April 2026

Vol. X Issue 8

Dean's Message

We are excited to share a snapshot of connection and impact at the Rohrer College of Business. Through our rapidly growing VITA program, student volunteers help individuals navigate tax preparation with confidence. That same spirit of connection drives our entrepreneurship initiatives, where collaboration and mentorship are turning ideas into real opportunities. It was also on display at a recent cultural celebration, including the construction of a traditional yurt inside Business Hall. The yurt was up for a week, sparking learning and engagement. Finally, we highlight faculty research that helps people navigate online environments more safely. Wishing you all the best in the weeks ahead.

Warm regards,

Matt Sarkees, Ph.D.

Dean, Rohrer College of Business

Filing with Purpose: How Rob Sagedy and RCB Students Are Making Tax Season Count

For more than 50 years, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has provided free tax preparation services to community members who may need extra support— including individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited English proficiency. At the Rohrer College of Business, this mission is led by faculty member Rob Sagedy, whose work continues to expand the program’s reach and impact.

Rowan’s VITA site is the only location within a 25-mile radius promoted on the IRS website, making it a trusted local resource. This year, the program completed more than 300 tax returns, a 67% increase from the last two years.

That growth is driven by strong student involvement and preparation. 30 to 35 students participated this year, up by 10 from last year, representing both accounting and finance majors. To prepare them, Sagedy led 18–20 hours of training over winter break, ensuring each student was certified and ready to assist clients with confidence.



Through VITA, students gain hands-on experience while providing a meaningful service—helping community members navigate the tax process with clarity and care. Under Sagedy’s leadership, the program continues to reflect the College’s commitment to experiential learning and community impact.

Aidana Rahmanova, Vice President of the Kyrgyz Students Association (KSA), President Ali Houshmand, Dr. Berrin Guner, and Begimai Azizova, Public Relations for the KSA

From Kyrgyzstan to Campus: A Landmark Nooruz Celebration takes place at RCB

Under a clear spring sky, Business Hall was transformed into a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and tradition as more than 100 students from Kyrgyzstan brought Nooruz to life.

In a historic first for the University, students erected a traditional yurt, a felt-covered, portable dwelling that has served as the heart of nomadic life in Kyrgyzstan for centuries. The structure stood not only as a striking visual centerpiece but also as a symbol of heritage, resilience, and identity.

The event drew nearly 200 attendees, including students, faculty, and guests from Drexel University, Temple University, and Lehigh University, reflecting a shared enthusiasm for cultural exchange. Ali Houshmand joined the celebration, alongside Meder Utebaev, PR representative of the Kyrgyz Mission to the United Nations, underscoring the significance of the moment.

Organized by the Kyrgyz Student Association, the event marked months of dedication and collaboration. From traditional elements to a welcoming atmosphere of learning and connection, Nooruz at Rowan was more than a celebration—it was a milestone. For many students, it represented a powerful “full circle” moment, bringing a piece of home to campus while inviting the broader community to experience the richness of Kyrgyz culture.

Karen Holloway, host of the Rowan On Podcast and Jessica Vattima, Director of the Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Innovation Starts Here: Rethinking What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is often associated with launching startups, but the mindset behind it can be applied in nearly any career. In a recent episode of Rowan University’s Rowan On Podcast series, host Karen Holloway interviewed Jessica Vattima, director of Rowan’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RCIE), to discuss how entrepreneurial thinking helps students create impact in business and beyond.

During the conversation, Vattima explained that entrepreneurship is ultimately about identifying problems and building solutions that make things better. Whether students want to start their own companies or innovate within existing organizations, developing an entrepreneurial mindset equips them with the tools to think creatively, take initiative, and drive meaningful change.

The discussion also explored the concept of intrapreneurship, the idea that employees can act like entrepreneurs within established companies. By applying entrepreneurial skills such as experimentation, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, individuals can help organizations evolve, adapt, and remain competitive.

Vattima highlighted how Rowan supports students interested in innovation through programs, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities offered by the RCIE. These initiatives help students move from ideas to action, encouraging them to test concepts, collaborate with peers, and develop solutions that address real-world challenges.

Ultimately, the episode underscores an important message for students across all majors: entrepreneurial thinking isn’t limited to starting a business. It’s a mindset that empowers individuals to recognize opportunities, create value, and make a lasting impact in their communities and careers.

Do Hashtags Make Information More Trustworthy?

Hashtags are everywhere on social media, helping users organize content and join larger conversations. But do they also influence how trustworthy a post appears? A recent study by Dr. Shuang Wu and her co-authors explores how hashtags affect perceptions of credibility on Instagram.

The research examines how people rely on simple cues, known as technological heuristics, when deciding whether information online is reliable. In fast-moving social media environments, users often make quick judgments without deeply evaluating the content itself.

Dr. Wu’s study finds that hashtags can act as a signal that influences how credible a source seems. Because hashtags are commonly used by influencers, brands, and organizations, their presence can shape how users interpret and evaluate posts.

These findings highlight how small design features of social media platforms can have a meaningful impact on how information spreads and how people judge its reliability. As social media continues to play a major role in communication, understanding these digital cues can help users become more aware of how their perceptions are shaped online.

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