In other news: September 2023

More insights and highlights from the UNC Kenan-Flagler community

Thought leaders

• Professor Ric Colacito shares his research into the deep impact rising temperatures could have on U.S. economic growth in UNC’s research magazine.
• The Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise hosted a panel of state leaders discussing the future of a sustainable workforce pipeline.
• Professor Sekou Bermiss provides insight into how businesses can better support employees through a more engaging workplace environment as many recover from the “Great Resignation.”
• A generous gift from Luther Hodges (BA ’57) establishes the merit-based Luther Hodges Scholars program, a flagship undergraduate excellence program for UNC Kenan-Flagler students committed to addressing the most pressing challenges facing business and society.
• Professor Patricia Harms was elected vice president of the Association for Business Communication (ABC), the field’s largest professional organization. Following her VP term, she will serve as ABC president.
• Research co-authored by Professor Christopher Petsko finds that gender is a factor in the range of stereotypes of bisexual individuals. His research focuses on how stereotypes influence and distort our perceptions of others.
• Danielle Richie, director of the Full-Time MBA Program admissions and student recruitment, talks with Clear Admit about what to expect in the admissions cycle this year.

Standout students and alumni

• Andres Valdiri (BSBA ’27) already launched a business consulting company for student-led startups. Now he’s turning his entrepreneurial attention to an ingenious app he developed to ensure a good haircut.
• Beecher Hicks III (MBA ’93) was named president and CEO of the National Black MBA Association. He recently completed a decade of services as president and CEO of the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.
• JP Morgan Chase tapped Jamie Barwick (MBA ’06) to serve as executive director and eastern North Carolina market executive for middle market banking.
• Sean Heuer (MBA ’22) was named CEO of Resolve Systems, a leader in the IT automation platform industry.
• Polly Mitchell-Guthrie (BA ’90, MBA ’00) offers five principles for businesses to navigate the evolving complexity of artificial intelligence’s role in supply chain management.
• Research from Casher Belinda (MBA ’20, PhD ’23) and Professor Mike Christian explore how dreams can influence workplace behavior.