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.
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.

Members of the WNE military community stand at attention during the Veteran's Day ceremony.

Western New England to Host Veteran’s Day Ceremony November 11, 2024, at Noon
November 07, 2024

WNE will hold its annual Veteran’s Day ceremony on Monday, November 11, at 12:00 p.m. at the Gazebo on Deliso Lawn. This event honors our nation’s veterans and recognizes the strong ties between the Western New England University community and military service.

Dennis Donovan stands in the middle of a group of professionally dressed WNE students.

Business Leader Dennis Donovan Shares Insights with WNE College of Business Students 
October 07, 2024

In an inspiring session designed to connect academic learning with real-world expertise, Dennis Donovan, L’79, President and CEO of Beacon Advisors International, LLC, visited Western New England University's College of Business to engage with student leaders and faculty.

Portrait of Georgianna Melendez outside wearing a purple dress with red flowers

Professor Georgianna Melendez named to Amplify LatinX 100 2024
September 17, 2024

Professor Georgianna Melendez named to ALX100 2024.

FinTech summer innovation fellowship participants stand with MassMutual and College of Business leadership

FinTech + AI 413 Startup Launch Series Receives MassMutual Support
July 10, 2024

With a donation of $75,000 over three years, MassMutual is WNE’s first sponsor of the FinTech + AI 413 Startup Launch Series, comprised of a series of events designed to connect college students and local entrepreneurs who have innovative startup ideas with the training and resources needed to bring those ideas to life.

Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce President Diana Szynal stands with WNE Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter President

Diana Szynal, President of Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, Inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society
May 14, 2024

Diana Szynal, Springfield Chamber President, inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma for exceptional leadership and support of business education, strengthening ties between academia and industry.