Department News

Articles about activities within the academic departments


Former NBA Executive Says Diversity is the Key

Patrick Harris ’70 (BUSN) returned to UConn this week to speak about diversity at the Rosenberg-McVay Business Leadership Luncheon, as well as to address students from UConn’s Scholars House.   (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)
Patrick Harris ’70 (BUSN) returned to UConn this week to speak about diversity at the Rosenberg-McVay Business Leadership Luncheon, as well as to address students from UConn’s Scholars House. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)

As a 10-year-old boy, Patrick Harris ’70 (BUSN) cried when he realized his dark skin prevented him from being served at a Woolworth lunch counter in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

But the racial discrimination he encountered didn’t derail his spirit for long. He went on to become one of the most powerful executives in the NBA, as Vice President, CFO of the Los Angeles Lakers.Continue Reading


Promotional Games at Retail Stores Increase Consumer Spending

UConn Today – Shoppers who win retail discounts through scratch-off tickets or other games of chance are more likely to make a purchase, and spend more money, than customers offered standard discounts that apply to everyone, according to a new study led by the University of Connecticut.Continue Reading



Two Veteran Professors Promoted to Associate Business Deans

Jose M. Cruz (left) and Lucy Gilson (right) have been named associate deans in the UConn School of Business.  Gilson has taken on the mantle of associate dean for faculty and outreach, while Cruz is now the associate dean for graduate programs. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)
Jose M. Cruz (left) and Lucy Gilson (right) have been named associate deans in the UConn School of Business. Gilson has taken on the mantle of associate dean for faculty and outreach, while Cruz is now the associate dean for graduate programs. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)

The School of Business has announced the appointment of Professors Lucy Gilson and Jose M. Cruz as new associate deans. They join Professor Bob Day in rounding out the three-person team reporting to Interim Dean David Souder.Continue Reading


Tong still dissatisfied with Purdue Pharma settlement offer

Stamford Advocate – STAMFORD — Connecticut Attorney General William Tong reiterated Tuesday his opposition to now-bankrupt Purdue Pharma’s settlement offer, asserting that the Sackler family members who own the company need to hike their proposed payout and questioning how the potential deal would restructure and value the OxyContin maker.


Married CEOs Are More Committed to Social Issues Than Non-Married Peers

UConn Today – If a company wants a leader who is committed to corporate social responsibility, it would be wise to hire a married man. Married men in the top leadership jobs typically have greater concern for their employees’ well-being, and are more accepting of diverse employees, than are their non-married peers.


A Q&A with Joelle Murchison: Comparing Diversity and Inclusion Work in Higher Education and the Corporate Sector

Insight Into Diversity – Joelle Murchison was formerly vice president of enterprise diversity and inclusion at Travelers Insurance and most recently the associate vice president, chief diversity officer, and special adviser of diversity, inclusion, and external partnerships at the University of Connecticut.




New Finance Chair Yiming Qian Is Among Nation’s Top Researchers

Yiming Qian, pictured above, is the first faculty member to hold an endowed chair in the Finance Department (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business).
Yiming Qian, pictured above, is the first faculty member to hold an endowed chair in the Finance Department (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business).

Those unfamiliar with the finance discipline sometimes underestimate the tremendous good that analysts and investors bring to the world, said Yiming Qian, who has just joined the faculty as a full professor and holds the new position of Toscano Family Chair in Finance.Continue Reading