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Preparing students for an AI-driven future
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries — and business education is no exception. College of Business faculty are finding innovative ways to integrate AI into their classrooms, helping students develop the skills they’ll need to thrive in a changing workforce.
Associate Professor Rick Pennington began incorporating Generative AI (Gen AI) into his graduate supply chain courses in 2023. He uses it to generate course content, create assignments and develop case studies tailored to class discussions. This approach, he said, has improved the clarity of instructions, reduced student confusion and ultimately enhanced learning outcomes.
“I’ve found that using Gen AI allows me to quickly generate fresh, relevant case studies that align with course objectives,” Pennington said. “It keeps classroom discussions dynamic and helps students engage with real-world scenarios.”
Pennington also has designed projects that require students to use Gen AI to solve business challenges. For example, in his Lean Six Sigma (LSS) courses, students create hypothetical improvement projects using AI to brainstorm solutions. This hands-on experience has helped students develop critical thinking, problem-solving and technical AI competencies — skills highly valued in the workforce.
“Many students assume AI will do the work for them,” Pennington said. “But they quickly realize it’s like any other tool — its value comes from the user’s ability to ask the right questions and interpret the output.”
Assistant Professor Darrell Aubrey also has begun incorporating AI into his courses, primarily to streamline course development and enhance feedback to students. He uses AI to assist with building course modules, designing assignments and providing clear, consistent feedback on student work.
“I’m in the process of transitioning courses to a new platform, and AI has been helpful in developing content and structuring feedback,” Aubrey said. “It’s a time-saver, but it’s also a tool that helps improve the learning experience for students.”
While Aubrey hasn’t yet dedicated course time to teaching AI specifically, he does include “acceptable use of AI” guidelines in his syllabus and plans to develop assignments that reflect AI’s growing influence in supply chain and logistics management.
Looking ahead, both professors see AI fundamentally reshaping business education. Pennington emphasized that companies are already using AI for tasks like analyzing medical scans, automating pricing strategies and creating marketing content — and students need to be ready for that reality.
“As educators, we have a responsibility to prepare students to navigate and lead in an AI-driven business environment,” Pennington said. “That means helping them understand AI’s capabilities, limitations and ethical considerations.”
Aubrey agreed, adding that AI has the potential to personalize learning experiences and simulate real-world business challenges. However, he cautioned that careful attention must be given to maintaining academic integrity as AI becomes more prevalent.
“AI can’t replace human-centered education,” Aubrey said. “But it can enhance it — and that’s where we see real potential for preparing students for their careers.”
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Alumni: How has digital transformation shaped you and your career?
Digital transformation is reshaping industries—and the College of Business is committed to preparing students for this new reality. But we need your insights to ensure we’re staying ahead of the curve.
As an alum, you’ve experienced firsthand how technology, data and automation are changing the way businesses operate. What skills have been most valuable in your career? What digital tools and strategies do you use daily? What advice would you give to today’s business students?
Your feedback could help us refine our curriculum and ensure that the College of Business continues to produce graduates who are ready to lead in a digital-first world. Take the alumni survey here.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for helping us shape the future of Bellevue University and the College of Business! -
A Message from Dean Rebecca Murdock
Welcome to the latest issue of Innovating Business, in which we focus on how the College of Business and Bellevue University prepare students to be entrepreneurs, whether it’s through the courses we teach, the experience we share or the ideas we nurture. In one of our articles, about faculty members with experience as business owners, Assistant Professor Joe Kirby cites a quote from Albert Einstein that resonates with me: “In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not.” In this case, Dr. Kirby shares the quote in the context of being an entrepreneur and longtime business owner, and how he relates that real-life experience to the theoretical lessons he teaches. As he says, “the clean lessons found in textbooks can become quite messy in the real world.” At Bellevue University and the College of Business, we place a premium on faculty who have gotten their hands dirty in the fields they teach. Armed with that experience, they focus on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, ensuring our graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Innovating Business and the many stories and insights we share from our College of Business community – students, alumni, faculty and our Advisory Board. It’s because of you that we continue to innovate and thrive. If you want to discuss anything about the College of Business, my door is always open, as is my inbox. Contact me.
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Let’s Hear From…
College of Business Advisory Board Member Wendy Wiseman, President and CEO of Constellation CollectiveAs one of the longest serving members of the College of Business Advisory Board, Wendy Wiseman has seen firsthand for 10 years how the college – and Bellevue University as a whole – operates as an entrepreneurial organization.
“If the market needs it, if students need it, Bellevue University finds a way to deliver. The College of Business is no exception to this. In fact, it’s been especially gratifying to be a part of the innovation delivered by this college for years. The College of Business leads in offering unprecedented access to relevant learning and degree programs needed by students of all ages today,” Wiseman said.
Wiseman is president and CEO of Constellation Collective, a full-service marketing agency based in Omaha with clients nationwide. She brings a wide range of experience to her role on the advisory board. Early in her career, Wiseman cut her chops as a marketer for large but “disruptive” corporations.
“Big, but not ‘corporate,’ not afraid to think differently and upset the apple cart to bring new, fresh, needed products and services to the market,” she said. “My marketing career was built around seeing the prospect we want to reach and thinking about what we want that person to hear, think and feel about the brand. When you approach what you do with this entrepreneurial mindset – no matter how big you are, and no matter if you wish to start your own company or succeed in an established one – you will have an edge that works.”
Wiseman’s advice to those aspiring to start their own business is threefold:
- Know that you will live for your idea/your business. New businesses require constant care and feeding, and that can mean a lot of your time. But, with passion for your idea, it won’t seem like work, and with the right skills and knowledge, the sky’s the limit.
- Learn as much as you can about your concept, competitors, the market, demand and never stop learning.
- Don’t be afraid to have people call your baby ugly. Now is not the time to keep your idea to yourself. Run it by as many people as you can.
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COB Roundtable: Students benefit from faculty’s business experience
We asked three College of Business professors about their experience as business owners and how that entrepreneurial spirit carries over into the classroom and benefits students. The roundtable consisted of Associate Professor Randa Zalman, Assistant Professor Joe Kirby and Professor Anthony Clarke.
Tell us about your experience as a business owner and entrepreneur.
Zalman: “Before transitioning into higher education, I had more than a decade of experience as a business owner. I initially served as a partner at an Omaha-based advertising agency, where I collaborated with five other partners and more than 20 employees. We provided advertising and marketing services to a variety of clients across higher education, retail, insurance, home improvement and other verticals. After recognizing a growing demand for specialized marketing services in highly regulated industries, I founded my own social media and marketing firm. My team crafted comprehensive social media and digital marketing solutions for more than 70 national and international organizations, helping them navigate complex regulatory environments while engaging with their customers. After several years of growth, I sold the business and shifted my focus to higher education, where I could use my experience to guide the next generation of leaders.”
Kirby: “My journey as a business owner began in high school, when my brothers and I ran a lawn service and snow plowing company. In college, I ventured into contract computer programming, developing customized applications for businesses just starting to embrace personal computing. Then in 2004, I made a significant leap by investing in a Ford dealership in a small town of 4,000. My focus was on staff development, strategic planning and operational management. We expanded our footprint by acquiring a Chevy/Pontiac dealership and co-locating it with our Ford store. While business ownership in a dealership brings numerous rewards, it also presents unique challenges—such as managing large personal guarantees, navigating employee and customer dynamics, weathering the global financial crisis and GM bankruptcy, and putting in long hours. There’s a saying that business owners only work half days; you just choose which 12 hours to work! In 2017, I sold my interest in the dealership to pursue my doctorate and transition into education. Simultaneously, I founded a property management company and invested in residential and commercial real estate, both through direct ownership and partnerships with trusted colleagues.
Lastly, I have provided strategy and performance management consulting to small and medium-sized organizations, further enriching my understanding of business dynamics.”
Clarke: “We are all business owners if we consider that we are primarily responsible for managing our own human capital (self). We subsequently might add additional financial, physical or human capital to create an enterprise. So, my experience extends from choosing my educational classes, to my paper route as a kid, to my later interests in retail and real estate.”
Have you always felt a certain entrepreneurial spirit? Where do you think that came from?
Zalman: “Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve always believed in the life-changing powers of hard work and persistence. This mindset has guided me throughout my career, fueling my drive to take risks and pursue ambitious goals. The women in my family have been role models in this regard. They’ve consistently demonstrated the value of recognizing opportunities and leveraging tenacity and creativity to maximize success. Their example has helped me embrace being both strategic and bold in my own entrepreneurial pursuits.”
Kirby: “My father, who loved teaching, left his position at Boys Town for real estate after the birth of his seventh child, eventually starting his own company with a trusted partner. Growing up, I witnessed his dedication—long hours, staff development and navigating the challenges of the double-digit interest rates of the late 1970s. This experience provided me with a realistic view of the ups and downs of business ownership. Additionally, my grandmother operated a solo custom drapery business, passing her skills down to my mother, who continued the family tradition in Omaha. I remember asking my mother how often her proposals were declined for being too expensive. She replied, “Never.” I smiled, and she shook her head; she focused on the craft and her passion for excellence, not the business.”
Clarke: “My family has a long history in business. My great grandpa opened a grocery store in Broken Bow, Nebraska in 1919. My grandpa and grandma later had a grocery store in Central City, Nebraska. My grandma and other key people ran that store while my grandpa served in World War II. As a kid, my mother ran a garden center in the summer and worked in bookkeeping while my father was the general manager of a grocery business. My family and extended family continue in various entrepreneurial pursuits today. An entrepreneurial perspective is something that was discussed and celebrated in our family interactions.”
How do you think your experience as a business owner informs your teaching?
Zalman: “Being a former business owner has proven to be a valuable asset in my teaching. While our curricula and supporting materials are excellent, there are certain nuances of running a business that can only be fully understood through personal experience. Having navigated the challenges, risks and successes, I’m able to provide students with scenarios, insights and practical examples that go beyond the textbooks. These real-world experiences enhance classroom discussions, often allowing me to provide additional teachable moments that resonate more deeply with students. Whether it’s about managing clients, overcoming obstacles or making important decisions under pressure, these lessons help bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving students a more comprehensive understanding of what it truly means to succeed in business.”
Kirby: “Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, ‘In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not.’ For those who have owned a business, it’s clear that the clean lessons found in textbooks can become quite messy in the real world. Textbook problems typically yield straightforward solutions, but real-world scenarios often present more ambiguity. By providing students with complex scenarios that lack clear outcomes, I encourage them to approach problems from multiple angles, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in business.”
Clarke: “Many want to vilify business and business owners. The problem with that narrative is that the business is doing ‘community service.’ The business owner serves the community by providing a service and creating value or profit in the process. Students are pursuing an admirable pursuit by serving their community and creating value as business professionals. There is also a ‘no-nonsense’ element that is readily apparent in my teaching. I don’t have time to dwell on concepts or perspectives that have little relevance to reality.”
Do you think the College of Business offers a unique experience for students because so many faculty members having experience as business owners and entrepreneurs?
Zalman: “One of the hallmarks of being an entrepreneur is the ability to be agile, embrace innovation and maintain a lifelong learning mindset. I have found these qualities are deeply embedded in the way our faculty approach teaching. At Bellevue University, this entrepreneurial spirit sets us apart. Not only are they experts in their fields, but our faculty members also demonstrate a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and integrating the latest developments into their courses. Students are receiving a dynamic education that prepares them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”
Clarke: “Sharing ‘real-life’ experiences can provide context and motivation for students to master the content, tools and techniques associated with finance. There is also an academic and organizational culture at Bellevue University that is searching for solutions. This ‘can-do’ culture combined with wise discernment can result in a highly productive enterprise and an excellent academic experience for students.”
Kirby: “The diverse experience of our faculty and adjuncts enriches the educational experience, allowing students to learn from practitioners who blend theoretical knowledge with practical insights. With our students averaging in their early 30s, they come to us seeking skills that they can immediately apply in their careers. Our approach is uniquely positioned to equip students with the workplace-ready skills they need to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.”
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Entrepreneurship concentrations prepare students for success
College of Business faculty inherently weave lessons about entrepreneurship into their courses, no matter what the degree program. It’s endemic to the college and the faculty’s professional experience. But, for those students who want an even deeper dive into the topic, the college offers a concentration in entrepreneurship at both the bachelor’s- and master’s-degree levels.
At the master’s level, students complete five courses designed to prepare them to design, launch and grow new business ventures, either stand alone or within an existing corporation, including franchising and outsourcing. High-growth ventures, such as technology, and socially-oriented ventures are emphasized. The concentration even examines the international dimensions and sustainability of new ventures. Students use their capstone course to develop a business plan for their final project.
For the six-course undergraduate concentration, students gain a solid foundation in the entrepreneurial process, including the knowledge and skills necessary for starting and managing a new venture. They practice critiquing a business plan and learn about relevant laws and regulations. Students also complete a course on how to use social media to create brand identity and enhance marketing and business growth – a prime example of how the college evolves to continually offer relevant learning.
College of Business Associate Professor Merrill Johnson said students could follow a variety of paths to being entrepreneurs, including building a business from the ground up, purchasing an existing business, or perhaps buying into a franchise. It could even be a modest, part-time side hustle until it grows large enough for the business owner to quit their day job.
No matter what, Johnson said, the undergraduate concentration prepares students for success.
“Entrepreneurship or self-employment is not for everyone. It can be filled with the pinnacle of success as well as the valley of failure. But self-employment might be the right job move at some time in a person’s working career,” Johnson said. “By completing the entrepreneurial concentration, they should improve their odds of success.”
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Pratt Award helps students and alumni realize their business dreams
Since 2014, Bellevue University has fueled the business dreams of nearly 50 students and alumni through the Tom and Annie Pratt Entrepreneurial Award Program. Award winners receive up to $5,000 to help fund their innovative business ideas, whether it’s in the concept, start-up or expansion phase. They’re also paired with a faculty mentor who offers guidance and advice as they put their business ideas into action.
College of Business Associate Professor Randa Zalman is a member of the Pratt Award selection committee and calls it “soul-enriching work.”
“There’s something incredibly rewarding about guiding and supporting individuals as they work to bring their dreams to life. It’s more than just providing advice – it’s about being a part of their journey, helping them navigate challenges, refine their ideas and ultimately watching them grow their businesses,” Zalman said.
College of Business Assistant Professor and selection committee member Lee Mayhan has served as a mentor for multiple award winners, a role he has cherished.
“I was fortunate to work with several successful entrepreneurs during my 40-plus years as a banker, so it’s my privilege to share some of this knowledge with the Pratt awardees that I have had the opportunity to work with,” Mayhan said.
The award was established by Tom and Annie Pratt, long-time supporters of Bellevue University who owned a successful travel business. Annie is a former board member and employee of the university, and her father, Clifton Batchelder, was a long-time member of the board and a successful entrepreneur in the printing business.
The Pratt Award not only reflects the values of its namesakes, but of Bellevue University, Mayhan notes. He points out two values in particular.
“One, we are willing to go farther and act fearlessly to help our learners achieve their goals,” Mayhan said. “And we step up and work together to create a better world.”
Learn more about the Pratt Awards, including program guidelines, resources for applicants and videos of previous winners.
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Alumni credit Pratt Award for launching their business careers
In 2017, Mike Smith would come home from his day job as a licensed family counselor and, after his wife and newborn were asleep, stay up most of the night cooking up hair styling products in his Bellevue kitchen. Since then, Smith has launched his own line of products, Dauntless Modern Grooming, and expanded his business into Europe.
He wouldn’t be where he is today, Smith said, without the Tom and Annie Pratt Entrepreneurial Award Program. Thanks to the award, nearly 50 Bellevue University students and alumni like Smith have received funding and mentorship to turn their business dreams into a reality.Smith is the only two-time winner of the award. He used the first $5,000 award in 2017 to launch his company. He was like an “Olympic athlete in penny pinching,” he said, stretching those funds to cover the cost of packaging, labels, a website and photography. In 2019, he used funding from the award to expand his presence in America and make the push into Europe.
“I’ve always been extremely grateful for them for taking a chance on me,” Smith said. “It was essential that their funds came in when they did. Timing is essential.
If I hadn’t launched when I did, the next domino wouldn’t have fallen.”
Smith earned his Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University, as well as his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
“I remember writing in the box on the first award application, ‘Even if you don’t choose us, you got a kick out of a counseling student who makes hair products in their kitchen,’” Smith recalls.
Another Pratt winner, Andrea Grangruth, also launched her business in a kitchen – but in a more conventional way. Grangruth started Momma Drea’s Sugar Cookies in her Dallas-area home in 2018. Winning the Pratt Award in 2021 allowed her to buy a larger oven and update her logo and packaging. Nowadays, she produces her delicious, meticulously decorated cookies for everything from baby showers and birthdays to large-scale corporate events.“When I won, I was super excited,” said Grangruth, who earned her Master of Science in Management in 2020. “It gave me the motivation to take it to the next level.”
For Graeme Eaglesham, winning the Pratt Award in 2018 helped him turn his modest after-school soccer program into Nebraska’s largest after-school soccer program that serves about 1,000 underserved kids in 70 schools across the state. His Omaha-based non-profit organization, Future Kids, now has seven full-time employees and 25 part-time soccer coaches.
The Pratt Award paid for additional equipment and supplies, but Eaglesham said the greatest benefit has been the mentorship he’s received. Thanks to the award, he’s been able to work with John Levy, president of the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation, to learn the ins and outs of running a non-profit.“Before John, I knew nothing about non-profits,” said Eaglesham, who played and coached soccer at Bellevue University and in 2019 earned bachelor degrees in sports management and health and human performance. “He gave me a lot of guidance. He provided networking opportunities and kind of the stamp of approval in the non-profit world. I still meet with him regularly.”
Learn more about the Pratt Awards and watch videos of previous winners, including Mike Smith.
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Academic journals feature articles from COB professor, adjuncts and alum
College of Business Associate Professor Dishant Pandya recently co-authored a study published in the Journal of Finance and Accounting. The study, “The Effect of Board Composition on Long-Term Firm Performance: NASDAQ versus NYSE,” examines the impact of the 2003 board-independence mandate on the long-term financial performance of publicly traded U.S. companies that are traded on the country’s two largest stock exchanges.
Pandya explains that the mandate, which requires companies to have independent boards, has contributed to improved firm performance over time.
In addition to its publication, the research was presented at the 2024 IGBR Summer Online Conference, where it received a Distinguished Research Award.
Adjunct instructors Dave Lingerfelt and Jim Dockins
Two adjunct instructors in the Master of Healthcare Administration program co-authored an article published in the summer 2024 edition of the peer-reviewed journal Management in Healthcare.
Dave Lingerfelt and Jim Dockins wrote “How far is too far? Rural hospital closures and emergency room travel distances.” In the article, they explore how the increasing pace of rural hospital closures have reduced the number of licensed hospital emergency rooms available in rural locations and have resulted in new challenges for emergency medical service providers.
Alumnus Kyle Payne
College of Business alumnus Kyle Payne recently had his research article, “Making Room for Followers,” published in The International Journal of Ethical Leadership. Payne, who earned his Ph.D. in Human Capital Management in 2023, presents a study of “ethical followership” among professional engineers. For scholars, he defines and provides a theoretical framework for ethical followership. For practitioners, he identifies 13 behaviors that enable followers to navigate ethical dilemmas effectively and contribute to ethical leadership.
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Journal for Excellence in Business and Education relaunches, seeks contributors
The Journal for Excellence in Business and Education (JEBE), housed in the Bellevue University College of Business since it first published in 2010, has been relaunched and is seeking submissions. The entirely online JEBE is now hosted by Scholastica, thanks to support from COB Dean Rebecca Murdock.
JEBE’s mission is to promote and publish peer-reviewed research in a worldwide open-access system. The journal accepts original research articles, case studies, review articles and white papers in the fields of business and education.
“We’re dedicated to furthering the practice of business and education, in addition to developing scholars within both fields,” said Professor Julia Cronin-Gilmore, JEBE editor and director of the Doctor of Business Administration Degree.
The journal expects to publish new articles this winter and is seeking submissions and reviewers. Submitting an article for publication and engaging with academic literature can greatly enhance an individual’s career, Cronin-Gilmore said, by building credibility and highlighting expertise in the fields of business and/or education.
Here are three examples of articles published on the JEBE site:
- “Who is the Real Gatekeeper? Uncertainty on Both Sides of the Glass Ceiling,” by COB Assistant Professor Inhyun Han
- “Capstones in the Business School: Reviewing and Informing Practice in Pedagogic Context,” by Russell James Woodward and Nick Wragg
- “Software Engineering Leadership Competencies in the Information Technology Field,” by Merri L. Pedersen
“By contributing original research or insights, individuals demonstrate their knowledge and become thought leaders in their respective areas,” Cronin-Gilmore said. “Also, regularly reading academic articles keeps business leaders and scholars informed about the latest trends, methodologies and debates.”
Contact Cronin-Gilmore for more information about becoming a JEBE contributor.