Capital University School of Management and Leadership

As summer comes to a close, we reflect on the internship experiences of a few SOML students. These students have tackled challenges, embraced new opportunities, and gained invaluable experience during their internships. Here’s to the lessons learned and their bright futures ahead! —— We want to highlight your success stories! DM us or email [email protected] to be featured!

Happy Why Cap Wednesday! This will be our last feature of the semester. Meet Raymie Shields, a fourth-year business management major who is involved in Phi Sigma Sigma, Delta Sigma Pi, and works for the School of Management and Leadership. “I chose Capital because from the moment I stepped on campus it felt like home. The warmth of the campus environment was so welcoming and I could not see myself going anywhere else! I have had the honor of creating the social media pages for the School of Management and Leadership and managing them for the past few years. I am going to miss this place! Thank you Capital and the SOML for all the amazing opportunities I have had here!” Thank you, Raymie! Congratulations to the class of 2024!

Wednesday, April 17th was busy for the School of Management and Leadership! We had the honor of throwing a surprise retirement party for accounting professor Steve Mellum. He is also one of only a handful of professors to achieve emeritus status. Mellum is finishing up his 33rd year of teaching at Capital and he also completed his undergrad here obtaining his BA in Accounting. He chose to teach at Capital because it is his alma mater, and he had such a wonderful experience at Capital as a student and wanted to come back to teach. “I have enjoyed working with students from their sophomore year to their senior year. Being able to participate in students' academic and professional growth has been extremely rewarding over the years. During my time at Capital, I have taught a variety of accounting courses, served as department chair, interim dean of the business school, various department and university committees, and directed the accounting internship program.” Mellum will be thoroughly missed!

We also had the privilege of hosting the Tau Pi Phi Induction and Awards Ceremony. Tau Pi Phi inducts the students with the top 10 GPAs within the SOML. We had the honor to induct Jenny Antonios, Maya Dittmer, Maddie Farina, Jack Francisco, Ashley Greenwood, Logen Heichel, Daniel Hiser, Julia Patterson, Ben Satterthwaite, and Katelyn Wilhelm. The Tau Pi Phi Award was given to Laura Wolfe, the Watson Accounting Award to Logan Heichel, the Hoversten Award to Dario Scott, and the Dassel to Ashley Greenwood. We could not be prouder of these students and cannot wait to see what they accomplish in the future! Congratulations!

On Friday, April 12th, The School of Management and Leadership at Capital University hosted the first ever Comet Sales Challenge! This event brought together 25 talented student competitors from local high schools for a 3-round elimination-style role play competition, showcasing their skills in selling products from our esteemed sponsor, AT&T. In addition to the main competition, students also participated in a 90-second speed selling pitch sponsored by HUB International.

This event was further enhanced by the presence of volunteers from various companies who served as judges, offering invaluable industry feedback to all competitors. At the end of the day, competitors had the opportunity to network with additional companies offering open internships to current students and the volunteers. This was a fantastic chance for students to build connections and explore future career opportunities.

We are so proud of everyone who participated in this amazing event and are already looking forward to hosting it again next year! Thank you to all our sponsors, judges, and volunteers who made this event possible. The future of sales looks bright!

Happy Why Cap Wednesday! Meet Dylan Stephens! Dylan is a first-year Business Management major and Finance minor. He is involved in the pickleball club and is a mentor for the Comet Sales Challenge. "I love the small environment and how close-knit the campus is. All the professors are very nice and go above and beyond for their students and look to get involved with the students outside of the classroom. The classes are smaller to ensure that the one-on-one time you get with your professor is available and you can easily be involved. Everyone on campus is very nice and willing to be your next friend and have a great time. Capital is very close to downtown so whatever you want to go and do, it’s less than a 20-minute drive. The connections that Capital University has and that the professors have can ensure that you will find success within your time at Capital and more importantly your time after you graduate. The professors are actively looking to improve themselves, the courses, and the university as a whole and provide many opportunities for their students to get involved, like my sales professor Rachel Jacobs who sends students to sales competitions to not only practice our sales skills and meet potential employers but to just make our time at Capital such a better time." Thanks, Dylan! If you would like to be featured in Why Cap Wednesday send us a DM or email us at [email protected]

Over the weekend of March 22-24 two competitors, third-years Dario Scott and Michelle Fermin along with professor Steve Mellum headed to Pittsburg to compete in the Tau Pi Phi Case Competition. The Tau Pi Phi Business Case Competition encompassed various elements like public speaking, financial data analysis, and external learning, which all required thorough preparation. "I firmly believe that Dario and I possess all these skills which contributed to our success in the competition," said Fermin. Great job guys! Way to represent Capital well!

Join us on April 2 for two guest speakers, Chris Choler and Kyle McNamara to learn about careers and internship opportunities, investing, and more! These speakers are a part of the BUS 421: Investments class. It will take place in Ruff LC 02 from 1-2:30pm. We hope to see you there!

Capital University Day of Giving Join me during Capital University's Day of Giving and make your gift!

Happy Why Cap Wednesday! This week we are featuring third-year Laura Wolfe! Laura is involved in Delta Sigma Pi as the Vice President of Operations, Phi Sigma Sigma, is an SI for CHEM 150, and is a Peer Tutor for BUS 221. "I chose Capital due to its small class sizes and ability to get involved with both professional and extracurricular activities!" Thanks, Laura! If you would like to be featured in Why Cap Wednesday please send us a DM or email us at [email protected]

Meet Dr. Keirsten Moore! Dr. Moore is an Associate Provost at Capital and professor in the School of Management and Leadership (SOML). She received her Bachelor of Science in Business from Miami University, and her master’s and Ph.D. in organizational behavior and human resource management from the Ohio State University. Most recently, Dr. Moore has enjoyed teaching the first-year seminar on leadership and student success for students pursuing majors in the SOML. When she is not working as an administrator, Keirsten teaches the leadership and management courses in both the undergraduate and MBA programs. She also serves as the advisor for Capital’s national professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi. Dr. Moore decided to pursue a career at Capital because she has fantastic colleagues and inspiring students. Keirsten says she is “consistently impressed by the tireless work of my colleagues in support of students, and by the remarkable accomplishments of our students who embrace the many opportunities that can be part of a Capital experience. Many alumni are now my professional contacts, and I love seeing what they are achieving in their careers.

Today is the last day to register for the Comet Sales Challenge taking place at Capital on April 12th. To see additional information and to register visit soml.capital.edu

Happy Why Cap Wednesday! This week we are featuring David Bui! David is a second-year marketing major with an entrepreneurship minor. He is involved in Delta Sigma Pi, Asian American Alliance, and Cabaret Theater! "I chose Capital University because one of my friends goes here and he talked about how much he liked it. After I went on a campus tour, I just knew that Capital was the right school for me, especially knowing how easy it is to get involved on campus!" Thanks, David! If you would like to be featured in Why Cap Wednesday send us a DM or email us at [email protected].

Please join us in the BUS 421 Investments class on Thursday 2/29 in the Ruff Learning Center room 02 at 1:00pm for our guest speakers Nolan Gladieux and Ryan Garland. Both are esteemed alumni of Capital University, having graduated with degrees in Financial Economics. They will share insights into careers in investments and wealth management, discuss the current investment landscape, and offer valuable ETF tips and suggestions for the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF). The session will take place at 1:00 PM. If you're interested in attending, please confirm your attendance by emailing [email protected].

This month we are highlighting Dr. Suleman Abdiah! Dr. Suleman Abdiah is an Assistant Professor of Finance & Economics. Dr. Abdiah received his Ph.D. in Economics as a Fulbright Scholar and MBA with an emphasis on finance from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. At Capital University, he teaches Financial Institutions, Markets and Risk, Finance, Intermediate Macroeconomics & Money, and Principles of Macroeconomics. Before joining Capital University, he taught various finance and economics courses at Wartburg College (Waverly, Iowa) for four years. Dr. Abdiah was attracted to Capital University due to its reputation for student-teacher engagement, outstanding faculty, and competitive programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. He enjoys interacting with students in and outside the classroom, attending basketball, soccer, football games, and international student events. Dr. Abdiah enjoys learning about different cultures while sharing his Pakistani heritage. Besides teaching, Dr. Abdiah likes to engage in physical activities such as playing pickleball and working out. He also enjoys cooking, coaching his son's basketball and soccer teams, and serving at his local church.

Happy Why Cap Wednesday! This week we are featuring second-year Nick Smith! Nick is a finance major with an accounting minor. He is the VP of Alumni Relations for Delta Sigma Pi, he is a member of the Student Managed Investment Fund, and he is a peer tutor! " I chose Capital for several reasons. First, both my brother and my dad have graduated from here; so, I wanted to keep the family tradition going. Additionally, I loved the smaller class sizes and the ability to feel heard by my professors. Finally, the Main Street Scholarship sealed the deal. Now, two years in, I am very happy with my decision." Thanks, Nick! If you would like to be featured in Why Cap Wednesday you can send us a DM or email us! [email protected]

Join us tomorrow 2/7 at 3:30 pm on Zoom for an informational session about the Comet Sales Challenge. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the challenge and to ask any questions you might have! Here is the Zoom link to join: https://capital.zoom.us/j/94026849317

The School of Management and Leadership is proud to announce the new annual Comet Sales Challenge. This challenge is exclusively for high school and community college students in Columbus, Ohio. We are currently seeking competitors, volunteers, and sponsors. On April 12th we will also be hosting a networking event that is open to all competitors and current Capital students to meet local businesses that may be hiring for internships or full-time jobs. If you are a business wanting to participate in the networking event or want to help sponsor the event please contact [email protected]. To register as a competitor or volunteer and to find out more information about the Comet Sales Challenge visit soml.capital.edu.

Now, more than ever, employers are seeking individuals with excellent communication, persuasion, and relationship-building skills. Professional Sales isn't just about selling products; it's about asking questions, building trust, and understanding your buyer so that you can provide the best solution for their needs. These skills are invaluable in any career path you choose. This spring, we are officially offering a course in professional selling (BUS-393-01). In this class, you will be able to:

Develop Interpersonal Skills: We will cover how to build rapport, how to ask the “right” questions, closing techniques, how to deal with objections/barriers, and general communication skills in 1-on-1 consultative sales scenarios.
Gain Hands-on Experience: Put theory into practice through interactive simulations, role-playing exercises, and real-world case studies.
Find Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals in the field, guest speakers, and fellow students.
The Capital University School of Management & Leadership will also be hosting the Comet Sales Challenge in Spring 2024. Students in this class will also help with the ex*****on of this event.

If a class like this is outside of your comfort zone, take it. Remember, growth often happens outside your comfort zone. This class provides an excellent opportunity for you to challenge yourself, develop resilience, and cultivate skills that will serve you well in any endeavor.

Feel free to register for BUS-393-01 Intro to Professional Selling (2 credit hrs) on Tuesdays from 11:00am – 12:40PM in Spring 2024! There are no prerequisites and students of any major are welcome to register.

Happy Why Cap Wednesday! This week we are featuring second-year Ricky Everhart! Ricky is a Business Management Major and is double minoring in Spanish and Art. Ricky is the Vice President of Pledge Education for Delta Sigma Pi and is from Whitehall, Ohio! "I chose Capital because it was close to home but also for the tight-knit community of a small school, which I was looking for the most when choosing a college to attend. The reputation that the School of Management and Leadership has in forming successful business students also drew me to Capital. Truly stepping on campus for the first time it felt like home to me, and continues to do so today." Thanks, Ricky! If you would like to be featured in Why Cap Wednesday feel free to send us a message or email us at [email protected]

Over the weekend three of our students competed in the Ohio Collegiate Sales Competition at Cleveland State University. Leah LaMont, Joe Trogdon, and Dylan Stephens have been practicing for this competition since the beginning of the semester. Their hard work definitely paid off as Joe advanced to round two and Leah won first place out of over 30 contenders. Thank you to Rachel Jacobs for being such a wonderful coach and giving these students the skills that they needed to win. Shoutout to Raymie Shields for going on this trip to help capture the experience. Great work everyone! Thank you for representing the School of Management and Leadership so well!

Our academics day is approaching fast! If you are interested in a major within The School of Management and Leadership at Capital University please join us on Friday, November 17th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. This visit will feature a live class visit, an interactive session with faculty, a Q&A with current SOML students, a campus and department tour, and lunch with current students and faculty! If you have any questions feel free to email us at [email protected]! Don't forget to register using the link below. https://apply.capital.edu/register/AcademicsDay23

Are you interested in taking a trip to Italy? If so, please come to an informational session on October 27th, October 30th, or November 2nd! If you have any questions please email [email protected]

Happy Why Cap Wednesday everyone! This week we are featuring first-year Addison Streer! Addison is a double major in Accounting and Marketing. She is involved in Pi Phi Epsilon and Delta Sigma Pi. She is originally from Millersburg, Ohio! “I chose capital because of the small class sizes and the location being so close to the heart of Columbus.” Thanks, Addison! If you would like to be featured in Why Cap Wednesday send us a DM or email us at [email protected]

Capital University’s Student Accounting Association is hosting its first event to kick off its status as an active organization again here on campus. This Wednesday (10/18) at 4:00pm in Learning Center 202, Jeff Thiele and Tyler Schleich (both members of the University Board of Trustees) will be hosting a panel discussion with students. Both are Capital University Alumni with several years of experience at Ernst & Young. Jeff Thiele is a former partner of the Buffalo, New York branch, and Tyler Schleich is currently working as a Tax Business Development Leader in the US – Central Region. This panel will serve as an open forum for students to learn about the accounting profession, potential careers, and advice for current students.

If you are interested in the world of finance and investing then you should join us at the kick-off meeting of the Student Managed Investment Fund! The meeting will take place on Thursday, November 9th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at the Alumni House! We look forward to seeing you there!

Here is a newsletter recapping what has been happening within the School of Management and Leadership this semester! We can't wait for what is to come after fall break!

Happy Why Cap Wednesday! This week we are featuring second-year Kristina Schilt! Kristina is a Marketing major with a Computer Science minor and is involved in Delta Sigma Pi! "I chose Capital because I loved the campus life and all of the opportunities to get involved. The smaller campus allows for closer relationships with friends and professors. Here at Capital, I have an amazing support system with everything from academics to career development." Thanks, Kristina! If you would like to be featured in Why Cap Wednesday you can send us a DM or email us [email protected]

Over the summer The School of Management and Leadership gained some amazing new faculty, Justin Breidenbach being one of them! Professor Breidenbach received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Accounting, and Master of Accountancy (M.Acc) from Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, Ohio). He is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). Professor Breidenbach serves as the Assistant Professor of Accounting in the School of Management and Leadership at Capital University. He currently instructs courses on Financial Accounting, Auditing, Advanced Accounting, and Managerial Accounting. Before joining the faculty at Capital, he served as a professor at Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware, Ohio) and Lake Erie College (Painesville, Ohio). Additionally, Professor Breidenbach owns and operates a small accounting firm in which he provides accounting and tax services to individuals and businesses in the industries of manufacturing, distribution, service, not-for-profit, and medical & adult-use cannabis. Professor Breidenbach chose to teach at Capital because of its strong reputation for undergraduate and graduate business programs. Professor Breidenbach enjoys working with students inside and outside of the classroom to help students “connect the dots”. Professor Breidenbach loves to find unique experiences and travel-learning opportunities to help students bridge their individual passions with their majors. “Capital drew me in as a university that supports its students, faculty, and the local community through traditional and entrepreneurial ways, and I am excited to be part of the Cap-Fam!” Besides “crunching numbers” with students and for clients, Professor Breidenbach is an avid golfer, enjoys traveling, and loves to make memories with his family and friends by participating in all the fun events that the central Ohio community has to offer. Welcome to Capital Professor Breidenbach!

Happy Why Cap Wednesday! This week we are featuring second-year Maddie Dyer. Maddie is a Marketing major and a Public Relations minor. She is involved in Delta Sigma Pi and Student Government! "I chose Capital because I love the family atmosphere. Capital provides amazing opportunities because of its size and location. From my relationship with my classmates and my professors, I have made connections that will last a lifetime!" Thank you, Maddie! If you would like to be featured in Why Cap Wednesday please DM us or email us at [email protected]

We are excited to welcome esteemed speakers from axius Software, an award-winning and ISO-certified Software Development and Digital Consulting company, for a presentation via Zoom. Kiki Li, a Columbia University alumnus with extensive experience in digital marketing and sales, co-manages the operations, marketing, and finance strategies of axiusSoftware. Jayanta Nandy, with over 23 years in IT and leadership roles in TCS and Infosys China, specializes in client relationships and business development and co-steers the company’s growth strategies and policies. axiusSoftware, with global offices, aids organizations in digital transformation, innovation, and realization of their business aspirations through cutting-edge technologies. The interaction with our distinguished guests promises to provide rich insights into software development and digital transformation.