a talent and HR consulting firm advising technology startups and small businesses.

Robyn Cooper (‘98, BS, Information Systems and Decision Sciences) is vice president for Global People & Culture at OZ.

Alexis Drees (‘17, BS, International Business/Finance) is a customer success manager at Tellius. She is a former Muma College of Business 25 Under 25 honoree.

Kalen Hess (’16, Accounting) is a manager for business transformation and data analytics at CFGI. She is a former Muma College of Business 25 Under 25 honoree.

Peter Kivuva (‘18, BS, Finance) is a senior product manager of systems and infrastructure at American Express. He is a former Muma College of Business 25 Under 25 honoree.

Cisco Malpartida Smith (‘17, EMBA, Business Administration and Management) is a managing director for strategic advisory services at SRM.

View more alumni notes

In Other News

From college athlete to CEO of Cirkul, Garrett Waggoner shared his entrepreneurial journey at the April 7 Conversation with a Founder event.

Over 250 people attended the hour-long discussion led by Allen Clary, executive director at the USF Nault Center for Entrepreneurship.

Waggoner, who co-founded the customized water bottle system, discussed how he built the business by turning a simple idea into a billion-dollar valued brand revolutionizing hydration.

Upcoming Calendar

• May 6. Noon-1 p.m. DBA Info Session. Hosted online. Register.

• May 8-11. Spring Commencement. Yuengling Center, Tampa campus. Full schedule.

• May 15. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. AMP Conference. Muma College of Business, Tampa campus. Register.

• May 22. USF Accounting Circle CPE Conference. Marshall Student Center, Tampa campus. Register.

• May 26. Memorial Day. No classes and USF offices closed.

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