Business Commons^™

2022-May-06-Quillen College Of Medicine Celebrates Commencement, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY (May 6, 2022) – Sixty-six students completed their medical education and received their Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine Commencement ceremony held on Friday, May 6.

The Class of 2022 is Quillen’s 41^st graduating class, and 2022 marks the 40^th anniversary of Quillen’s first graduating class, the Class of 1982.

Dr. William Block, a 1992 alumnus who now serves as ETSU vice president for clinical affairs and dean of Quillen College of Medicine, presided at the ceremony, which was at the Martin Center for the Arts.

“I am …

2022-May-06-Bill Gatton College Of Pharmacy Honors 73 Graduates, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 6, 2022) – The Class of 2022 at East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy received their doctoral hoods, officially becoming part of the college’s 13th graduating class.

The Hooding and Commencement ceremony was held on Friday, May 6, in the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, where 73 student pharmacists earned their Doctor of Pharmacy. 

This ceremony was part of ETSU’s commencement weekend and was livestreamed for those unable to attend.

Dr. Debbie Byrd, dean of Gatton College of Pharmacy, thanked the graduating class for the mark they left on the college.

“We …

2022-May-05-Jenny Lockmiller, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 5, 2022)  – Jenny Lockmiller has been named director of University Career Services at East Tennessee State University.

The director oversees a wide range of services for ETSU undergraduate, graduate students and alumni. This includes career planning, internships and experiential learning, job searches and employment opportunities. The office of career services maintains strong relationships with national and local employers, and advances ETSU’s goal of fostering economic development in the region.

Lockmiller has been with ETSU since 2017 where she initially served as the director of Workforce Operations before advancing to Title I Career Services director for …

Online Atmospherics In Second-Hand Retail, Hope Manuel

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Within the retail sector, two sections have grown drastically with the help of each other in the past decade. Those two sections include online retail and second-hand retail. Online retail has grown remarkably due to the implementation of online atmospherics. This phenomenon led to the purpose of this study: to observe the online atmospherics present in online second-hand retail. To achieve this purpose, the literature related to online retail, target audience, motivations of consumers, reselling, and online second-hand apps was explored. For this study, five online second-hand retail sites were chosen. Eighteen of the most common online atmospherics were observed …

The Authenticity Of Body Positivity In The Media: A Comparative Analysis Of Four American-Owned Companies, Emma Mink

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Marketing strategies are changing how businesses sell their products. The body positivity movement is causing consumers to examine companies to determine if their intentions are authentic. Some of the ways consumers evaluate company authenticity include examining corporate social responsibility reports, types of advertising, or the brand-cause fit between the company and the body positivity movement. The author of this study followed two companies (Dove and Aerie) that are known for body positive advertising messages and two companies (Mattel/Barbie and Victoria Secret) that are known for promoting unrealistic body expectations. The author examined each companies’ mission statement, annual report, and types …

Motion Capture Technologies: Viability Of Consumer Level Motion Capture Solutions, John Thomas

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Motion Capture is a prevalent and useful technology in the animation industry as well as the medical and military industries. As technology becomes better and cheaper it begins to enter the consumer market. A consumer interest in motion capture animations made by anyone has been created with the technology. This paper will focus on a review of the new technologies that have allowed the beginning of consumer-level motion-capture animations. Included will be a review of the history of motion capture and then a study of methods, workflows, and necessary prerequisites for making motion capture data using consumer-available tools. The study …

Exploring Inventory Management's Effects On A Company's Profitability, Mason Frye

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Effective inventory management policy is a recognizable critical driver for company success, but which techniques and tools are relevant today? This thesis explores the theory that a company's inventory management practices directly impact the firm's efficiency, responsiveness, and profitability. Research from previously published studies on inventory management is shared to develop a framework of understanding to answer the question of relevancy. Additionally, interviews with successful business professionals within the field provide additional insight into specific inventory management practices that affect profitability and performance. Moreover, these professionals discuss how the practices are effectively applied in the real world today. Finally, this …

Risk-Return Dynamics Using Leveraged Etf Options, Eliza Wampler

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study uses barbell strategies on the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100 to explore if funds invested primarily in fixed income assets with a portion of the investment placed in in-the-money call options can participate in upside potential, while also reducing risk. This study examines call options on the underlying indexes as well as their leveraged, 2x and 3x, counterparts. The barbell strategy studied, 88% in fixed income bonds and 12% in call options, does not have a higher return than the underlying index, and adds additional risk. However, a weighted portfolio with combinations of a risk-free asset and …

Consumer Preferences For Sustainability And Its Impacts On Strategic Management Processes In The Chemical Industry: An Exploratory Investigation, Levi Little

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The ability to create and implement sustainable business operations has become increasingly important for chemical firms to keep up with ever-growing consumer demands for sustainability. This thesis is an exploratory investigation designed to examine the strategies and decisions made by top management of select chemical firms while dealing with consumer pressures for sustainable products and processes. The implementation of specific structures and processes were studied to measure the extent chemical firms have taken for sustainable operations. These measures of the strategic processes of the firms studies include corporate vision, mission, and goals, sustainability structure, product offerings, supply chain management, reporting, …

Intraday Algorithmic Trading Using Momentum And Long Short-Term Memory Network Strategies, Andrew R. Whitinger Ii

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Intraday stock trading is an infamously difficult and risky strategy. Momentum and reversal strategies and long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks have been shown to be effective for selecting stocks to buy and sell over time periods of multiple days. To explore whether these strategies can be effective for intraday trading, their implementations were simulated using intraday price data for stocks in the S&P 500 index, collected at 1-second intervals between February 11, 2021 and March 9, 2021 inclusive. The study tested 160 variations of momentum and reversal strategies for profitability in long, short, and market-neutral portfolios, totaling 480 portfolios. …

The Relationship Between Twitter Mentions & Stock Volatility During Trading Hours, Connor Day

Undergraduate Honors Theses

A new paradigm in investing has been created where people have easier access than ever to invest in the stock market from the convenience of their phones. Through zero-commission trading apps, like Robinhood, less starting capital is required. This research is used to investigate the relationship between the frequency of social media mentions on Twitter and a particular stock’s volatility. This will be done using the qualitative data analyzing tool AtlasTi to calculate the frequency in which a particular stock ticker is mentioned on Twitter during trading hours. The volatility of the stock will be calculated using data from Yahoo! …

Bucwild, Morgan Mcclanahan

Undergraduate Honors Theses

BucWild is a student-led organization, by the students for the students. We are closing the gap between student life and athletics through social media. We believe that in order for students to have the best experience possible at ETSU, involvement is crucial. In May of 2021, we began our mission to launch this organization for the 2021-2022 school year. Here is an in-depth look at how we did this.

2022-May-01-Etsu Announces Laura Casey Terry Finish Line Scholarship, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – A new scholarship designed to provide assistance to students who began but did not complete a baccalaureate degree at East Tennessee State University will begin accepting applications for consideration later this year.

The “Laura Casey Terry Finish Line Scholarship” bears the name of the Multicultural Center’s director of Programing and Outreach. The scholarship, created by members of the ETSU Black Alumni Association, will focus on students with an interest in social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion who wish to return to ETSU to complete a baccalaureate degree in the Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies.

“I cannot …

2022-May-01-Research Spotlight, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – Five East Tennessee State University scientists recently participated in an international study focused on developing new approaches to improve the effectiveness of vaccines.

Research Spotlight

Data from this multi-institutional study, “An adjuvant strategy enabled by modulation of the physical properties of microbial ligands expands antigen immunogenicity,” was published in the journal Cell.

The research focused on modulating the physical properties of fungal sugars, called mannans, to …

2022-May-01-Meet Joshua Trimm, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

When Joshua Trimm crossed the commencement stage at East Tennessee State University less than a month ago, the person who once thought a graduate degree may not be for him conquered those fears. In June, Joshua will begin a new job at one of the largest employers in the Appalachian Highlands – Eastman Chemical Company. 

 

Joshua is from Kingsport. He attended Northeast State Community College for two years and earned an associate degree in web design. A self-described “non-traditional student” who began his collegiate journey seven years ago, Joshua said time allowed him to learn the real value of higher …

Aicpa Adopts Changes To Auditor’S Report, Ashley Bentley

ETSU Faculty Works

Throughout 2019 and 2020, the AICPA’s Auditing Standards Board (ASB) issued a collection of seven new auditing standards. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the original effective date of the guidance was deferred. All seven standards went into effect in 2021. The new requirements build on the AICPA’s continuous effort to improve audit quality and promote audit consistency between public and private companies. Many of the provisions of the new standards are closely aligned with previously issued standards by the PCAOB and IAASB. Statement on Auditing Standards (SASs) Nos. 134-140 impact several aspects of the audit, including the concept of materiality, …

2022-May-01-Etsu Students Named Interns At Barter Theatre, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY – Three East Tennessee State University students from the Department of Theatre and Dance have been selected as interns at Barter Theatre for the summer.

Seth Buckles

Kailey Kyle

2022-May-01-Etsus Online Mpa Program Provides Flexibility Networking Opportunities, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – For Katie Gouge, a 2020 University of Tennessee graduate, there were plenty of factors she considered when applying to graduate school. 

Ultimately, she chose East Tennessee State University’s Master of Public Administration program – a decision she is glad she made.  

“The program offers small class sizes and employs professionals from the field to instruct many of their classes,” said Gouge. “The program is also extremely affordable and offers financial resources to most of its students. I was also really able to tailor my classes around my work schedule.” 

Growing and increasingly marketable, ETSU’s online MPA …

2022-May-01-Meet Olivia Long, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

Olivia Long just completed her first year as a pharmacy student in Gatton College of Pharmacy at East Tennessee State University. At the same time, she continued working toward her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy studies, taking advantage of Gatton’s Early Admission Pathway, which allows students to work on undergraduate and professional studies concurrently.

“I actually wanted to do pharmacy for a long time,” said Long, who comes to ETSU from Mount Juliet. “I was probably in eighth grade when I realized that I wanted to do that. None of my family members are pharmacists, but my mom is a nurse …

Strength Of Weak Ties Theory And College-University Marketing: A Case Study Of Etsu's Clemmer College, Sarah Nobles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As scholarly institutions enter a new era of hyper-competition, seeking innovative ways to engage with student populations has become central to social media marketing efforts. Developing strategies and tactics to interact with existing student populations presents new challenges for marketing departments, as well as the stakeholders who are often asked to provide user-generated content. Strong ties among stakeholder relationships can enhance communication with effective outcomes; however, it is the weak ties that may have the most impact. This study draws on existing literature regarding Strength of Weak Ties Theory and faculty and student surveys in East Tennessee State University’s Clemmer …

2022-April-28-Enjoy Retirement, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

Congratulations to the following members of the East Tennessee State University family who retired in April.  Thank you for your service!

Connie Clyburn – Coordinator, Family Medicine, 22 years of service

Mary Lou Jean Mellons – Technical Clerk, Professional Development, 29 years of service

Randall L. Sanders – Head Football Coach, Intercollegiate Athletics, 18 years of service (four at ETSU)

Published April 28, 2022, as part of the Accent email newsletter for faculty and staff.

2022-April-28-Meet Tracy Laughlin, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

(April 28, 2022) When Tracy Laughlin of Greeneville walks across the stage to receive his diploma at East Tennessee State University on Saturday, May 7, he will share the moment with his wife and his four children, ages 16, 13, 7, and 5.  

“Having my wife and children come to my graduation is a real joy for me because I have preached to them that even though life has its setbacks, as long as you’re willing to put in the work, you can accomplish anything,” Tracy said. 

Just a few years ago, Tracy was at a professional crossroads, feeling unfulfilled …

2022-April-28-Welcome To Etsu, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

East Tennessee State University welcomes the following faculty and staff members who recently joined the university:

Dr. Melody Blevins is Access ETSU project manager in the Department of Educational Foundations and Special Education. She comes to ETSU from the Washington County School System, where she was a special education interventionist. She holds a doctor of education degree from Milligan University.

Kate Emmerich is a mental health counselor in the Quillen College of Medicine, Office of Student Affairs. Before attaining her current position, she was a therapist at The Journey Center for Healing Arts. She holds a Master of Social Work …

2022-April-27-Make Sure Financial Aid Is Ready For Fall Etsu Officials Urge, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 27, 2022) – As the spring semester winds down, East Tennessee State University officials urge current and potential students to make sure their financial aid is ready for the fall semester.  

“Perhaps you have fun summer plans or want to avoid the stress of having unanswered financial questions at the start of a new semester,” said Catherine Morgan, director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at ETSU. “Whatever the case, now is the time to make sure your financial aid is in order before fall 2022.” 

Filing the 2022-2023 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known …

2022-April-25-Eyeing Language Program Expansion Etsu Adding French Instructors, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 25, 2022) – With an eye toward expanding global opportunities for students and building French into a concentration within the foreign language major, East Tennessee State University’s Department of Literature and Language is adding two full-time instructors this fall.  

Joining ETSU will be Amy Laws and Mallory Nischan.

Amy Laws

“I’m thrilled that Amy and Mallory have joined the Literature and Language family,” said Dr. Daniel Westover, professor and chair of the department. “French is one of the truly global languages, spoken on five continents by over 300 million people. It’s invaluable to anyone pursuing a …

2022-April-22-No Tuition Increase For Etsu Undergraduate, Graduate Students, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY (April 22, 2022) – Undergraduate and graduate students attending East Tennessee State University this fall will not see an increase in tuition. 

During its quarterly meeting today, the ETSU Board of Trustees voted not to increase tuition and fees for the 2022-23 academic year. This decision applies to all in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students and graduate students, with the exception of those attending Gatton College of Pharmacy and Quillen College of Medicine. The Board also approved the 2022-23 operating budget, which goes into effect July 1.

Earlier today during the Academic, Research and Student Success Committee meeting, members …

2022-April-21-Etsu Jazz Ensemble Presenting Latin Music, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 21, 2022) – The East Tennessee State University Jazz Ensemble will present an evening of Latin music featuring the rhythms of South America, Africa and the Caribbean. The event is at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, in the Grand Hall of the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.

Concert is April 30

“We want to take the audience on a mini-vacation to the tropics with the sounds of Bossas, Mambos, Rhumbas, Sambas and more,” said Martin Walters, director of Jazz and Contemporary Music Studies at ETSU and a multiple Grammy winner. “This has been a …

2022-April-19-Gray Fossil Site Calling For Volunteers, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 19, 2022) – This summer, paleontologists at the Gray Fossil Site and Museum are going to be busy with the tasks of excavating and preserving fossils, and they’re looking for volunteers to help out. 

On Saturday, April 30, the museum will host a volunteer drive where attendees will learn about the ongoing operations at the site and how they can participate this year. The event will be held from 10 a.m. – noon.

Volunteer drive is April 30

The Gray Fossil Site, overseen by the Don Sundquist Center of Excellence in Paleontology at East Tennessee State …

2022-April-14-Day Of Giving, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

(April 14, 2022) Twenty-four hours…and endless opportunities to make a difference.

With ETSU’s Day of Giving 2022 event about to begin, Jon See wants donors to know that whatever program, initiative, college, or opportunity at ETSU they want to support, their gifts will be used however they are designated.

“Through all of our fundraising efforts at ETSU, we want our supporters to give to the areas that resonate with them,” said Jon See, director of Annual Giving at ETSU.  “For some, it may be for scholarships, or a building project, or something that creates new opportunities for our faculty. Others …

2022-April-13-Brand Storytelling Certification Offers New Digital Badge, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 13, 2022) – East Tennessee State University is a player in the digital badging world with the completion of the first cohort of the Brand Storytelling Brand Film Certification powered by the ETSU Research Corporation.   

It marks a new digital badge certification with ETSU as the provider. 

“It is difficult to overstate what an honor this is,” said Dr. Stephen Marshall, ETSU professor and chief marketing officer for the ETSU Research Corporation. “From staff at the ETSU Research Corporation to the world-class professional faculty who teach courses, Brand Storytelling offers a powerful academic and hands-on experience.” …