College of Business News

 Accredited by AACSB International, the WNE College of Business serves as a bridge from academics to business through experience-based, data-informed learning that prepares graduates to navigate the future of work. The College of Business delivers a world-class, evergreen education through its ability to adapt programs to align with changing business needs and new models of work. With a commitment to a student-centric experience the College of Business prepares students for success through hands-on learning, faculty/industry mentorship, and a focus on connection and community.
Photo of tech leaders talking about AI with a screen in the background.

NextGen Enterprise Academy Partners with Mass Bankers Association to Deliver AI Training for Bank Leaders

March 10, 2026

“AI Bootcamp for Bank Leaders” is a two-day virtual program scheduled for April 7 and April 14, 2026, to provide senior banking professionals and emerging leaders with hands-on training in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and its practical applications in the financial services industry.

Professor Aydogdu stands outside in front of trees on a summer day.

College of Business Professor Murat Aydogdu Honored with International 2026 SAS Educator Award

March 03, 2026

College of Business Associate Professor Murat Aydogdu has been recognized as a 2026 North American SAS Educator Award recipient—an international distinction honoring faculty who are advancing analytics, data science, and artificial intelligence education in higher education.

Four students stand holding their winning CFA certificates.

Real-World Finance in Action: WNE Team Wins CFA Boston Challenge

February 19, 2026

Students from WNE's College of Business has earned top honors at the CFA Society Boston Investment Research Challenge, winning the Local Finals on February 11 and advancing to regionals. This annual global equity research competition provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis.

L-R in the picture are Dr. Janelle Goodnight, award recipient Alexis Torres, Alicia Powers mother of the student the memorial award is named after, and Dr. Elizabeth Elam.

WNE Presents 4th Annual Breana Giordano Memorial Award to Senior Marketing Major Alexis Torres

January 23, 2026

WNE senior Alexis “Lexi” Torres was named the 2025 recipient of the Breana Giordano Memorial Award. Torres has distinguished herself through scholarship, engagement, and professional drive, embodying many of the same qualities that defined Giordano during her time at WNE.

Student designers of the Handilink concept standing around a prototype of the concept.

Student Innovators Deliver Standout Prototypes at WNE’s 11th Annual Showcase 

December 12, 2025

The 11th annual Product Innovations Showcase gave the next generation of student innovators from business and engineering a platform to create diverse projects addressing real-world needs — from mobility and accessibility to home goods, environmental solutions, sports innovations, and industrial tools. 

Charles Mutigwe, associate professor of Business Analytics and Program Director at WNE FinTech, College of Business Dean Sharianne Walker and Saji Nair, co-founder and CEO of BCube Analytics

WNE and BCube Analytics Inc. Partner to Launch the NextGen Enterprise Academy for Executives and Professionals 

October 23, 2025

WNE FinTech has launched the NextGen Enterprise Academy, a new executive and professional education initiative designed to upskill the regional workforce through advanced technology training and certificates focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, FinTech, the Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR). 

Dean Sharianne Walker poses in front of spiral staircase in Churchill Hall.

WNE Celebrates First Endowed Chair with Investiture of Dean Sharianne Walker 

September 12, 2025

Western New England University marks historic milestone with the investiture of Dr. Sharianne Walker, Dean of the College of Business, as the Janet Johnson Bullard Endowed Chair in Finance—the University’s first endowed chair.

Two panelists look at a third panels in front of a slide at the OFC.

WNE Hosts Open Finance Conference 2025, Connecting Students with Industry Leaders 

September 03, 2025

WNE's FinTech program welcomed leading voices in the financial technology sector to campus for the Open Finance Conference 2025 (OFC ’25). More than 70 people attended the event that brought together industry experts, academic researchers, students, and policymakers to explore how open finance is reshaping the future of financial services. 

Female student being interviewed by WAMC and Channel 22.

FinTech+AI 413 Sponsor Showcase Bridges Student Innovation and Industry Expertise 

July 09, 2025

The 2025 FinTech Sponsor Showcase brought together students and corporate sponsors to highlight student-led innovation at the intersection of finance and artificial intelligence.

Shot of 56 WNE student athletes on gym floor under the Golden Bear logo.

WNE Inducts 56 Student-Athletes into Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society

May 13, 2025

Fifty-six student-athletes from 17 varsity sports were inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society—the National College Athlete Honor Society—during the Thursday, May 1 ceremony in the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame Room.

Tara Grealis in a pink cardigan surrounded by her students.

Tara Grealis Named 2025 Teaching Excellence Award Winner

April 30, 2025

Tara Grealis, Professional Educator of Accounting, has been selected as the recipient of the WNE 2025 Teaching Excellence Award. 

MTBank, WTIA and CoB Dean Sharianne Wal

Future-Focused: WNE Economic Forum Spotlights Expert Insights and $10,000 Gift from M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors

April 17, 2025

The College of Business, M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust led a dynamic Economic Forum highlighting current economic trends and insights on April 10 at the Kevin S. Delbridge Welcome Center. The event brought together regional business leaders, investors, University Trustees, College of Business Advisory Board members, and faculty for an afternoon of thought leadership and community engagement. 

Dennis Donovan leans against a wall while addressing students.

Distinguished Business Executive Dennis Donovan Shares Leadership Insights at First Deans’ Business Forum

April 15, 2025

Dennis Donovan, President and CEO of Beacon Advisors International LLC, emphasizes passion for work, effective change management, and leadership excellence

Student showcases project to a professor.

From Concept to Creation: WNE Engineering Students Showcase 100+ Projects

April 15, 2025

The College of Engineering will host its annual Emerging Engineers Expo on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center. The event showcases more than 100+ projects from engineering and business students.

Sigma Nu Tau induction recipients plus advisor Mary Schoonmaker

WNE Honors Local Entrepreneur and Inducts Rising Student Stars into Sigma Nu Tau

April 03, 2025

WNE celebrated entrepreneurial excellence recently with a special induction ceremony for the Sigma Nu Tau national academic entrepreneurship honor society. The event recognized both established community leadership and the promising potential of student innovators.

Headshot of Professor Ethan Jiang

Expert Insight: Ethan Jiang on Financial Literacy for Students 

April 01, 2025

Yixiao (Ethan) Jiang, PhD, a WNE professor in finance featured on WalletHub, recently shared insights on credit cards for individuals with excellent credit. His expertise underscores the broader need for young adults to develop responsible financial habits early on. 

Approx. 35 students with faculty and team members from Country Bank and MassMutual stand in front of WNE banner.

The Fintech +AI 413 Startup Launch Series Kicks Off 2025 with New Ideas and Support from Country Bank

March 24, 2025

WNE's FinTech+AI 413 Startup Launch Series welcomes Country Bank as a platinum sponsor, expanding support for aspiring finance and tech entrepreneurs in Western Massachusetts. 

Headshot of Malik Garvin in grad cap and gown next to IHIH and NHL logos.

Malik Garvin '16: From Harlem’s Rinks to Leading Hockey’s Future

February 27, 2025

Malik Garvin’s '16 journey from a young hockey enthusiast in Harlem to the executive director of Ice Hockey in Harlem is a testament to perseverance and passion. His story is one of overcoming obstacles, embracing opportunity, and giving back to the community that shaped him. 

Students around a table talking with a business alumn.

College of Business Hosts Future of Work Week

February 21, 2025

The College of Business is set to host Future of Work Week from February 24-28, 2025, a comprehensive initiative designed to equip students with the skills and insights needed to thrive in an evolving, technology-driven global business landscape.

Graphic of the CFA logo.

WNE Finance Students Advance to CFA Research Challenge Finals  

February 10, 2025

A WNE team of five accounting and finance students has been named as one of four finalists in this year's CFA Institute Research Challenge, an annual international competition that pits teams of university students against one another as they research and analyze a publicly traded company.

Outdoor headshot of WNE Professor Ethan Jiang

WNE Professor Ethan Jiang Shares Expertise on Car Insurance Trends in Massachusetts

January 23, 2025

College of Business Professor Ethan Jiang provides practical tips and insights on how Massachusetts drivers can make informed financial decisions about car insurance.

Five WNE basketball players, 3 men and 2 women, line up for a photo in jerseys and headbands.

WNE Basketball Players Team Up with 413 Elite Foundation to Support Springfield Youth 

December 17, 2024

WNE basketball players joined forces with the Springfield-based 413 Elite Foundation to inspire local youth through the sport of basketball. 

Students stand around table top poster presentation of their project called Club Caddy.

WNE Celebrates Innovation at 10th Annual Product Innovations Showcase

December 05, 2024

WNE hosted its 10th Annual Product Innovations Showcase at Rivers Memorial Hall. The event highlighted the ingenuity of students from the University's Product Development and Innovation (PDI) course.

College of Business Business Analytics faculty and staff present to Big E administration

College of Business Showcases Big E Attendance Insights Through Student-Led Research

November 18, 2024

Faculty and students from the College of Business presented an impactful analysis of Big E attendance trends to BigE Administration as part of a semester-long project conducted by Business Analytics students in collaboration with the College’s newly launched Business Data Center.

Headshot of Professor of Finance Ethan Jiang

Wallethub Turns to WNE Finance Professor Ethan Jiang for Expert Tips on Using Credit Cards to Improve Credit Scores

November 12, 2024

Finance Professor Yixiao “Ethan” Jiang shared valuable insights for individuals looking to boost their credit scores using credit cards tailored for bad credit.