Category: Faculty and Staff

Mark Roberts Fit for Award

Mark Roberts, Professor of Economics

“I am pleased to announce that Professor of Economics, Mark Roberts, has been chosen as this year’s Intramural Sports Distinguished Faculty Athlete,” said by Doug Oppliger, faculty advisor for Intramural Sports.

“Mark gets out on his skis, his feet or his bike almost everyday. It’s really important to him.

“When I talk to him and say I have been too busy to get out on the trails because of work, he gently reminds me of the importance of taking the time to do those things we love.

“Mark has competed in cross country ski races and mountain biking races. Although I am not to sure how much he competes, I think he epitomizes what we want student athletes to do–incorporate healthy exercise into their everyday lives for the rest of their lives.

Mark will receive the award at this year’s Intramural Sports banquet at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 19.

“My deepest thanks to the committee (past five award recipients) who participated in the selection process,” said Oppliger.

2006-07–Bob Baillod (CEE)
2007-08–John Gershenson (ME-EM)
2008-09–Norma Veurink (Engineering Fundamentals)
2009-10–Tim Schulz (College of Engineering)
2010-11–Neil Hutzler (CEE)

Originally posted in Tech Today.

Duo Takes on Resources Policy

With a prestigious new coeditorship, two professors in the School of Business and  Economics will have the opportunity to impact the analysis and public understanding of resources and mineral economics policies around the world.

Gary Campbell and Mark Roberts have been named coeditors of Resources Policy, The International Journal of Minerals Policy and Economics. Established in 1974, the journal is published by Elsevier and is aimed at economists and decision makers in academia, government, and industry. Campbell and Roberts, who are currently acting as associate editors, will take over the position in January 2012 from Philip Maxwell, professor emeritus in mineral economics in the Western Australian School of Mines at Curtin University.

“We are proud to be a part of a strong editorial tradition,” said Campbell. “We’ve been working together for more than twenty-five years, and, as coeditors, we will be able to exchange ideas and dedicate our combined energies to continue Resources Policy’s contributions to the field.”

The coeditorship is an honor that recognizes Campbell and Roberts’ service to the profession and their expertise in minerals policy and economics. Campbell, whose research focuses on metal markets and the urbanization and sustainability of mining, helped establish and now coordinates the master’s program in applied natural resource economics at Michigan Tech and the associated Peace Corps Master’s International program. He is also an adjunct professor with the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences. Roberts, who is also involved in the Master’s International program, analyzes cycles of metal, energy, and commodity prices and studies the environmental issues and impacts of mining. Both maintain full teaching schedules.

Campbell and Roberts have a long history with Resources Policy as regular contributors and reviewers. Roberts was a member of the editorial board for twenty years. As coeditors, Campbell and Roberts will solicit papers, assign reviewers, communicate with authors, and send papers through the editorial system.

The greatest challenge of the position, said Roberts, will be finding qualified reviewers for each piece. “One of the benefits of working together will be the chance to pool our contacts to find reviewers who have expertise in the topic of each article,” he said.

“We are honored to accept the position,” said Roberts, “and we look forward to the challenge.”

Campbell and Roberts’ first coedited issue of Resources Policy will be published in March 2012.

Tidwell Outstanding Man and Woman in Business Selected

Sam B. Tidwell is a legend with former accounting students. Gifts given in his memory support the Outstanding Man and Woman of Business award.

Craig Storm and Megan Plis are the 2011-12 recipients of the Sam B. Tidwell Outstanding Man and Woman in Business.  This award is given to students who bring honor and pride to the School of Business and Economics through high scholastic achievement and involvement.  Students eligible for this honor went through an intense interview process that included an essay and interview with faculty.

Anne Warrington of the Undergraduate Scholarship Committee added, “Megan and Craig are two of the most competent, talented, and totally amazing students in the School of Business and Economics. They have everything it takes for professional success after graduation.  It has been a pleasure meeting and working with them in classes and student organizations.”

Outstanding Man in Business

Craig Storm is a senior in the School of Business and Economics who will graduate with his degree in Accounting this spring.  In his time on campus he has been affiliated with Kappa Sigma Iota Accounting Organization (KSI) and an International Business Ventures Enterprise team member while currently holding an internship with Lake Accounting.  Craig has a level of professionalism and maturity that he brings to the community and the classroom which made him a strong candidate and the recipient of this award.

When asked about receiving the award, Craig said, “I enjoy studying how companies function from an accounting and financial perspective. This was the biggest factor in choosing my major and where I want to go professionally. It is an honor to be selected for this award, and I look forward to representing the School of Business and Economics as I advance my career,”

Outstanding Woman in Business

Megan Plis is a senior, Business Management major and Spanish minor who will graduate this spring.  An extremely involved student, Megan makes time for a variety of extracurricular and leadership activities outside of the school environment.  She volunteers at her church leading the music at worship services and singing in the choir.  With three years of diverse sales and marketing experience at a Lolita’s Bridal Boutique, the Wooden Nickel, and River Valley Bank she has been able to put her education into action.

About the Award

The Outstanding Man and Women in Business is awarded annually and the School of Business and Economics is confident that this year’s selections represent the student body well with their efforts in leadership and extracurricular activities.  Undergraduate Scholarship Committee members Anne Warrington, Mari Buche, and William Breffle were heavily involved in the selection of this award.

“The Scholarship Committee has a challenging task to select these award recipients,” said Darrell Radson, Dean of the School of business.  “We, as a school, thank them for their continued commitment to recognizing students who excel in and outside of the classroom.”

When asked about the selection process, Buche noted “the selection process was very difficult this year.  All of the finalists were exceptional candidates: strong academic GPAs, demonstrated leadership skills, and clear commitment to the improvement of the school and Michigan Tech.” Other finalists for this year’s award included: Caitlin Pionke, Rhea-Ann Moses, Jordan Baker, Andrew Loucks, and Spencer Shandonay.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Vote for Lecturer Roger Woods!

Roger Woods, Lecturer in Operations Management

Lecturer in Operations Management, Roger Woods, has been nominated for the University’s annual Distinguished Teaching Award, selected by the Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development (CTLFD). This award recognizes outstanding contribution to the instructional mission of the University.Show your support by sending your comments and voting for Woods through this form on the Center’s website.

Based on over 50,000 student ratings, ten finalists have been identified for the 2012 awards. The selection committee is soliciting comments from students, staff, faculty and alumni to aid in its deliberation. Woods has been nominated in the Assistant Professor/Lecturer/Professor of Practice category.

Comments on the nominees are due by Monday, March 30.

The process for determining the recipients from this list of finalists also involves additional surveying of their classes. The selection committee makes the final determination. The recipients will be announced in the fall.

Professor Gary Campbell quoted in Copper Investing News

Gary Campbell, Professor of Natural Resource Economics at Michigan Tech

Professor of Natural Resource Economics Gary Campbell was quoted in an article titled “Glencore’s Xstrata Takeover May Lift Copper Juniors’ Finances” that ran this week in Copper Investing News.

His comments focused on business companies looking to gain market share in the mineral market. Read the article.