The University of Texas at Tyler Soules College of Business

Our faculty, staff, and students enjoyed watching the Solar Eclipse today at Harvey Lake. Show us your photos!!!

Thank you to Austin Bank for donating to the Soules College of Business Suit Closet!!

Want more information about the Suit Closet? See Jennifer Reynolds in the Accounting Department for more information!

Welcome Leigh Shuffield to the Soules College of Business Undergraduate Advising Center. She enjoys reading, being outdoors, and loves snakes. Leigh received her BA in Japanese and BA in Integrative Studies (International Studies, Political Science, and French) with a minor in Russian from UNT in Denton. Leigh is excited to help with all your undergraduate needs. Stop by the Undergraduate Advising Center and welcome her to the neighborhood.

The UT Tyler HRD Department has a wonderful opportunity to help outstanding HRD students attend the 2024 Academy of HRD Conference in Arlington, Virginia. This conference allows students to learn about up-and-coming HRD research from academic leaders in our field. It also allows for collaboration and connections with current and future colleagues.

To help in this amazing effort the UT Tyler HRD Department launched a crowdfunding campaign and needs your help! Please consider donating via our fundraising page

Also consider using your social media accounts, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, to promote this campaign. We would love to support as many students as possible, and this will not be possible without your support.

Welcome Melissa Dobbs to the Soules College of Business Graduate Advising Office! Melissa graduated from UT Tyler with a Bachelor in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. Melissa has many years of experience as a community college advisor and a mental health counselor. Melissa is enjoying the university advising experience in the Soules College of Business where she is advising students in the Traditional MBA, Industrial Management, and Human Resource Development programs. She is enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being involved in church, antiquing, and spending time in nature.

Calling all students!!

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! Refreshments will be served!

RSVP by this Friday!!

The Department of Technology’s robotics team received multiple awards at this year's annual Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) national conference in Atlanta, GA.

Out of the 9 teams competing, UT Tyler's team and robot, Dionysus, won 1st place overall and Best Mechanical/Manufacturing Design Award. The 1st place distinction is the first for UT Tyler’s team and the Technology department. This is just the third time the University has had a team compete at this conference

The objective of this year's competition was to solve a material handling problem by designing, developing, and demonstrating a semi- or fully automated robotic system solution. Solution designs should solve a non-destructive material handling application problem common to manufacturing, logistics, transportation, or similar industries. Application problem and design functions are the purview of each team and are expected to be well-defined.

The members of the robotics team are Industrial Technology majors, Jonathan Hall (Margate, FL), Andrew Valarde (Lindale,TX), Timothy Johnson (Gilmer, TX), Kaleb Saxon (Longview, TX), Miguel Angel Fernandez-Zapata (Houston, TX), Phillip “Randy” Matthews (Central Heights, TX), Computer Science major Kacey Flores (Chandler, TX) and Industrial Management major Verra Venkata Surya Kiran Kosireddy (Kakinada Andhra Pradesh, India). In addition, junior industrial technology major Miguel Angel Fernandez-Zapata (Houston, TX) made it to the semifinals of this year’s IQ Challenge. The challenge is a Jeopardy! -style game in which participants answer questions in various categories (Safety, Electronics, Grab Bag, Quality, etc…). “The competition is designed to test the students’ knowledge that they have gained in their respective programs and classes, hence, the numerous choices of categories,” said Dr. Heshium Lawrence. “We are extremely proud of Miguel, and he has a tremendous future here at UT Tyler.”

Happy Halloween from the Soules College of Business Staff!

Have you heard about the Cybersecurity and Data Analytics Club!

The mission is to empower members with practical experience in Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, OSINT, Ethical Hacking and more!

You don't have to be a Computer Science Major to join. Membership is open to everyone!

Contact: [email protected] for more information!

Join HRD MS Speaker Series on October 25th!

Recently several Soules College of Business faculty members delivered management and marketing advise at the Tyler Areas Chamber of Commerce Veterans Entrepreneurship Bootcamp. Veterans were present and learned skills ranging from attaining capital, to writing a business plan, marketing research skills and social media marketing. Thank you, veterans, for your service!

Mark your calendar to attend the Beta Alpha Psi Meeting this Thursday at 5pm! Jim Thompson, the CFO of Cavender's will be the guest speaker. Come learn and have some food and fun while doing it!!

The Department of Management and Marketing partnered with the UT Tyler Women’s Golf Team to host a fun afternoon of golf chipping and putting fun. Sponsors interacted with the UT Tyler Women’s Golf Team, won prizes, and networked. Thank you sponsors for making this event a success!

Welcome our newest Undergraduate Academic Advisor Victoria Beaudet to the Soules College of Business. Victoria graduated from UT Tyler with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and was on the Dance and Stunt teams. She is a dance coach for Flyer Athletics Tyler and loves watching Criminal Minds and Friends with her husband and two dogs.

The UT Tyler Mu Kappa chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (Bap) has been recognized as a Superior Chapter by the National Council for Beta Alpha Psi. “In 1975, the National Council (now the International Board of Directors) approved three categories of chapter recognition, “Superior”, “Excellent” and “Meritorious”. In 1979, Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., (now KPMG) began sponsoring the Outstanding Chapter Awards, recognizing award-seeking chapters as Superior and Distinguished.”

To be recognized for Superior Status, the Mu Kappa chapter must demonstrate excellence in academics, professionalism, and leadership. The Mu Kappa chapter hosted Meet the Firms, an annual event bringing professionals and students together for networking and internship/job placement. In addition, Mu Kappa hosts a variety of speakers, sharing insights and experiences in the fields of public accounting, banking, industry, entrepreneurship, non-profit and government, to name a few.

“Beta Alpha Psi is composed of Accounting, Finance, and Information Systems majors who consider professional and community involvement to be a pivotal part of their educational careers.” The chapter invites interested students in these majors to attend a BAP meeting as a guest. For more information, go to our website at http://bap-mu-kappa.weebly.com/. We hope to see you soon!

Congratulations to the 2023 Accounting Distinguished Alumni Award Winner, Traci Kenner.

After receiving an Associate in Arts degree from Tyler Junior College, Traci attended UT Tyler, majoring in accounting. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1985, but missed graduation because she was sitting for the CPA exam, which she passed. Having missed the ceremony, Traci was thrilled when UT Tyler’s President, Dr. George Hamm, selected her as one of two to receive the Distinguished Student Award for 1985.

Traci was never certified as an accountant because she entered Baylor University’s School of Law, instead, and received a Juris Doctor degree in 1987. After passing the bar exam—which is much easier than the CPA exam—Traci served as a Briefing Attorney for the Honorable J.W. Summers, Chief Judge of the Texas Twelfth Court of Appeals and, then, as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Robert M. Parker, who was a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas. Judge Parker urged Traci to consider government service, and his mentorship led Traci to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1992, where she has happily practiced law for 31 years. Professional awards come with the territory in this line of work, but Traci is particularly thrilled to have received the Director’s Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney from the Executive Office for United States Attorneys three times and the John H. Hannah, Jr. Award for Public Service from the Eastern District of Texas Bar Association.

Traci is devoted to UT Tyler. She has taught Business Law adjunct twice (1995 and 2018) and served as president of the Alumni Association (1994-95). She was honored as our Distinguished Alumna in 2015.

Traci’s faith is the most important aspect of her life, and she considers the undeserved devotion of her family and friends to be her greatest accomplishment.

Congratulations to Lee Trammell the 2023 Finance Distinguished Alumni Award Winner.

Lee Trammell grew up in the small town of Brownsboro, TX. After high school he attended Tyler Junior College. With no idea what he wanted to be, he left TJC to join the workforce and
after several years ended up on an old drilling rig in the oil patch of Shreveport, Louisiana. While this experience was one of the most important and impactful of his life, it was here he figured out what he wanted to do with his future. Having come from a family of very modest means and realizing that the more money he made the more money he spent, he wanted to learn how money really works in the world around him. He left the oil field to pursue a degree in finance, first completing his Associates degree at Tyler Junior College, and finally graduating from The University of Texas at Tyler with his BBA in Finance in December of 2008.

Lee went on to work for a small independent wealth management firm in Tyler, TX for the
next 8 years, where he eventually became a member of the Executive team as Vice President of Operations. During this time, the firm grew from a staff of 8 to over 30 through both acquisition and organic growth. These experiences laid the foundation for the next phase of Mr. Trammell's career.

In December of 2016, Mr. Trammell joined the team at Drake Real Estate and Investments to
build a new division, Drake Business Services. This new division would provide consulting
services to business owners looking to exit their business through merger or acquisition, as well as to assist investors with finding acquisition targets. Drake Business Services has grown to become the premier resource for M&A Advisory Services in East Texas.

Mr. Trammell is a Certified Business Intermediary by the International Business Broker's Association, a member of the M&A Source, a Board Certified Broker by the Texas
Association of Business Brokers and is a Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional by Kennesaw State University. Lee is very involved in the Tyler community, currently serving as the Board Chairman for Leadership Tyler, a past President of the Children's Village Board of Directors, past President of the Board of Directors for the Tyler Area Senior Citizens Association, and serves on the UT Tyler Patriot Classic and Southside Bank Million Dollar Hole In One committees, and has been involved with various other charitable organizations in East Texas.

His greatest achievement thus far, however, has been convincing his wife, Kristin, to marry
him 10 years ago. They have two wonderful boys together, Trace (8) and Brooks (6), and their loveable but annoying dog, Copper. His hobbies include very average and uninspiring golf, traveling with his family, and is a hobbyist music producer in his spare time.

Welcome to Dr. Sagnik Daksh*t a new Assistant Professor in the Computer Science department at The University of Texas at Tyler. He obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Dallas, specializing in Intelligent Systems and B.Tech from India. His research focuses on Explainable and Human-Allied AI, Machine Learning for improving quality of life. During his Ph.D., he has worked on various research projects with Robert Bosch, Seagate Technologies, HP Machine Learning Lab, Nokia Bell Labs. Prior to his Ph.D. he has worked on software development projects with IBM, and Tata Technologies. He has a passion for travelling, exploring, and cars are his fuel of happiness.
His mantra is "It always seems impossible until it’s done".

Dr. Sai Harsha Katuri is our newest Assistant Professor of Accounting. An alumnus of the University of Houston, Dr. Katuri holds a Ph.D. in Business Management, specializing in accounting. He is interested in answering research questions that link different areas of accounting. His dissertation focuses on the Asymmetric Cost behavior of Firms. He explores the impact of cash flows from the Tax Cut and Jobs on firms operating decisions.

Dr. Katuri teaches Principles of Financial Accounting to undergraduate students and Data Analytics to graduate students. He uses stories and visuals to make complex concepts digestible. He is continuously refining his style to accommodate learners of diverse styles.

Motorcycles are more than just vehicles to him; they're a roaring symbol of freedom, an extension of his spirit. Beaches, too, offer him an escape into tranquility, a place where he feels unshackled from the constraints of everyday life. Riding a Harley Electra over the Galveston and Blue Water loop, feeling the wind against his skin and the power of the engine beneath him, especially on a night when the full moon lights up in the sky, is a top item on his bucket list.

Back home in India, he is a proud dog dad to two wonderful kids, Boo and Zara. Here in the USA, he has taken on the unique role of a squirrel dad, caring for his delightful daughter, Miss Bauer, who resides in Houston. He's an animal lover and designs custom feeding stations and water dispensers to keep the campus squirrels well-fed and hydrated. His love for animals knows no bounds!

Hey students! The first meeting for Beta Alpha Psi is Thursday! Come check out what they are all about!

Dr. Paula Kincaid, a two-time alum of the Soules College of Business, is our newest Assistant Professor of Management. Dr. Kincaid earned her Ph.D. in management from the University of North Texas. Her research looks at the dark side of organizations and managerial decision-making, delving into topics such as antisocial organizational behaviors, misconduct, wrongdoing, scandals, and crisis management. Dr. Kincaid teaches organizational behavior to our graduate students. She enjoys teaching her courses online and when she teaches face-to-face, she utilizes a hybrid, flipped instructional design to maximize the value and impact of discussion and storytelling in the classroom. Dr. Kincaid is married to her husband, Cody, who is also a two-time alum of the Soules College of Business. They have a sweet little boy named Cameron Slay, who they both adore and view as their entire world. In her personal time, Dr. Kincaid is passionate about spending as much time with her son and husband as she can and she enjoys maintaining physical fitness by swimming daily. She finds pleasure in experiencing and photographing new sights, foods, and cultures so she frequently travels to new, foreign, and exotic locations all around the world.

Congratulations to Jennifer Reynolds, Lecturer in Accounting, for being named the Outstanding Accounting Educator by the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.

https://www.tx.cpa/about/leadership/leadership-meetings/annual-meeting-awards

Welcome back to all students, staff, and faculty! The Soules College of Business is wishing everyone a successful and happy semester!

Information Technology Students here is an Internship available with the U.S District Clerk's Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

The part-time (20 hours a week) student internship is located in the Clerk’s Office at the U.S. District Court. The incumbent will provide a wide range of services to the IT department. This temporary internship opportunity will begin in July 2023 and continue for six months. Representative duties include:

• Monitor and assist with help desk calls and tickets. Elevate help desk calls to other IT staff when needed. Document help desk calls in ticket tracking system.
• Test newly purchased IT equipment for proper operation prior to relocating to secure storage. Assist with the organization of the IT staging facility including testing and cleanup of used equipment and identification of equipment for disposal. Sort, label and organize data, power and other miscellaneous cables.
• Assist with the installation, maintenance, testing and troubleshooting of courtroom Audio/Visual technology.
• Assist with the installation of IT infrastructure, including network data switches, data cabling, UPS units, server room and data closet cable management.
• Assist in developing IT documentation for end users as well as for internal IT department use only.
• Assist with the rollout and replacement of IT equipment for end users including zero clients, monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, UPS units and scanners.
• Provide in person hands on assistance to end users with court technology including mobile devices such as laptops, iPhones and iPads. Back up and upgrade iOS on court issued Apple devices.
• Shadow IT staff members to become familiar with the wide variety of duties within the department and gain knowledge of the technologies used in the court.
• Occasional same day travel to other divisions may be required.
• Increasing levels of responsibility and duties will be assigned based upon demonstrated abilities and positive performance evaluations.
• Other duties as assigned.

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 18 years of age and currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program pursuing an Information Technology related major (computer science, software engineering, programming, web development, IT security, etc.)
• Skill in using technology, including proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Windows 10.
• Detail oriented and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Solid time management and critical thinking skills.
• Professional and positive demeanor appropriate for a court environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate sound judgment, handle sensitive information and exercise discretion at all times.
• Excellent customer service.
• Exhibit the qualities of judgment, temperament, integrity, trustworthiness and strong character required of an officer of the judiciary.

HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified applicants should send a cover letter (including a narrative statement of your background), a Judicial Branch Federal Employment (AO 78) application with Optional Background Information (questions 18, 19, and 20 completed), and a resume. The cover letter should be addressed to:
Diana Velez, Human Resources Manager
William M. Steger Federal Building and United States Courthouse 211 West Ferguson Street, Room 106
Tyler, Texas 75702
An application form can be obtained on our web page at: www.txed.uscourts.gov. All documents should be submitted as a single pdf with the reference number (2023-10 Student Intern-IT in Tyler) in the subject line via e-mail to: [email protected].

Soules College of Business faculty are very active in research. Click below to hear about Faculty Scholarly Achievements for 2022-2023 Academic Year!

https://youtu.be/kcbWcOXnb7g

Welcome Bryan Knous to the Soules College of Business! Bryan serves as the Career Success Coach. Bryan aims to support students and alumni in achieving their professional aspirations through personalized coaching, workshops, and resources. From resume writing and mock interviews, to job search strategies and career assessments, Bryan provides guidance in various areas of career development. Make an appointment with him through handshake, reach out via email or phone, or come visit Bryan in his office in the Undergraduate Advising Center on the first floor of the Soules College of Business building.

The University of Texas at Tyler-Longview Small Business Development Center announced its Marshall satellite office has moved to a new location in Synergy Park. The UT Tyler-Longview Small Business Development Center provides no-cost consulting and advising services to aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses in Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Rusk, Panola and Upshur Counties.

For additional information about the SBDC, visit uttyler-longviewsbdc.org/.

Ms. Amy Clem is an HR Professional turned faculty member who loves to inspire and encourage students to grow and develop into exceptional employees in the workplace. Her main goal is to challenge students to think critically and build their confidence to impact the working world as they develop their careers. It giver her great joy to connect with students and see repeat "customers" in her courses! She cherishes the relationships that continue after students have graduated and they have jumped into the workforce. She is always willing to continue to mentor and guide students beyond the classroom and watch them soar!

In her spare time, Ms. Clem enjoys spending quality time with her family, 8 year old twins, 3 month old son, and her husband. She also loves to sing any chance she gets (even tried out for American Idol way back when). At the University, she teaches HR, Leadership, and Managerial courses. Ms. Clem also teaches, trains, and coaches managers and leaders within the East Texas area as an Executive Trainer with Express Pros Training. Leadership is her passion and she greatly enjoys creating long lasting relationships with community members through this avenue.

Dr. Hui L. James is an Associate Professor of Finance. Her research interests are in the broad category of corporate governance, including effective executive compensation design, optimal board structure, political corruption/risk, social norms, and the impact of governance quality on various firm policies, such as payout policies, trade credit, working capital management, tax avoidance, earnings management, labor and capital investment efficiency, and cash management.

Dr. James has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses, such as Principles of Finance, Managerial Finance, Financial Markets and Institutions, and Advanced Financial Management.

Dr. James spends much of her free time with her family, especially her three wonderful boys. She exercises regularly to keep up with her busy schedule, especially jump roping, running, and swimming. She loves to watch movies, read, play Sudoku, and do some brush painting when she needs some relaxation. She enjoys the outdoors and loves hiking on the mountain.

The University of Texas at Tyler is hiring in the Internal Audit Department! To apply click on the link below:

https://zahr-prd-candidate-ada.utshare.utsystem.edu/psp/ZAHRPRDADA/EMPLOYEE/UTZ_CG/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&SiteId=12&FOCUS=Applicant&JobOpeningId=9897&PostingSeq=1