College of Business Highlights
Faculty in the News - Spring 2025
FHLBank Topeka Affordable Housing Institute at MSU Denver
Mile High CRE covered the establishment of the FHLBank Topeka Affordable Housing Institute at MSU Denver, the only undergraduate program in Colorado offering interdisciplinary education in affordable-housing finance and management. A story in RED contributed to the coverage.
Sports Betting in Colorado
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, spoke with Fox31 on sports betting in Colorado and how its significant growth is contributing to tax revenue funding important water-conservation projects across the state.
Buy Now, Pay Later Options Can Lead to Financial Strain
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with Scripps News to talk on how “buy now, pay later” options may seem appealing by spreading out payments but can lead to financial strain, particularly for lower-income people.
Tax-Free Tips
Robert Persichitte, Accounting professor, spoke with KOA radio about tax-free tips, addressing the concept’s feasibility, potential impact on government revenues, and the steps needed for it to be implemented after it became a key issue in the presidential election.
How Tariffs on Imports Raise Consumer Prices
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with 9News and Denver7 about how tariffs on imports raise consumer prices, benefiting the government and domestic producers while harming consumers.
How Tariffs will Affect Multiple Industries
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with 9News, on how President Donald Trump’s tariffs will affect multiple industries such as appliances, autos and construction due to the rising costs of steel and lumber.
Importance of Federal Law Enforcement and Complexities of the U.S. Immigration System
Alex Padilla, Economics professor and chair, interviewed with Denver7 to discuss the congressional request for Mayor Mike Johnston to testify, highlighting the importance of federal law enforcement and the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.
Potential King Soopers Strike
Alexandre Padilla, Economics chair and professor, spoke with Fox31 on how a potential King Soopers strike could lead to higher consumer costs, empty shelves and reduced customer service, impacting companies, employees and consumers.
Future of Empower Field
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, discussed with Denver7 the future of Empower Field, emphasizing that while the current stadium is outdated, a new location could offer enhanced financial and utilization benefits. However, taxpayers likely won’t want to foot the bill.
TikTok Ban
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, talked with 9News to discuss how banning TikTok would signal a shift in how some consumer businesses market their services and how other similar platforms will likely emerge quickly.
Federal Trade Commission Crackdown on Fake Online Product Reviews
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with 9News to talk about the recent Federal Trade Commission crackdown on fake online product reviews, discussing the implications for consumers and businesses and how the new regulations aim to foster more transparency and trust in online shopping platforms.
Potential Impact of Eliminating Pennies
Alex Padilla, Economics professor and chair, interviewed with Fox31 to discuss the potential impact of the United States’ eliminating pennies, saying there is little evidence to suggest it would lead to price increases. RED also published a story on the topic.
How Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Will Raise Production Costs
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Fox31 on how tariffs on steel and aluminum will raise production costs for U.S. industries, leading to reduced supply and higher prices. A RED story contributed to coverage.
This Year’s Super Bowl Commercials
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA Radio to analyze this year’s Super Bowl commercials, comparing their effectiveness with last year’s ads.
Budget-Friendly Valentine’s Day
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, discussed in a Q&A with WalletHub strategies for having a budget-friendly Valentine’s Day, such as avoiding expensive gifts and dinners, seeking deals at restaurants and using rewards points for travel.
How Tariffs on Chinese Imports would Lead to Higher Prices for Colorado Consumers
Alex Padilla, Economics professor and chair, interviewed with Fox31 to warn that the new tariffs on Chinese imports would lead to higher prices for Colorado consumers, particularly for items such as cellphones, clothing and car parts.
Potential Economic Impact if United Airlines Moves Its Headquarters
Alex Padilla, Economics professor and chair,
Padilla also interviewed with Fox31 about the potential economic impact if United Airlines decides to move its corporate headquarters from Chicago to Denver.
Park Hill Golf Course Land Swap
Jeff Peshut, Finance assistant professor, spoke with 9News and Denverite about the Park Hill Golf Course land swap between the City of Denver and Westside Investment Partners, explaining how the deal could potentially benefit both parties long-term but that it’s still too early to determine.
Millennials Develop High Savings Rates Compared with Past Generations
Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, interviewed with GOBankingRates to talk about how Millennials, shaped by the financial crisis, have developed high savings rates compared with past generations, demonstrating a strong commitment to financial security.
Challenges Facing California from Devastating Fires
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with La Voz Colorado about the challenges California faces in recovering from its devastating fires, highlighting prolonged efforts complicated by rising property values, supply-chain disruptions and potential labor shortages.
How Restaurants Must Adapt to Stay Relevant in Business
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Fox31 about how restaurants must adapt to changes to stay relevant in business, citing the popularity of Buc-ee’s in Colorado amid the closing of Johnson’s Corner Restaurant and Bakery in northern Colorado.
Full retirement age and keeping Social Security solvent
Greg Clifton, Accounting chair and professor, interviewed with 9News about the decision to push back the full retirement age, highlighting its larger goal to keep Social Security solvent for future generations.
Faculty in the News - Past semesters
Full retirement age and keeping Social Security solvent
Greg Clifton, Accounting chair and professor, interviewed with 9News about the decision to push back the full retirement age, highlighting its larger goal to keep Social Security solvent for future generations.
Public Improvement Fees in Colorado
Jeff Peshut, Finance and Real Estate assistant professor, spoke with 9News about Public Improvement Fees in Colorado, explaining how these tax-like sales fees aim to fund property improvements.
Impact of the Microsoft/CrowdStrike Outage on Colorado
Edgar Maldonado, Computer Information Systems professor, discussed with Telemundo the impact of the Microsoft/CrowdStrike outage on Colorado, whether we should be concerned about technology dependence and similar outages in the future.
Online versus Brick-and-Mortar Banks
Austin Elsey, Finance lecturer, interviewed with Denver7 about the benefits and drawbacks of online versus brick-and-mortar banks, highlighting the significance of personal customer service, in-person support and FDIC insurance.
Reputation Management and Branding/Image
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing Senior Lecturer, interviewed with CBS4 regarding reputation management and the branding/image contrasts between former Broncos running back Terrell Davis and United Airlines following his arrest on a United Airlines commercial flight over the weekend.
Economic Impacts of Stricter Immigration Policies and Impact of Mass Deportations
Alexandre Padilla, Economics chair and professor, discussed with 9News the economic impacts of stricter immigration policies and impact of mass deportations, emphasizing their potential cost and strain on the U.S. economy.
Mergers and Acquisitions, potential benefits for consumers
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with FOX31 to discuss mergers and acquisitions, highlighting the potential benefits for consumers, as seen in cases like Walmart.
Choosing a Financial Advisor
Robert Persichitte, Accounting adjunct professor, interviewed with MarketWatch about how to choose a financial advisor.
Saving for the Holiday Season and Budgeting for the Year
Robert Persichitte, Accounting adjunct professor, interviewed with CBS4 about saving for the holiday season, as well as budgeting throughout the year.
Rising Egg Prices caused by Avian Flu
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Denver7 to explain the rising egg prices caused by avian flu and the economic factors driving these pricing changes.
Proposed Tariff Policy and its potential Impact on the U.S. Economy
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Denver7 to discuss Donald Trump’s proposed tariff policy and its potential impact on the U.S. economy, particularly on Colorado farmers.
Tips for paying for home renovations
Robert Persichitte, Accounting adjunct professor, interviewed with Bankrate.com to discuss tips for paying for home renovations, comparing savings versus financing options, and outlining the respective pros and cons of each approach.
Eighth Amendment potential application – challenging camping bans
Jeff Peshut, Finance assistant professor and real estate program director, interviewed with Denver7 about the potential application of the Eighth Amendment by the Supreme Court in response to a class action lawsuit challenging camping bans.
Hot Dog Branding
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA Radio to discuss hot dog branding after 16-time champion Joey Chestnut was banned from Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest for signing an endorsement deal with rival brand Impossible Foods.
The Economy and U.S. Voter concerns
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Scripps News to discuss why the economy is a primary concern for U.S. voters as the presidential election approaches. In a separate interview with Scripps News he discussed the reasons behind the strength of the U.S. economy.
Avoiding Text Scams – Unpaid Tolls
Edgar Maldonado, Computer Information Systems associate professor, interviewed with Scripps News about how to avoid text scams after the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a warning about fake texts messages claiming consumers have unpaid tolls.
Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Reduction Plans
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Scripps News about the Federal Reserve’s forthcoming interest rate reduction plans and the implications of the Consumer Price Index Report on extending potential inflationary concerns.
Grocery Prices on the Rise despite Inflation Cooling
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Fox News to discuss grocery prices rising despite reports of inflation cooling.
Millennials Buying Homes
Jeff Peshut, Finance assistant professor and director of real estate, interviewed with Denver7 about whether it’s more difficult for millennials to buy homes compared to previous generations.
Odds of winning the 1.09 Billion Colorado Powerball Lottery
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with 9News about the odds of winning the $1.09 Billion Colorado Powerball Lottery.
Timing and effectiveness of retail marketing campaigns, months leading up to Black Friday
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA Radio about the timing and effectiveness of retail marketing campaigns, particularly in the months leading up to Black Friday. Duber-Smith also interviewed with 9News about the rise of inflation contributing to a decline in consumer shopping, including on Black Friday.
Colorado’s Warranty of Habitability Law Protecting Tenants’ Rights To Stay Warm
Colorado’s Warranty of Habitability law protecting tenants’ rights to stay warm
9NEWS KUSA-TV – October 31, 2023
MSU Marketing Professor Darrin Duber-Smith on the Taylor Swift effect
Colorado’s Morning News with Marty Lenz & Jeana Gondek – October 26, 2023
Scammers Damaging Contactless Payment Methods at Gas Stations
Scammers damaging contactless payment methods at gas stations to steal credit card information
Univision Colorado – September 26, 2023
Edgar Maldonado, Computer Information Systems and Data Analytics associate professor, interviewed about skimming technology after the Aurora Police Department issued an alert of scammers drilling holes in contactless payment screens at gas stations, forcing consumers to swipe
Interest rate hike pause welcome news for Colorado homebuyers
9news – September 22, 2023
“Having the same interest rate is good news,” said Kishore Kulkarni, a professor of economics at MSU Denver. “What’s bad news is in the press conference, the Federal Reserve chairman said that this only means we’re going to increase it in the November meeting,”
Federal Child Care Funding from American Rescue Plan Act Ending
Federal child care funding from American Rescue Plan Act ending
Scripps News – September 21, 2023
Threat of Strike Looms Heavy
Threat of strike looms heavy as negotiations between Kaiser, unions to resume
9news – September 21, 2023
How much does Boulder’s economy benefit from CU’s football success?
How much does Boulder’s economy benefit from CU’s football success?
9NEWS KUSA-TV – September 19, 2023
… the Chamber [of Commerce] to come up with that kind of money,” MSU Denver Economics Professor Kishore Kulkarni said.
Federal Reserve’s third consecutive interest-rate cut of 2024
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with CBS4 about the Federal Reserve’s third consecutive interest-rate cut of 2024 and how it can steadily help Colorado consumers and borrowers.
How Tariffs on Major International Trading Partners, would lead to higher prices for U.S. Consumers
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Denver7 to explain how tariffs on major international trading partners, which supply 46% of U.S. imports, would lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers. He noted that a 25% tariff would increase production costs, strain small businesses, and result in price hikes for customers. He also interviewed with 9News about how tariffs on major trading partners such as Canada, Mexico and China would lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers, expressing skepticism about the feasibility of President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs and warning that such measures could harm the economy by raising costs and triggering retaliatory actions from other countries with little economic benefit.
Kroger’s proposed acquisition of Albertsons and the deal’s termination
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with CBS4 and Denver7 to discuss Kroger’s proposed acquisition of Albertsons, the deal’s termination Wednesday and the potential future implications of this canceled merger on consumers and competing grocery chains.
Denver Broncos Quarterback Growing Popularity
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with FOX31 to discuss Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix’s growing popularity and the potential impact on his marketability.
Black Friday’s significance has diminished due to online shopping and extended sales periods
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with Denver7 about how Black Friday’s significance has diminished due to online shopping and extended sales periods, but he said it remains a critical time for retailers, generating about 30% of their annual profits.
Insurance Policies vs IRAs and International Fraud Awareness Week
Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, interviewed with GoBankingRates to discuss how individuals promoting insurance policies over IRAs, especially Roth IRAs, are often driven by high commissions. Persichitte also interviewed with CBS4 providing consumers tips in conjunction with International Fraud Awareness Week.
Tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Denver7 and Telemundo to discuss how tariffs on major trading partners such as Canada, Mexico and China would lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers, emphasizing that historical evidence supports the economic benefits of zero tariffs, while cautioning against the risks of trade wars despite political rhetoric.
Impulsive Spending during the Holiday Season
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with Scripps News to discuss impulsive spending during the holiday season and how unplanned, emotionally driven purchase decisions are influenced by marketing, advertising and subconscious factors.
Potential effects of the Albertson/Kroger Merger on Consumers
Kishore Kulkarni, economics professor, spoke with 9News about the potential effects of the Albertson/Kroger merger on consumers if it is approved.
Fund Performance
In an interview with U.S. News & World Report, Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, said that tracking errors, caused by factors like fees or investment changes, can make a fund perform differently from the index it aims to follow.
Municipal bonds
Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, spoke with Forbes about municipal bonds, emphasizing that while they are typically viewed as safe investments, their safety can fluctuate depending on the municipality’s financial health.
Dish and DirecTV Merger
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, discussed the Dish and DirecTV merger with Denver7, noting that while it has been attempted before, concerns about revenue and competition from streaming services remain as both companies struggle retain customers.
Tax Challenges of Financial Windfalls
Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, interviewed with GoBankingRates about the tax challenges of financial windfalls such as stock options, inheritances and lottery winnings. He explained how poor timing can lead to unexpected tax burdens and the importance of paying taxes promptly to avoid penalties.
Surge in Political Ads and the Reasons Behind their Presence
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA Radio to discuss the sudden surge in political ads and the reasons behind their widespread presence.
Potential Relocation of Space Command out of Colorado
Chandler Reilly, Economics assistant professor, spoke with FOX31 and Denver7 about the potential relocation of Space Command out of Colorado as Trump returns to office and its possible economic consequences for the state.
Tariffs and unintended consequences
Alexandre Padilla, Economics chair and professor, talked with the Colorado Sun about how tariffs, while targeting foreign entities, often burden American consumers with higher prices and unintended consequences such as trade wars, which can ripple through industries and communities.
McDonald’s response to an E. coli Outbreak
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with FOX31 about McDonald’s $100 million response to an E. coli outbreak. He highlighted the importance of restoring trust through quality improvements, safety measures and consumer outreach, with $65 million directed to support the hardest-hit franchises, particularly in Colorado.
Gender and Racial Workforce Disparities and Systemic Challenges
Christina Huber, Economics professor, discussed with Denver7 gender and racial workforce disparities and systemic challenges while highlighting Colorado’s progress toward economic equity compared with national trends.
Rising Health Care Costs – linked to increase in population and Uninsured Patients
Alexandre Padilla, Economics chair and professor, spoke with CBS4 about rising health care costs linked to an increase in the population and uninsured patients. Padilla emphasized the need for a more efficient health care system and affordable programs for all.
New Advertising Tactics to appeal to Younger Voters
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA Radio to discuss how politicians are adopting new advertising tactics through nontraditional platforms such as podcasts and streaming services to appeal to younger voters.
What Does It Mean When a Property Is Put In Receivership Status?
Jeff Peshut, Finance associate professor, interviewed with FOX31 about what it means when a property is put in receivership status, which is when a custodian steps into the role of the owner, making decisions in the best interest of the property and lender under court supervision, typically during a period prior to foreclosure.
Dish and DirecTV merger – Possible Economic Impacts
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, discussed the Dish and DirecTV merger with Colorado Community Media, noting that it could create a stronger company by reducing overhead and combining customer bases. But the merger may also lead to layoffs and local economic impacts due to redundancies, he added.
Expanded Holiday Shopping Season
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, spoke with Denver7 about how companies are aiming to expand the holiday shopping season with events like Amazon Prime Days.
Dockworkers’ Strike and Effects on the Supply Chain
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with 9News, CBS4 and KOA Radio about the current dockworkers’ strike. He focused on the workers’ demands for increased pay and a ban on automation, as well as the strike’s effects on the supply chain.
Using Celebrities to Influence Consumer Choices and Foster Loyalty
Laurel Lane, Marketing lecturer, spoke with WalletHub about how car insurance companies use celebrities to influence consumer choices and foster loyalty in a competitive market, while ensuring they adhere to transparency regulations.
Implications of the Federal Reserve’s Decision to Lower Federal Funds Rate
Jeff Peshut, Finance assistant professor and real estate program director, discussed with the Denver Post the implications of the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to lower the federal funds rate, which he described as a strong indicator of an impending recession, especially given the significant decline in full-time jobs.
Football Coach Continues to Drive Brand Deals
Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, spoke with Denver7 that despite last season’s outcomes, Deion Sanders’ role as CU Boulder’s football coach continues to drive significant brand deals and earnings, highlighting the enduring impact of his presence. He also interviewed with WalletHub about airline mile credit cards.
Impact of Federal Reserve Rate Cut of .5% on CO homebuyers and consumers
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Denver7 about the recent Federal Reserve interest rate cut of 0.5% and its potential impact on Colorado homebuyers and consumers.
Economic Impact of Slowing Birthrate
Alexandre Padilla, Economics professor and chair, interviewed with 9News to discuss the economic impact of a slowing birthrate and how household budgets influence family decisions. He also interviewed 9News about how the City of Denver’s budget has been impacted by unplanned migration into the state.
Releasing Seasonal Promotions earlier each year
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, spoke with KOA Radio about pumpkin spice lattes, the trend of releasing seasonal promotions earlier each year and potential marketing risks. He also shared insights with WalletHub on the benefits of obtaining an airline credit card, along with common pitfalls.
Price Controls on Groceries and Economic Factors that contribute to Higher food Prices
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with KOA Radio to discuss the feasibility of implementing price controls on groceries and the economic factors that contribute to higher food prices.
Results of the Expiration of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act
Robert Persichitte, Accounting adjunct professor, interviewed with CBS4 how the expiration of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act could result in expanded tax cuts or adjustments to corporate tax rates, depending on individual income. He also spoke with GoBankingRates about why Gen Z consumers are more susceptible to investment fraud than other generations.
Cost Advantages of Renting versus Buying Single-family Homes in Denver
Jeff Peshut, Real Estate assistant professor, interviewed with KOA Radio to discuss a recent study that highlights the cost advantages of renting versus buying single-family homes in Denver. He explained the factors contributing to this trend. A RED story contributed to coverage.
Declining Cost of Groceries as Retail Prices Drop
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Scripps News about the declining cost of groceries as retail prices drop. He also interviewed with Denver7 to discuss the nature of cryptocurrency and the current landscape of the cryptocurrency market.
The Hazards of Putting Ethics on Autopilot
Julian Friedland, David B. Balkin, and Kristian Ove R. Myrseth.”The Hazards of Putting Ethics on Autopilot” , MITSloan Management Review, May 8th, 2024. Read the article here.
Cheaper to Rent than Buy a Starter Home
Alexandre Padilla, Economics chair and professor, interviewed with Univision Colorado about why it’s now cheaper to rent than buy a starter home across the nation, including in Denver. A RED story contributed to the coverage.
Potential Benefits of Hosting the NFL Draft in Denver
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, spoke with FOX31 about the potential benefits of hosting the NFL draft in Denver, highlighting the positive impacts he foresees.
Increase in Household Expenses Due to Inflation
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Scripps News about how the increase in household expenses due to inflation may lead to numerous families opting for stay-at-home parent arrangements. He also interviewed with CBS4 about the impact of Middle East tensions on the global oil industry and its ripple effect on investments and stock portfolios. In a separate interview with CBS4, he discussed how the discovery of bird flu in dairy cows may lead to higher prices for milk and dairy items.
Bill Passed That Could Potentially Ban TikTok due to Data Privacy Concerns
Edgar Maldonado, Computer Information Systems associate professor, spoke with Telemundo Denver about the bill that was passed that could potentially ban TikTok due to data privacy concerns.
Continued Disputes Between Altitude Sports and Major Cable Providers
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with Axios about the continued disputes between Altitude Sports and major cable providers, Comcast ‘s Xfinity and DISH Network, which have prevented customers’ ability to watch Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche games since 2019.
Federal Reserve’s Plans to Reduce Interest Rates
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Scripps News to discuss the Federal Reserve’s plans to soon reduce interest rates and the various factors influencing their decision-making process.
Co-branding Opportunities Boost Sales
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA radio to discuss the recent retail collaborations between McDonalds and Krispy Kreme and how co-branding opportunities boost sales.
Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Plan
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with 9News to discuss the Federal Reserve’s interest rate plan and how it provides market stability and relief to homebuyers anticipating an interest rate drop.
National Association of Realtors Settlement
Jeff Peshut, Finance assistant professor and director of real estate, interviewed with Summit Daily to discuss the implications of the recent National Association of Realtors settlement on commission rates and its potential impact on home prices and sales in Colorado.
Odds of Winning
As the Mega Millions lottery jackpot approaches $1 billion, Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with 9News to discuss the long odds of winning it and the even longer odds of producing a perfect March Madness bracket. A RED story contributed to coverage.
Shrinkflation
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with CBS4 about shrinkflation, exploring the external forces driving companies to decrease product sizes and how this phenomenon is likely to stabilize once inflation decreases.
Price Increases and Changes in Consumer Spending Habits
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with CBS4 to discuss price increases and changes in consumer spending habits post-pandemic. He also interviewed with Scripps News for two separate interviews, one regarding Cookie Monster’s comments on shrinkflation, its underlying causes and another addressing federal antitrust concerns regarding airline and grocery mergers.
Personal Selling and the Elements of Promotion
April Schofield and Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturers, published a piece in Nutrition Industry Executive on personal selling and the elements of promotion.
Scam Awareness and Prevention
Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, interviewed with CBS4 to discuss scam awareness and prevention for Slam the Scam Day on March 9th.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
CBS4 featured MSU Denver’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in the Department of Accounting. Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor and student, America Paisley, discussed its role in educating students while assisting low-income families with their tax returns. A RED story contributed to coverage.
Tips to Students – Filing Tax Returns
Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, interviewed with Campus Well to provide tips to college students on filing their tax returns. A RED story contributed to coverage.
Wendy’s Proposed “Dynamic/Surge Pricing”
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA radio and Scripps News about Wendy’s proposed plan to test “dynamic/surge pricing” in certain locations starting in 2025, which would raise or decrease prices in real-time based on demand.
Value of Hiring a Good Financial Advisor
Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, interviewed with MarketWatch to discuss the value of hiring a good financial advisor while being mindful of the costs.
Supply Chain Adjustments Leading to Increased Gas Prices
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with the FOX31 disruptions in critical oil-producing regions leading to supply chain adjustments, consequently resulting in increased gas prices.
Super Bowl Ads
Darrin Duber-Smith, Sports Marketing professor, interviewed with KOA Radio, 9News, CBS4, and CGTN on the effectiveness of this year’s Super Bowl ads and highlighting the distinctions from previous years. Additionally, he also interviewed CBS4 on what constitutes the best Super Bowl ad and its impact on the local economy. A RED story contributed to coverage.
Kroger-Albertsons Merger
Alexandre Padilla, Economics chair and professor, interviewed with FOX31 to discuss the definition and implications of a monopoly in relation to the Kroger-Albertsons merger.
Handling Post-holiday Debt
Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, interviewed with CBS4 to discuss strategies for effectively handling post-holiday debt. Additionally, he interviewed with FOX31 and KOA Radio about the delayed implementation of a new tax regulation mandating that mobile payment services must issue tax forms to users. A RED story contributed to coverage.
Potential Economic Cooling in Colorado
Alexandre Padilla, Economics professor and chair, interviewed with LaVoz about potential economic cooling in Colorado and the U.S., attributing factors to election-year politics and immigration.
Transformative Effects of Legalizing Sports Betting in Colorado
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with FOX31 about the transformative effects of legalizing sports betting in Colorado, highlighting its role in boosting sports viewership and its generation of significant state tax revenue.
Marketing and Brand Tactics and Stanley Tumblers
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA Radio about the marketing and brand tactics that have led to the significant spike in sales and popularity of Stanley tumblers.
Tax Tips
Greg Clifton, Accounting chair and associate professor, interviewed with Denver7 to provide tax tips ahead of Jan. 29 when the IRS begins to accept 2023 tax returns.
Online Security and Scam Prevention
Edgar Maldonado, Computer Information Systems associate professor, interviewed with Telemundo Denver about online security and scam prevention, especially for seniors who are highly targeted by scammers.
Economic and Workforce Impact on Denver from Unauthorized Immigrants
Alexandre Padilla, Economic professor and chair, interviewed with the Denver Gazette about the economic and workforce impact on Denver from unauthorized immigrants coming to Colorado seeking support and employment.
Overspending During Christmas Since the Onset of the Pandemic
Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, interviewed with CBS4 about the rising trend of overspending during Christmas since the onset of the pandemic. Persichitte also interviewed with CBS4, shedding light on how Americans have been juggling two or more jobs to meet their financial needs since the start of the pandemic.
Top Seven Holiday Cybersecurity Scams
Edgar Maldonado, associate professor of Computer Information Systems, interviewed with Denver7 about the top seven holiday cybersecurity scams. A RED story contributed to coverage.
Gas prices in Colorado Springs Drop to Three-year Low, Impact on Price of Other Goods and Services
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with the Denver Gazette about gas prices in Colorado Springs plummeting to nearly a three-year low and how the drop could impact the prices of other goods and services.
Colorado Joins Lawsuit Accusing NCAA of Antitrust Violation in Athlete Transfer Rule
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with Associated Press about the lawsuit against the NCCA filed by seven attorneys generals, including Phil Weiser. The suit alleges the NCAA’s transfer rule for college athletes violates anti-trust laws.
Which Way is the US Economy Going?
Glenn Furton, Economics professor, interviewed with Scripps News about the state of the U.S. economy does not match consumer sentiment.
Fall 2024 Provost Award Winner
Congratulations To Noah Hannula! Fall 2024
Provost Award Winner!
College of Business Outstanding Student Award Winners!
Outstanding Students - Undergraduates
Jason LaBau Outstanding Student in Accounting
Tyler Braegger Outstanding Student in Business Intelligence
Alexander Tucker Outstanding Student in Computer Info. Systems
Emma Keyser Outstanding Student in Economics
Demitris Padgett Outstanding Student in Entrepreneurship
Esteban Hernandez Outstanding Student in Finance
Jacob Endries Outstanding Student in International Business
Diane Spring Outstanding Student in Management
Tamiru Jembere Outstanding Student in Marketing
Ian Lee Outstanding Student in Professional Selling
Outstanding Students - Graduate Programs
Laura Girdner Outstanding Student in Master of Professional Accountancy
Adam Penner Outstanding Student in Master of Business Administration
Alumni Spotlight
College of Business Alumnus Stephen Lease
Stylish shades shed light on goodr founder’s success
MSU Denver alumnus Stephen Lease, CEO of the popular sunglasses company, shares lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The word “reckless” doesn’t exactly call savvy business skills to mind. But for Metropolitan State University of Denver alumnus Stephen Lease, co-founder and CEO of the successful active-sunglasses brand goodr, it’s a vital component of a thriving business.
The brand leader throws himself into his work, and it shows. Lease is a 2005 “-ish” graduate* of the College of Business with a degree in Marketing. The Colorado native is now a CEO, co-host of the popular Culture goodr podcast and a serial entrepreneur. And he was named the 2024 MSU Denver Distinguished Alumni of the Year, all because of that recklessly creative approach to business and life.
Faculty Spotlight
Student and Alumni Highlights
Jesiah Lopez – VP of Accounting Student Organization
Meet Jesiah Lopez, Vice President of the Accounting Student Organization, ASO. Jesiah joined ASO because he wanted to meet likeminded students who share the same goal of becoming successful accountants. Very soon, ASO became the bridge in assisting him to network with accounting firms. Jesiah’s favorite part about ASO is the interpersonal connections among the firms.
Pi Sigma Epsilon National Convention
Sixteen students from the Center for Professional Selling traveled to St Louis for the Pi Sigma Epsilon National Convention April 10-13, 2024. Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) is the only national, professional fraternal organization in sales, marketing, and management open to everyone.
The Convention is for individuals who want to build a strong professional network, learn from industry leaders, showcase accomplishment, compete in a variety of individual and group competitions, and connect with employers. This annual event brings together students, alumni, educators and industry professionals for an exciting week of networking, professional development, competitions and fun.
If students are interested in getting involved, they can contact club president Blair Whitted: [email protected]
College of Business Students Take Home Top Prizes at Ethics Quest 2024!
MSU Denver College of Business student took home 1st & 2nd place prizes for the recent campus-wide Ethics Quest 2024 competition! A big shoutout to 1st place winner Ruby Vargas, and 2nd place winner Desirae Mondragon!
Ethics Quest 2024 was open to all students enrolled in higher education, and offered four days of immersive experiences including games, presentations, and ethical learning opportunities.
The College of Business extends its sincere gratitude to Julian Friedland for his contribution to the competition, hosted by the University of Colorado and funded by the Daniels Fund ethics Initiative which is dedicated to fostering a culture of ethical leadership and decision-making among students, faculty, and the broader community.
Jacob Haberthier – Alumni
“I am very thankful for the MSU Denver College of Business! One of the biggest things that the CBUS taught me was how to network myself. Because of them and their teachings, it helped me land a job at Burton Snowboards, where I now work in my current degree field as one of the Marketing Managers. Not only did my networking skills allow me to find a job in this industry, but has allowed me to flourish professionally and personally” Jacob Haberthier, Marketing Grad
Tatym Lillquist- Alumni
“My experience at MSU Denver’s College of Business is undoubtedly a major contributor to my personal and professional success. From the dedicated support from professors and faculty to the numerous opportunities for growth, the department equipped me for the marketplace. What I appreciate most about my experience is having opportunities to network with tenured industry professionals, understand how the marketplace works through sales competitions, and being connected to companies seeking top talent. I am grateful for my time as MSU Denver and the community it helped me create.” Tatym Lillquist, Marketing Grad.
Two Alums win Sticker Contest
Excitement and anticipation brewed within MSU Denver’s College of Business as students waited to see who the winners were for the 2023-24 sticker competition, proudly sponsored by local business and supporter StickerGiant. This collaboration wasn’t just about stickers; it ignited creativity and entrepreneurship right on campus.
Erica Peterson, graduated last fall with a major in Marketing and a certificate in Digital Marketing.
Erica designed two of the top winning stickers.
“Digital marketing has always been a passion of mine, from understanding consumer behavior, to interpreting trends and how different brands interact with consumers, I find it all fascinating”
I graduated with a marketing degree in May 2023 and finished my digital marketing certificate this past fall. I am also a proud alum of the Women’s Soccer team.
I enjoy digital marketing because I get to bring my ideas to life in a way that connects with people.