Congratulations to these College of Business students who received recognition from their departments at the end of the spring 2024 semester.
In addition to his academic success, Engineering Management undergraduate Connor Zavislak has held leadership roles in organizations including Undergraduate Student Government (USG), American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM), and the Leaders in Continuous Improvement Student Organization. He was recently elected as president of his fraternity. Connor has completed engineering management internships at Caterpillar, Pulsar, and Polaris. In summer 2023 he participated in a COB study abroad trip to Germany to learn hands-on about global supply chain and operations management.
Undergraduate Miles West graduated with a double major in Economics and Statistics in May 2024. His passion for data analysis was demonstrated in the classroom and through his participation in research projects, where he drew on his knowledge of multiple statistical and programming languages and software. The Economics faculty appreciate Miles’s work ethic problem solving skills, and self-motivation. Miles was actively involved on campus as a physics learning center coach, a stagehand for the Rozsa Center, and as treasurer of Alpha Phi Omega, a service-oriented fraternity.
Double major, Madison Matilla is studying Management Information Systems and Accounting (with a concentration in Data Analytics) . Madison is preparing herself for a successful career through her strong work ethic and interpersonal skills, and by pairing her business domain knowledge with business information technology knowledge and skills. She is an example to other students of how to prepare to lead in a technology-driven business environment. Madison’s bright and energetic nature brings a dynamism to the classroom, and she supports and advocates for her peers. Madison is a member of the Applied Portfolio Management Program, where she applies her knowledge of accounting to assist her peers as they manage a real portfolio. Her many experiences at Michigan Tech, her work ethic, personality, and persistence will help to guarantee Madison a successful life and career.
As president of the American Marketing Association (AMA) at Michigan Tech, Marketing undergraduate Nicholas Pate showcases his dedication to marketing and leadership and fosters enthusiasm among the AMA members. Drawing on his ability to motivate and unite individuals, under his leadership AMA membership doubled from 10 in 2022 to 20 in 2024. Nicholas’s strategic mindset and creative approach were also evident in the AMA’s success at the 2024 UWW conference, where they received numerous awards. Nicholas embodies the qualities of a successful marketer, demonstrating responsibility, generosity, and community-mindedness.
A dedicated student, Sydney Lurvey is pursuing a double major in Finance and Economics with a minor in FinTech. She participates in the College of Business’s Applied Portfolio Management Program, and she is a member of the Finance Club and Michigan Tech’s intramural women’s basketball team.
Teddy Ellis, a junior majoring in Construction Management with a minor in Business, demonstrates excellence through knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm across all of his endeavors. Teddy is president of the Husky Construction and Design Association, where he has cultivated industry partnerships, orchestrated construction site tours and speaker engagements, and bolstered member engagement. His academic success and exemplary construction management skills have led to prestigious internships with three companies within the industry. Teddy’s proactive approach helped his team clinch the top position in the Midwest ASC Estimating competition in fall 2023. Teddy is also an officer in the Baseball Club and the Disc Golf Club, he volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, and he is a member of the Pavlis Honors College.
Management major Olivia Von Holtz is an active participant in her operations and supply chain classes, effectively applying concepts and topics. She was recently team lead of her Advanced Project Management team. She has completed internships at Gentex and is currently working part-time as a material support engineering intern while pursuing MBA graduate classes.
Fourth-year undergraduate Henry Basala is majoring in Accounting (with a Data Analytics concentration) and Management Information Systems. He is a member of the Pavlis Honor College. This summer, Henry is completing an internship with Grant Thornton in Phoenix, Arizona. Henry is active in the campus community as a member of the Pavlis Honors College Undergraduate Student Advisory Board, the vice president of operations for the Kappa Sigma Iota (KSI) Accounting Club, and a student mentor and ambassador for the College of Business.
Roger Woods received the 2024 College of Business Teacher of the Year award. Each year College of Business senior students nominate a slate of faculty that have had a great impact on the students. COB students select the winner from the slate of nominees. The award recognizes Woods’s extraordinary dedication and unparalleled commitment that extends far beyond the confines of the classroom.
Woods demonstrates unwavering dedication to his craft and boundless enthusiasm for guiding students on their educational journey. His commitment to teaching extends far beyond the syllabus, as he invests countless hours in ensuring that each student receives the support and guidance they need to thrive. From his engaging lectures to his willingness to go above and beyond in office hours, Woods works to empower his students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors.
But perhaps what sets Roger apart is his genuine care and concern for each and every student. He creates a supportive and nurturing environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, seeking guidance, and exploring their potential. His passion for teaching is infectious, inspiring students to push themselves beyond their limits and reach new heights of achievement
Here’s what students have to say about Roger Woods:
“Roger is a beam of inspiration… His passion brings everyday topics to life, making learning a joyous adventure.”
“He is committed to teaching all students, regardless of skill level… His classes are structured meticulously, fostering deep comprehension and real-world application.”
“Roger is the best professor I’ve ever had! He truly cares about his students’ understanding and success.”
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