News & Stories
In other news: January 2024
More insights and highlights from the UNC Kenan-Flagler community
A momentous year
As we look forward to what the new year will bring, we look back at a few of our favorite stories of 2023.
- Mary Margaret Frank was named dean: In June, triple Tar Heel Mary Margaret Frank (BSBA ’92, MAC ’92, PhD ’99) was selected as dean, taking the helm after the skillful, trusted leadership of Interim Dean Jennifer Conrad.
- Innovative research: The grand expanse of faculty research continued to impress in 2023, including work focused on climate change’s impact on the economy, designing more effective voice chatbots, business approaches to social activism and supply chain challenges.
- The legend has left the building: With a distinctive teaching style and unwavering dedication to students, Professor C.J. Skender left an indelible legacy when he retired after over 40 years in the classroom.
- Helping military students complete their next mission: Taking advantage of an ingrained culture of support, many military veterans and those on active duty choose the School as they prepare to transition to civilian careers.
- Obsessed with the next “ever”: Being open to life’s possibilities and “uncomfortable with comfort” propelled the career of Ukonwa Kuzi-Orizu Ojo (BSBA ’97) from her time as global chief marking officer at Amazon Prime Video to launching her own company, Zaia Ventures. “Find something you love enough to put in the work it requires,” Ojo told the Undergraduate Business Program Class of 2023 as the keynote spring commencement speaker. “You’ll be surprised at how easily your gift is recognized.”
Christine Porath
Thought leaders
- Professor Jayashankar Swaminathan discussed game-changing supply chain innovations to look for in 2024 on the “Big Ideas in Supply Chain” podcast hosted by Anne Robinson, Kinaxis chief strategy officer.
- What to expect in the workplace in 2024? Probably more uncivil political disagreements among employees, which can decrease productivity by more than 35%, according to Professor Christine Porath.
- Professor Mike Christian explored the fundamentals of leadership development on the latest Clear Admit MBA Admissions podcast.
- Research from Professor Elena Simintzi explores the benefits of universal childcare for parents and employers.
Photo by Megan Mendenhall, Endeavours magazine
An artful life
Growing up, Professor Sreedhari Desai couldn’t afford an easel, so she painted by working with a palette on canvas on the floor. It’s a technique she still uses when taking breaks from teaching and researching gender diversity and ethical decision-making.
“When I’m totally in the zone, working on one of pieces, my mind stops racing, and I can just be present in the moment,” she told Endeavours magazine
Spotted on social
- Professor Sekou Bermiss shared his favorite rap albums of 2023 — including one very clear winner.
- At the December MBA@UNC Summit, students connected with peers, learned about different field options such as management and consulting — and got a good taste of Tar Heel culture.
Thorpe Landscapes President Daniel Thorpe (right) with Vice President Anne Beck
- Daniel Thorpe (MBA ’21) shared that his North Carolina-based landscape construction firm, Thorpe Landscapes, was chosen by the National Park Service to work on the $19.2 million restoration of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. “We are incredibly proud that an NC-based site and landscape contractor will be doing the work on this iconic NC landmark. We are very proud and humbled to be selected,” Thorpe said on LinkedIn.
- Former men’s basketball player and coach Matt Doherty (BSBA ’84) spoke about creating a championship culture at an alumni event at UNC Kenan-Flagler’s new Charlotte Executive MBA Program campus.