Current Ph.D. Program Students
Linda Brewer
Current Employer and Title:
Rancho Christian High School: High School Business Teacher
Rancho Christian High School: Mentor, FIRST Robotics Team 4984
Education:
Master of Science in Business Journalism: Arizona State University (May,2019)
B.A. in Pubilc Relations: California Baptist University (2014)
Contact Info & Links
ljbrewer@uncg.edu
Linda Brewer Resume
Evangeline Brodie
Current Employer and Title:
Saint Augustine’s University: Assistant Professor
Education:
Master of Accounting: North Carolina State University
B.A. in Accounting: North Carolina State University
Research Interests:
Entrepreneurship, family businesses, and real estate
Why did you choose this program?
It’s online with AACSB accreditation.
Contact Info & Links
Jonathan Clift
Jon Clift is an Assistant Professor of Practice with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Affiliate Professor of Practice at the School of Business, and Director of Outreach for the Sustainability Graduate Programs. He empowers students, colleagues, and clients to explore problems and develop new to the world ideas. After spending nearly a decade in the design field as a creative strategist working with startups to Fortune 100 clients, Jon knows we are all creative, and believes that with grit and a growth mindset we can all unlock our creative confidence.
Jon has developed branding solutions for some of the world’s largest firms from VF Corporation to Walmart, implemented transformative courses and curricula at Wake Forest University, incorporated human-centered design and systems thinking as core competencies in graduate programs, and worked with student teams to develop impactful solutions for entrepreneurs, non-profits, and global corporations.
Jon holds a Masters of Environmental Management in Business & the Environment from Duke University.
Why did you choose this program?
The PhD in BUS fits with where I want to go, the skills I want to develop, and the flexibility I need.
Katherine Clyde
Current Employer and Title:
Pitt Community College: Dean of the Business Division
Education:
M.B.A: East Carolina University
B.S. in Business Management: N.C.State University
Research Interests:
Include cross-cultural management and entrepreneurship in emerging economies
Why did you choose this program?
I chose this program because the classes are offered online and because of the positive reputation of UNCG and the Bryan School of Business and Economics.
Contact Info & Links
Glenn Conley
Current Employer and Title:
US Air Force Civil Service: Deputy Branch Chief for International Logistics
US Navy Reserve: Officer-in-Charge for Fleet Logist ics Cent er Detachment
Education:
MBA: Wright State University
MA History: American Public University System
BA History: Wright State University
Research Interest:
Organizational Behavior, specifically perceptions of training and leadership development within public sector
Why did you choose this program?
It’s what I’ve been searching for: AACSB accredited with an Organizational Behavior concentration and the distance learning format.
Contact Info & Links
Matthew Gilbert
Current Employer and Title:
American University in the Emirates (Dubai): Instructor
Education:
MBA: Business Administration, Woodbury University, Burbank, CA
BA: English/Creative Writing, UC Santa Barbara, CA
Research Interests:
Digital Economy, Digital Marketing, Educational Technology, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Sharing Economy, Sports Marketing.
Why did you choose this program?
My PhD program criteria included affordability, credibility, flexibility, and practicality. This program meets all four, as it offers a comprehensive understanding of all major business issues, while giving me the opportunity to focus my research on strategy and international business. Most importantly, it will prepare me for a career in research while teaching me the methods necessary to implement the results in a practical and meaningful way.
Contact Info & Links
Mark Grambo
Current Employer and Title:
Aquity Solutions: Senior Financial Analyst
Education:
MBA: University of Scranton (2013)
B.S. International Business: University of Scranton (2012)
Research Interest:
Exploring differences between International Businesses and their concern for Environmental Sustainability
Why did you choose this program?
AACSB accreditation, reputation of university, proximity to home
Contact Info & Links
Anna Hickman
Current Employer and Title:
Davenport University in Grand Rapids: Accounting Instructor
Education:
Master of Accounting: University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
BBA: University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Research Interests:
strategy include management control systems, organizational leadership, succession planning, human resource planning
Why did you choose this program?
I chose UNCG’s PhD in Business Administration to progress in my field through research and publication while continuing with my position as an instructor
Contact Info & Links
Christopher John
Current Employer and Title:
Cleveland Clinic
IT Project Manager
Education:
M.A in Sport and Recreation and Management: Kent State University
Master of Business Administration, Concentration in Finance: Kent State University
B.S in Recreation and Park Management: Pennsylvania State University
Research Interests:
Strategy and organizational behavior: Nonmarket strategy, corporate social responsibility, innovation management, strategic decision making, leadership, managerial problem solving, gig economy.
Contact Info & Links
Benjamin Kempton
Current Employer and Title:
The University of North Carolina, Wilmington: Office of the Registrar
Education:
Juris Doctor: Elon University (2014)
Master Business Administration: University of North Carolina Wilmington (2019)
Bachelor of Arts: Wake Forest University (2011)
Research Interest:
Competitive dynamics, Mergers and Acquisitions, Competitive Arousal
Why did you choose this program?
To teach at the collegiate level and to be a part of a trailblazing group for a prestigious business program.
Contact Info & Links
Kristin Lynch
Current Employer and Title:
University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO): MBA Director
Education:
Master of Business Administration: University of Nebraska-Omaha
Bachelor of Journalism in Advertising: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Research Interest:
International Business – specifically focused on the modern consumer and business environment in India
Why did you choose this program?
I greatly enjoy working in academia (taught marketing and entrepreneurship for 12 years), and I believe a doctoral degree is important for me to continue to advance in my career. I would like a stronger skill set in research, since this is an area in which I don’t have a lot of experience. I have considered quite a few PhD and DBA programs, and this program is the perfect fit for my personal and professional goals!
Contact Info & Links
kalynch3@uncg.edu
kristilynch@unomaha.edu
lynch.kristi@gmail.com
Resume
Karen Lynden
Current Employer and Title:
UNC Greensboro: Lecturer
Education:
Master of Science in Organizational Management: Pfeiffer University
Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration-Management: Catawba College
Research Interest:
My primary areas interest include global virtual team dynamics and cross-cultural management topics. Additional areas of interest include: training and development; microfinance impact on entrepreneurship in developing and emerging economies; global non-profit management. I aspire to contribute to the International Business and Organizational Behavior fields through; research, academic projects, in-practice program development, and teaching.
Why did you choose this program?
In order of importance, the top three reasons for me are; the faculty, the outstanding reputation of the Bryan School, and the delivery format that allows me as a career professional the ability to complete a Business Administration Ph.D. program with focused coursework and research opportunities encompassing the fields of International Business, Organizational Behavior, and Strategy.
Contact Info & Links
Lance Mabry
Current Employer and Title:
High Point University: Assistant Professor
Education:
Doctor of Physical Therapy: U.S. Army-Baylor University
Bachelor of Science, Biology: Wilkes University
Research Interest:
Differential diagnosis, diagnostic imaging with focus on radiography and magnetic resonance imaging, research which advances the physical therapy profession.
Why did you choose this program?
The location and the price were ideal for me. I also appreciated being able to focus on classes during my free time.
Contact Info & Links
Heather Read
Current Employer and Title:
Coastal Carolina University: Lecturer of Marketing & Graduate Program Manager
Education:
MBA: Temple University Fox School of Business
BA: Communications: Rutgers University
Research Interests:
International Business, Technology disruption, Social Media, Crisis Management, Data Privacy, Virtual Teams, Intercultural Management, Diversity & Inclusion.
Why did you choose this program?
Prestigious faculty, AACSB-accreditation, part-time distance format, value.
Contact Info & Links
hdread@uncg.edu
hread@coastal.edu
Heather Read resume_FA20
Linked In
Twitter
Susan Harker
Current Employer and Title:
California State University Monterey Bay & Naval Postgraduate School: Associate Director, MBA Program & Lecturer
Education:
MBA: UC Berkeley
BA Economics & French: Duke University
Research Interests:
new job structures, ethics, & responsible business
Why did you choose this program?
I chose UNCG because it is an AACSB school with an online PhD and it’s in one of my favorite states!
Contact Info & Links
Sheryar Tahirkheli
Current Employer and Title:
President Seraaph Inc: Self Employed, Managing Partner Digital Link, Stakeholder Createch.Solutions
Education:
MBA: Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, Pakistan
MBA: UNCG (2007)
BBA: Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, Pakistan
Research Interest:
Small Businesses, Tech based innovation, Behavioral Finance & Digital financial inclusion and its role in socio-economic development
Why did you choose this program?
I am an alum of UNCG hence the pride to continue, so far loving , learning and enjoying the experience specially the flexibility.
Contact Info & Links
sktahir2@uncg.edu
sheryar@seraaph.com
Sheryar Tahirkheli Resume
Ben Adams
Current Employer & Title:
Chief Information Officer
The College of St. Scholastica (Duluth, MN)
Education:
BA: History & Education, Fordham University (Bronx, NY)
MSE: Technology Management, Wharton/Penn (Philadelphia, PA)
Research Interests:
Strategic Management
Firm Identity & Boundary Management in Mature Industries
Why UNCG: PhD over DBA, all online
Contact Info & Links
Leah Grubb
Current Employer and Title:
Teaching Instructor at East Carolina University
Education:
BS in Mathematics from ECU
MS in Economics from UNC-Charlotte
Research Interests:
Leadership, teams, new ventures, entrepreneurs
Why did you choose this program?
I chose the UNCG PhD program because it afforded me the ability to keep my current position while furthering my research and career
Contact Info & Links
Erica Henkel
Current Employer and Title:
Assistant Professor, Finance and Economics
The College of St. Scholastica
Education:
Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Stetson University
Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc), University of Minnesota, Duluth
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), State of Minnesota
Experience in corporate finance at large public company
Research Interests:
Business confidence indicators, and organizational behavior in the
accounting industry.
Why did you choose this program?
I chose the UNCG program because it offered a high quality
online PhD program backed by AACSB accreditation, and faculty
with excellent credentials.
Contact Info & Links
Teresa Neal
Current Employer and Title:
Domtar (Pulp & Paper)
Fort Mill, South Carolina
Senior Director, Procurement
Education:
BS Chemistry, Saint Mary’s College
PhD Chemistry, University of Notre Dame
MBA, UNCG
Research Interests:
Primary research interest in organizational behavior as it relates to structural transformations required to drive change management.
Why did you choose this program?
I’m honored to be back at UNCG as a part of the second cohort of the PhD program in Business Administration! I chose UNCG because of the world-class business faculty, a very positive prior experience at UNCG (MBA) the flexibility of the online program.
Contact Info & Links
Tracy Ginn
Current Employer and Title:
Teaching Instructor – Leadership and Professional Development Program at East Carolina University.
Education:
BSBA – International Business and MBA – Finance from UNC Charlotte
Research Interests:
Agribusiness and International Trade
Why UNCG:
The flexibility of researching within my field of interest in an online format that allows me to continue to work full time.
Email: tsginn@uncg.edu and trsouthe@gmail.com
Kathleen Isleib
Current Employer and Title:
Accounting Instructor, Northern Michigan University
Degree and School:
Master of Accounting Science, Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Michigan State University
Research Interest:
Research Interests: Strategic management and the relationship between strategic planning and financial analysis in a small-business environment
Why did you choose this program?
The AACSB accreditation combined with the flexibility of an online program makes the UNCG program ideal for me!
Christine Bell
Current Employer and Title
MBA Director and Lecturer Department of Management, Marketing and International Business University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Education:
B.S.- Hospitality Management, East Carolina University
M.B.A.- Coastal Carolina University
Research Interest:
Cross-Cultural Management
Why UNCG?
I was looking for a program that met four criteria:
1. AACSB accredited
2. Excellent reputation
3. Flexibility to continue working full-time
4. Affordability
Nolan Gouveia
Current Employer and Title:
California Baptist University – Lecturer
CrossFit Kindle – Business Owner (7+ years)
Degree and School:
MBA – California Baptist University
BS Marketing – California Baptist University
Research Interest:
Risk perception involved in developing a tactical strategy; Differences in a startup vs. a mature corporation
Why did you choose this program?
I wanted an AACSB accredited Business PhD program and was impressed by the faculty. A remote was attractive as well so I can continue to run my business and teach at CBU.
Ziqian Ju
Current Employer and Title:
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
VP, Portfolio Analytics & Strategy Specialist Sr.
Degree and School: BS and Masters
BS in Computer Science & BA in Economics, Peking University.
MS in Finance, Emory University.
Research Interest: International Business, Strategic Management.
Why did you choose this program: to become a scholar.
Contact Info & Links
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Karen Ward
Current Employer and Title:
Employer: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG)
Title: Vice President, IT Project Manager
Degree and School:
Undergrad: BS / Computer Science, UVA
Masters: MBA / Marketing, UNC Charlotte
Research Interest:
Organizational agility and the role of project teams in driving change.
Why did you choose this program?
The opportunity to earn a PhD with an Organizational Behavior concentration, from a recognized university, and delivered in a flexible format.
Lauren Abe
Current Employer and Title
Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC–Sr HR Business Partner
Degree and School: BS and Masters–UNC Asheville – Mass Communication–App State – Global Education & New Media
Research Interest:
Organizational Behavior: performance acceleration, activating teams, HR data
Why did you choose this program?
UNCG Bryan School of Business & Economics–Online–Alignment with professor research interests
Kevin Arrington
Current Employer and Title:
Associate Professor of Accounting, Piedmont Virginia Community College
Charlottesville, Va. (until August 2020).
Associate Professor of Accounting, University of Lynchburg
Lynchburg, Va. (starting August 2020).
Degree and School:
M.Acc., Master of Accountancy, University of Lynchburg, 1998.
M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction, University of Lynchburg, 2016.
CMA, Certified Management Accountant
Research Interests:
Diffusion of innovations
Budget/forecast modeling
Business education pedagogy
Accounting systems
Higher education finance