School of Business Administration Exemplary Faculty Awards
We are excited to announce the outstanding achievements of the faculty members at Gonzaga University’s School of Business Administration. Their dedication and innovative work continue to elevate the school while profoundly shaping the lives of students. Through their teaching, research, and service, these faculty members embody the very values that define our institution.
From groundbreaking research on cultural intelligence to creating real-world learning experiences with local and global communities, our faculty continue to push boundaries and inspire the next generation of business leaders. Awards like the Loeken Awards, Centioli Faculty Excellence Awards, and the Barnes Awards celebrate their remarkable contributions.
These honors reflect a deep commitment to not only academic excellence but also the Jesuit principles of service, social justice, and personal growth.
To learn more about each faculty member's accomplishments, visit the links below. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!
Loeken Academic Excellence Awards
- Lada Kurpis, Professor of Marketing
- Yelin Zhang, Associate Professor of Finance
- Tim Olsen, Associate Professor of Management Information Systems
- Vivek Patil, Professor of Marketing
Centioli Faculty Excellence Awards
- Danny Kim, Assistant Professor of Marketing
- Annie Voy, Associate Professor of Economics
- Shan Xiao, Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems
Barnes Academic Excellence Awards
- Yemisi Awotoye, Assistant Professor of Management
- Jillian LaBelle, Lecturer of Accounting
- Masha Tackett, Assistant Professor of Economics
- Ryan Herzog, Associate Professor of Economics
- Peggy Sue Loroz, Professor of Marketing
- Danielle Xu, Professor & Mozilo Chair of Business Administration
- Mirjeta Beqiri, Professor of Operations Management
- Molly Pepper, Associate Dean of Impact, Professor of Management
Barnes Academic Excellence Awards
Yemisi is deeply committed to guiding students through their academic journeys and fostering holistic development. She creates inclusive, engaging learning environments that emphasize critical thinking and personal growth. Rather than relying solely on lectures, Yemisi transforms her undergraduate courses into hands-on experiences, incorporating various teaching methods to reinforce key concepts.
In her Strategic Management class, Yemisi uses case studies and simulations to provide real-world business experience. In Spring 2024, she launched a semester-long Capstone project to supplement these activities. The project tasked students with developing a strategic plan for Gonzaga University in response to the enrollment challenges facing higher education. Each group worked on strategic leadership, analysis, and implementation, culminating in a detailed report shared with Dean Ken Anderson. Yemisi also brought in a guest speaker from LinkedIn to discuss automation's role in career decisions and business strategy.
In her International Management class, Yemisi created country selection and culture projects, giving students the opportunity to research and evaluate international opportunities for Spokane-based businesses. Her Strategic Management course has recently received the honors designation, and her International Management course received the Global Studies designation. This Fall, Yemisi looks forward to offering new consulting opportunities through a partnership with a local athletic center, further enhancing her students' hands-on learning experiences.
During the 2023-2024 academic year, Jillian made significant strides in both teaching and advising, impacting many students in meaningful ways. She officially advised 35 students and offered guidance to many other unofficial advisees, many of whom sought her out for help with accounting or academic decisions. Jillian also wrote 16 letters of recommendation, underscoring her dedication to her students' futures.
In her Introduction to Accounting classes, Jillian continued to innovate her teaching methods, using an iPad instead of a whiteboard and recording lectures for students to access remotely. This approach kept students engaged, even when absent, and helped them review challenging topics. She also implemented a group project where students analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on publicly traded companies, providing practical application of course concepts.
Jillian enhanced the student experience by inviting guest speakers, including a CFO and financial advisors, offering real-world perspectives on accounting careers. She further engaged students through two projects: a financial statement analysis and an Excel budgeting exercise to help them plan for post-graduation life.
Outside the classroom, Jillian presented at the Women LEAD conference and served as treasurer for a local non-profit, using her accounting expertise to give back to the community. Her dedication to real-world exposure and student engagement truly stands out.
During her sabbatical in Fall 2023, Masha focused on mastering new econometric techniques to stay current in the evolving field of applied econometrics. She spent time studying the latest estimators and attended a four-day workshop. These advanced techniques allow researchers to better establish causality in their analyses. Masha applied her new knowledge by writing a paper, which she presented at two conferences and is now preparing for journal submission.
Masha also integrated these updated methods into her econometrics course curriculum, ensuring her students are prepared for graduate school or the job market. While no undergraduate textbook currently covers these new techniques, Masha believes exposing students to cutting-edge methods is essential. One of her students, for example, used the event-study methodology learned in class to examine the effects of marijuana legalization on violent crime rates.
In addition, Masha revised the Macroeconomics Principles course, replacing outdated assignments with a data analysis project. Beginning in Spring 2024, students collected and analyzed their own data, applying macroeconomic principles. This hands-on approach equips students with valuable data analysis skills that will set them apart in an increasingly AI-driven job market.
Barnes Engagement Awards
Ryan is dedicated to engaging both the university and the broader Spokane community, integrating academic learning with real-world experiences. His volunteer work includes active participation in university events like Freshman Orientation, GEL Weekend, and Fall Family Weekend, where he delivers sample lectures and engages with students and families. He also serves as Chair of the Audit Committee for the Board of Directors at a local credit union and has started guest teaching at a local high school, bringing his expertise to benefit local organizations.
Incorporating service-learning into his curriculum, Ryan encourages students to apply economic principles to address community issues, using local labor market data and income equality measures to analyze regional economies. He also developed educational programs such as the Economics Summer Research Fellowship, Economics Tutoring Center, and the Economics Symposium, providing students with experiential learning opportunities.
Ryan has established strong partnerships with community stakeholders, organizing events like the Economics Symposium and engaging with local media outlets, including appearances on KHQ and Spokane Public Radio. His innovative teaching methods, such as analyzing the economic impact of Taylor Swift's concerts, make economic theory relatable and have garnered national media attention. Ryan's commitment to service, outreach, and practical application has enriched both the academic and business communities.
This year, Peggy Sue focused on the SBA value of Engagement by connecting students with business professionals and fostering meaningful experiences. One of her key accomplishments was planning the inaugural Marketing and Advertising track of the New York Trek, offering marketing students exposure to various industries. This program featured eight site visits to organizations like Google, NBA, LinkedIn, and Paramount, hosted by Gonzaga alumni and other employees. Peggy Sue also organized a mentoring dinner with 10 young alumni, providing valuable insights into the logistics of relocating and working in NYC.
In her Personal Branding for Athletes course, Peggy Sue brought in six outside experts and hosted a panel of mentors from GU Athletics and Learfield to provide feedback on student-athlete presentations. The course culminated with eight local businesspeople attending student-athlete pitches for potential NIL partnerships, adding real-world relevance.
Peggy Sue’s Consumer Behavior course featured guest speakers and a collaboration with Gonzaga Admissions, while International Marketing at the Gonzaga in Florence campus included seven immersion experiences focused on marketing to international tourists. Each initiative bridges the gap between academia and the business community, enriching students' educational experiences and preparing them for successful careers.
Danielle has demonstrated a deep commitment to community engagement through her volunteerism, partnerships, and educational programming. She actively serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Spokane Public Schools Foundation, Vanessa Behan, and the Spokane Sister Cities Association, where she promotes cultural exchange and supports local causes. Additionally, Danielle volunteers for programs like Bite2Go and the Spokane City Point-in-Time Count, contributing to efforts to improve living conditions for children, low-income families, and the homeless.
In her role as Mozilo Chair, Danielle worked with student interns to help build the first coffee shop in Northeast Spokane, creating job opportunities for local families. She also developed an internship program with the Northeast Public Development Authority (NEPDA) focused on financial modeling and marketing, giving students real-world experience in community development.
Danielle’s efforts extend to educational programming and outreach, where she advises the Gonzaga University Investment Club and DECA Club. She organized networking events and workshops with alumni and industry professionals, and she is working on a potential partnership with Vanessa Behan for students to manage non-profit financial assets.
Additionally, Danielle co-developed a study abroad program in Japan, providing students with international business exposure through visits to companies like Microsoft, Nike, and Mitsubishi Bank. These activities exemplify her dedication to bridging academic learning with real-world experiences.
Barnes Inspiration Awards
Mirjeta embodies the mission of Gonzaga and the School of Business through her teaching, leadership, and global engagement. As a passionate educator, she teaches both undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them through real-world experiences. In her Quantitative and Statistical Analysis course, students work with non-profit organizations such as Second Harvest, Vanessa Behan, Meals on Wheels, and Spokane Valley Summer Theater, serving as data analysts. These collaborations have a profound impact on both students and the community, inspiring students to continue contributing beyond the classroom.
Mirjeta’s global impact extends through the Doing Business in Europe program, where she exposes students to diverse industries and sustainability practices. This year’s program featured visits to small businesses, large companies, and sustainable enterprises across Italy. She also incorporates discussions on ethical issues and sustainability in her courses, fostering a deeper understanding of global business challenges.
Mirjeta’s contributions have been widely recognized. She was named MBA Faculty of the Year and featured by Women in Business Education. Her work in Albania’s higher education system earned her the “Gratitude of the Faculty of Economy” award, and she was invited to speak at the University of Shkoder commencement. Above all, her commitment to mentoring students and alumni continues to inspire and empower future business leaders.
Molly exemplifies a holistic commitment to the Jesuit mission in her professional life, focusing on leadership, scholarship, and community service. As president of the Colleagues in Jesuit Business Education (CJBE) for the past four years, she has promoted Jesuit values in business education through collaboration, scholarship, and innovative teaching. By fostering ethical decision-making and social justice, CJBE prepares students to become responsible leaders grounded in Jesuit principles.
As a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Jesuit Business Education, Molly helps shape the journal's content, ensuring it aligns with the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm and the Inspirational Paradigm. Her work supports educators who strive to integrate Jesuit values into their teaching and research.
Molly's commitment to service extends beyond academia through her involvement with local community groups. At Spokane Rotary 21 she serves on the Board of Directors. She leads and co-chairs several committees, including vaccination efforts and invocations. Rotary’s mission aligns with the Jesuit value of being men and women for others. Additionally, as an Honorary Commander at Fairchild Air Force Base, Molly bridges military and civilian communities, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding through engagement in community and university activities.
Centioli Faculty Excellence Awards
During his first two years as an Assistant Professor at Gonzaga University, Danny has dedicated himself to excellence in both research and teaching, embodying the Jesuit value of Cura Personalis. He has pioneered research on animal welfare consumption, aligning with Jesuit values by promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of factory farming. His work emphasizes respect for all animals, and he presented his innovative research at the Association for Consumer Research, where it was commended for its originality. Danny is preparing to build on this success with future publications.
In the classroom, Danny creates an engaging and supportive learning environment. In his Marketing Research course, he applied metacognitive teaching strategies, encouraging students to select projects that sparked their curiosity, like analyzing the potential Elon Musk vs. Mark Zuckerberg martial arts match. This approach fostered intrinsic motivation and helped students overcome their initial fears, resulting in highly positive evaluations and a strong connection between students and the material.
Annie has made significant intellectual contributions in both research and teaching. In October, she was invited by the executive editor of Public Health Post to write a guest article, a recognition of her expertise. Her article, "Cannabis and Collisions," was published online in January 2024 after editorial review. This research aligns with the mission of promoting social justice and public health.
Annie’s teaching embodies her commitment to mission-centered education. Each semester, she teaches Global Economic Issues, a course that explores topics like sustainable development, climate change, and global poverty, engaging students with pressing social and environmental challenges. Her dynamic teaching style and passion for economics have inspired many students to change their majors, driven by a desire to deepen their understanding of the subject.
In addition to her formal teaching, Annie mentors students, both formally and informally. Notably, she closely guided a female senior through the graduate school application process, resulting in the student’s acceptance to a prestigious economics program. Annie’s service extends to her involvement in various university committees and advising activities, demonstrating her dedication to student success and community engagement.
Over the past year, Shan has made significant strides in her teaching, professional development, and service. She has deepened her commitment to student and community engagement by collaborating with the Career Center to prepare students for the FUSE career fair, offering real-world learning opportunities outside the classroom. Shan fully embraces the university's mission to support and care for students, creating a welcoming environment where they feel comfortable discussing their challenges and academic interests with her. Building these relationships has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
Shan is also dedicated to integrating sustainability into her courses, participating in the Cataldo Project to align her teaching with Jesuit values and emphasize social responsibility. In her scholarly activity, she published a journal article and actively engaged in the academic community by serving as a reviewer and associate editor for multiple journals and conferences.
Her service extends beyond the university, as she volunteers at a local non-profit, where she leads a team conducting data analytics to support their business operations. Shan is grateful for the opportunities and challenges of the past year and remains committed to supporting her students and contributing to the School of Business Administration's mission.
Loeken Academic Excellence Awards
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Lada’s teaching focuses on positively impacting students’ lives by providing relevant professional knowledge while fostering their moral and cultural development as future business professionals. Her teaching evaluations and student feedback highlight this commitment. One example of her innovative approach is an experiential learning activity she developed based on the movie Congo, My Precious. Through a combination of online and in-person discussions and a country background presentation, Lada engaged students in discussions on emerging markets, colonialism, and social justice. These discussions encouraged deep reflection, as seen in one student’s comments on the resilience of Congolese miners. Lada plans to publish this methodology.
Her research on cultural intelligence and diversity further supports her mission. In the past year, she published one article, presented two peer-reviewed conference proceedings, and received a Distinguished Paper Award at the 2023 IGBR Conference. This research informs her course design, helping her promote cultural intelligence in line with Jesuit business education values.
Lada also contributes to global business education through her work on the globalization committee, where her data analysis prompted discussions on increasing global exposure for business students. Her work reflects a strong commitment to both academic excellence and students' ethical development.
Yelin emphasizes interactive learning in his finance courses. In his Principles of Finance course, students lead class discussions by asking insightful questions. At the same time, in his Financial Institutions, they work in teams to investigate and solve agency problems in financial institutions. He encourages students to focus on the economic intuition behind financial theories, prioritizing analytical skills and critical thinking over rote memorization. Yelin also builds long-term relationships with students, offering personalized support and writing recommendation letters for job or graduate school applications. He integrates Jesuit values into his teaching, emphasizing business ethics and social responsibility in finance.
Students appreciate his engaging approach, often noting his passion and sense of humor in making finance approachable. In BFIN 320, one student remarked, "This course changed my perspective on professors because Yelin showed his genuine interest in his students." Another praised his ability to make complex topics more accessible and engaging.
Yelin is also active in academia, having received the best reviewer award from the British Academy of Management in 2023-2024. He has published a book chapter on crowdfunding and presented at the Academy of Management. Beyond teaching, he actively participates in student recruitment, orientation, and outreach efforts to support the business school’s growth.
Loeken Vision & Values Awards
Tim fosters strong connections with local CIOs, non-profits, and the City of Spokane through his involvement on various advisory boards. He regularly brings practitioners into his classroom, encouraging student engagement with industry professionals. In his Information Systems Theory and Practice course, Tim hosts panel discussions with CIOs from organizations such as Multicare, Avista, and Gonzaga, allowing students to ask questions and learn directly from experts. He also facilitates student interviews with local CIOs on IT management challenges, with some findings already published.
In his Systems Analysis and Design course, Tim’s students worked with World Relief to develop a language model to help Arabic-speaking refugees in Spokane with housing questions. He also wrote a teaching case on the “diaper database” for Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, a local non-profit, which has been integrated into his course and submitted for publication.
Tim brought in Lloyd Tabb, the creator of Google’s Looker and Malloy, as a guest speaker in one of his classes. Malloy is a new language for transforming and modeling data. In his Fundamental Technologies of Business Analytics, Tim encourages students to publish their analytics projects, fostering engagement with professional communities through data-driven publications.
Vivek is dedicated to student success and appreciates the positive feedback he receives on his teaching. He has invested significant effort in updating his Principles of Marketing course and has enjoyed developing three new courses: Marketing Theory and Practice (hybrid), Current Issues in Marketing: Data Visualization, and Survey Design (both weekend intensives). He hopes these new formats offer students greater flexibility and meet their diverse learning needs. He continuously seeks ways to enhance the learning experience and strives to empower students through analytical tools, such as Tableau, R, and Orange data mining software. Vivek values engaging with the community by inviting guest speakers from various industries to his classes and through his service with organizations such as Vanessa Behan, Human Rights Spokane, and the Health Services Research Roundtable.
Vivek has worked toward a fair and transparent faculty evaluation process as a member of the University Committee on Rank and Tenure for five years, including three as the faculty co-Chair. He also appreciates serving as the Marketing discipline lead and collaborates with the Marketing Advisory Board to improve curriculum and student support. Vivek's research focuses on addressing real-world problems. He has presented on topics such as neighborhood inequities and social justice issues and is currently involved in a study examining how Fortune 500 companies approach Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He remains dedicated to contributing to the School of Business Administration's mission of engagement, innovation, and impact.
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