College News and Announcements

Spring 2023

The Neff College Joins the Toledo Area West College Fair

March 8, 2023 | Members of the Neff College of Business and Innovation's recruitment team had the pleasure of attending the Toledo Area West College Fair from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7 in the UToledo Student Union Auditorium.

Roughly 400 local high school students and their families were provided with the chance to gain further insight into our academic programs, extracurricular activities and available college resources.

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Dr. Elizabeth Napier, assistant professor of marketing and international business, discusses how fashion companies dispose of unsold products.

Adidas has $500 million worth of Kanye West sneakers and no good options

March 1, 2023 | Dr. Elizabeth Napier, assistant professor of marketing and international business, discusses how fashion companies dispose of unsold products.

"The fashion waste crisis is a significant contributing factor to climate change and environmental degradation evident throughout the entire global value chain. About $500b of value is lost every year due to overproduction and unsold merchandise that are then irresponsibly discarded into landfills and oceans," she said.

Brendyn Pyles, fourth from left, a junior double majoring in professional sales and finance, was the Junior Division Gold Bracket Champion at last week’s eighth annual UToledo Invitational Sales Competition hosted by the Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales.

UToledo Student Named UTISC Junior Division Gold Bracket Champion

Feb. 28, 2023 | Competing against professional sales students from 36 universities nationwide, Brendyn Pyles, fourth from left, a UToledo junior double majoring in professional sales and finance, was the Junior Division Gold Bracket Champion at the eighth annual UToledo Invitational Sales Competition.

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The UToledo Invitational Sales Competition Runs from Feb. 23-25.

UToledo Invitational Sales Competition Runs Feb. 23-25

Feb. 21, 2023 | Approximately 120 professional sales students from 36 universities nationwide will compete in the eighth annual UToledo Invitational Sales Competition (UTISC), hosted by the Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation.

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The John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation at The University of Toledo will host its upcoming Spring Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in Savage Arena.

Spring Job Fair Scheduled Feb. 23 for Business Students

Feb. 20, 2023 | The John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation will host its upcoming Spring Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in Savage Arena.

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The Princeton Review has named The University of Toledo Neff College of Business and Innovation as one of its best on-campus M.B.A. programs in the country.

Princeton Review Recognizes On-Campus M.B.A. as one of best in Nation

Feb. 15, 2023 | The Princeton Review has named The University of Toledo Neff College of Business and Innovation as one of its best on-campus M.B.A. programs in the country.

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Lolita Gukasyan, a freshman studying business and finance, and Tracy Mauntler, head women’s tennis coach, discuss Gukasyan’s journey to Toledo after escaping the war in Ukraine.

Business Student and Ukrainian Tennis Player Finds Safety at University of Toledo

Feb. 14, 2023 | Lolita Gukasyan, a freshman studying business and finance, and Tracy Mauntler, head women’s tennis coach, discuss Gukasyan’s journey to Toledo after escaping the war in Ukraine.

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Two Neff Faculty Members Receive URFO Small Grant Support Awards

Feb. 2, 2023 | Congratulations to Dr. Katy Johnson and Dr. Iryna Pentina for receiving URFO Small Grant Support Awards. The URFO Small Awards Program provides a one time grant up to $1,000 per academic year to tenured and tenure-track faculty members to support research and scholarship activities. The Program provides limited funds when other sources of funds, such as faculty start-up funds, departmental funds and grant funds, are not available. A total of $20,000 is expected to support this program for the 2022-2023 academic year.

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Volunteers and donations are needed for The University of Toledo’s annual hunger-relief, food-packing event Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11, in the Health Education Building on Main Campus.

Volunteers Needed Feb. 10-11 to Pack 100,000 Meals For Starving Children

Feb. 8, 2023 | Volunteers and donations are needed for The University of Toledo’s annual hunger-relief, food-packing event Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11, in the Health Education Building on Main Campus. The event is hosted by UToledo’s Klar Leadership Academy, a student organization led by the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation, in partnership with Feed My Starving Children, a Minnesota-based nonproﬁt organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals to children in need around the world.

Congratulations to Daniel Costello and Raina Dawson, two Neff College of Business and Innovation alumni, for being named to the “20 Under 40” list, an annual recognition of 20 distinguished community leaders from northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan who are younger than 40 years old.

Two Neff Alumni Receive ‘20 Under 40’ Recognition

Jan. 30, 2023 | Congratulations to Daniel Costello and Raina Dawson, two Neff College of Business and Innovation alumni, for being named to the “20 Under 40” list, an annual recognition of 20 distinguished community leaders from northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan who are younger than 40 years old.

U.S. News Rankings Recognize UToledo for Excellence in Online Education

Jan. 24, 2023 | In its first opportunity, the new online M.B.A. program in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation placed 185 out of 366 on U.S. News & World Report's list, ranking higher than about half of the other online M.B.A. programs across the country. The Online Bachelor of Business Program also climbed to No. 58, placing in the top 30%.

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Welcome to the new Year!

Jan. 17, 2023 | Dean Anne L. Balazs, Ph.D. welcomes current and new Business Rockets to the Spring '23 semester.

Congratulations, Class of 2022!

Dec. 17, 2022 | We’re proud to celebrate the 364 graduating students from the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation at The University of Toledo’s Fall 2022 Commencement. Congratulations on your achievements and go Rockets!

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The Young Executive Scholars (Y.E.S.) Program culminated its 2022 curriculum with a breakfast sendoff at the Jones Leadership Academy of Business (JLAB) on Monday, Dec. 12.

Y.E.S. Donor Joins Students to Share Life Lessons, Enjoy a Meal

Dec. 12, 2022 | The Young Executive Scholars (Y.E.S.) Program culminated its 2022 curriculum with a breakfast sendoff at the Jones Leadership Academy of Business (JLAB) on Monday, Dec. 12. Here, roughly 30 student participants had the opportunity to meet and hear from alumnus, donor and supporter of the program, Chuck Knabusch and his wife Maryann, as well as enjoy breakfast catered by Chick-fil-A.

The University of Toledo Family Business Center and John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation Alumni Affiliate invite you to a book signing and celebration for "Hope is Not a Business Strategy.”

'Hope is not a Business Strategy' Author to be celebrated at book signing event on Dec. 6

Dec. 2, 2022 | On December 6 from 4-6 p.m., The University of Toledo Family Business Center and John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation Alumni Affiliate will host a book signing and celebration for "Hope is Not a Business Strategy," and its author, Chuck Knabusch.

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Finalists and judges from the 2022 Innovathon competition pose for a photo following the announcement of the winners.

Neff College of Business and Innovation Hosts 2nd Annual Innovathon Competition, Features Cake in a Cup

Dec. 2, 2022 | The John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation hosted its second annual Innovathon Competition over the course of the fall 2022 semester. The competition culminated on Friday, Dec. 2 with the student participants presenting their solutions to real-world issues facing a local small business, Cake in a Cup. The winner of the 2022 Neff Innovathon competition is solo participant, Allison McDaniel.

Elena Nassif Stresses Importance of Friendly Assistance.

Dual-degree Graduate Stresses Importance of Friendly Assistance

Dec. 1, 2022 | As Elena Nassif’s time as a Rocket ends with Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 17, there’s the main theme that summarizes her time as a student: Don’t be afraid to seek out those who can help you.

The Young Executive Scholars (Y.E.S.) from The Jones Leadership Academy of Business (JLAB) visited a Toledo accounting firm, Gilmore Jasion Mahler (GJM), on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Y.E.S. Program Explores the World of Accounting, Visits Local Firm

Nov. 15, 2022 | The Young Executive Scholars (Y.E.S.) from The Jones Leadership Academy of Business visited a Toledo accounting firm, Gilmore Jasion Mahler, LTD (GJM), on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The Y.E.S. students’ time at GJM was spent learning about the firm, various career paths in the accounting field and how accountants investigate fraud and solve problems.

Congratulations to information systems major, Pawit Sornlaksup, for earning Mid-American Conference Player of the Year honors in his first season as a Rocket.

Junior Accomplishes Dream of Playing College Tennis in the U.S.

Nov. 23, 2022 | Congratulations to information systems major, Pawit Sornlaksup, for earning Mid-American Conference Player of the Year honors in his first season as a Rocket.

Introducing the 2022 Business Student Ambassadors

Nov. 21, 2022 | The John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation's Student Ambassador Program features a select group of involved, driven and passionate ambassadors to provide prospective UToledo students with feedback and guidance.

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The University of Toledo Family Business Center will celebrate its 30-year milestone Monday, Nov. 14, at Stranahan Theater and Great Hall.

Family Business Center Celebrates 30 years of Growth

Nov. 14, 2022 | The University of Toledo Family Business Center will celebrate its 30-year milestone Monday, Nov. 14, at Stranahan Theater and Great Hall.

Neff College of Business and Innovation Sponsors Happy Hour at EPIC Leadership Summit

Nov. 11, 2022 | The Neff College of Business and Innovation had the privilege of sponsoring the happy hour at the EPIC Toledo Leadership Summit. We are so proud to partner with the local business community to continue to help build leaders in the region. We even had a raffle where Tyler Martin won two suite tickets to the Rockets vs. BGSU football game.

Business Student Maps New Career Path Through M.B.A. Program

Nov. 9, 2022 | Crystal Camden, who graduated from UToledo in 2019 with degrees in marketing and professional sales, has mapped her way to a new career path through the M.B.A. program. She is now a graduate assistant and learning more than ever.

Student competitors in the 2022 Internal Sales Competition (ISC).

Business Students Compete in Internal Sales Competition

Oct. 14, 2022 | The Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales (ESSPS) hosted its inaugural Sales Connection and 12^th annual Internal Sales Competition (ISC) on Friday, October 14, 2022.

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On Sunday, October 9, Relay For Life partnered up with Pi Sigma Epsilon, UToledo's Sales and Marketing Professional Fraternity, to host a Bubble Run 5K.

Relay for Life partners with Business Student Organization

Oct. 11, 2022 | On Sunday, October 9, Relay For Life partnered up with Pi Sigma Epsilon, UToledo's Sales and Marketing Professional Fraternity, to host a Bubble Run 5K. The Bubble Run is a 5K run/walk, starting and finishing in the Flatlands, by the Glass Bowl, at The University of Toledo.

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The Edward H. Schmidt School of Professional Sales has launched an apparel store.

Sales School Launches Online Apparel Shop

Oct. 5, 2022 | Proceeds from this store will go to the ESSPS Operating Fund to help the Sales School with the Sales Competition Team (SCT), student organization support, role play technology, events, faculty development, staffing and more.

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On Saturday, The University of Toledo celebrated the crowning of the 2022 Homecoming King and Queen during halftime — Keith Nelson Jr. and Kennedy Copeland, both representing the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Business Student Crowned Homecoming King

Oct. 4, 2022 | Keith Nelson Jr., a senior studying supply chain management with a minor in entrepreneurship, has been crowned the 2022 Homecoming King. It is the first time in the University’s history both the Homecoming King and Homecoming Queen are African American students.

The University of Toledo’s John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation will host its Fall Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, in Savage Arena.

100-plus Companies to Recruit UToledo Business Students at Fall Job Fair

Sept. 28, 2022 | The University of Toledo’s John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation will host its Fall Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, in Savage Arena.

Edward H. Schmidt Outstanding Young Alum Selected

Sept. 26, 2022 | Danielle Lutman, '15, '17, has been awarded the The Edward H. Schmidt Outstanding Young Alum award. The award is presented to a University graduate who is 40 years of age or younger in recognition of outstanding achievement in their career while providing leadership and noteworthy service to the Alumni Association, University or community. This award is named in memory of Ed Schmidt, a 1942 alumnus and a longtime supporter of The University of Toledo's Neff College of Business and Innovation.

Study Abroad Course Provides Students Opportunity to ‘Dip Their Toe’ in International Travel

Sept. 23, 2022 | The focus of the study abroad class is on the economic, political and cultural aspects of the countries the students visit. And as part of the trip, students have guided tours to various companies and tourist sites. The class is a 10-day trip, including travel days, that provides three credit hours to undergraduate and graduate students. A group of 25-30 students normally participate each year, and while the class is part of the Neff College of Business and Innovation, it is open to all students in the University.

The IOTM Department hosted its annual 'Meet, Greet and Eat' event in the Savage Arena Grogan Room.

I.O.T.M. Department Hosts Fall 'Meet, Greet and Eat' Event

Sept. 23, 2022 | Roughly 100 students, alumni, recruiters, industry professionals and information systems and supply chain management faculty gathered in the Savage Arena Grogan Room to network, reconnect and of course, eat!

Steven Klar, '69, is the College's 2022 Distinguished Alumnus.

Outstanding Alumnus to be Celebrated at Sept. 30 Homecoming Gala

Sept. 22, 2022 | Steven Klar, 1969, has been named the College's 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Mr. Klar is the president of The Klar Organization, a diversified real estate development firm centralized in New York City. Klar has a long list of charities and humanitarian efforts he supports, including the endowment of the Klar Leadership Academy at UToledo in 2014.

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The University of Toledo John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation has been recognized amongst the best undergraduate programs in business in the country, both on-campus and online, in the 2022-2023 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings..

UToledo Recognized Among Best Business Colleges by U.S. News

Sept. 13, 2022 | The University of Toledo John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation has been recognized amongst the best undergraduate programs in business in the country, both on-campus and online, in the 2022-2023 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings.

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The Sierah Joughin Memorial Scholarship recipients have been determined: Savannah Wagener (left) and Christina Norman (right).

Sierah Joughin Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Two Outstanding Business Rockets

Sept. 8, 2022 | Congratulations to Savannah Wagener (left) and Christina Norman (right) on being selected as the recipients of the 2022 Sierah Joughin Memorial Scholarship presented by Justice for Sierah.

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Dean Anne Balazs and Dr. Bashar Gammoh meet Carley Mercer, senior human resources major and intern during their visit to Kripke Enterprises.

College Leaders Visit Kripke Enterprises

Sept. 2, 2022 | Dean Anne L. Balazs, Ph.D. and associate dean of graduate programs and research, Dr. Bashar Gammoh, visited Kripke Enterprises, Inc for a tour with UToledo Family Business Center member, Matt Kripke. There, they also met Carley Mercer, senior human resources major and intern at the company.

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First-Generation College Student’s Life Experiences Fuel Interest in Marketing

Sept. 1, 2022 | Ricardo Flores Jr, a senior majoring in marketing, came to The University of Toledo as a first-generation college student. Through campus involvement, hard work in the classroom and giving back to the community, Ricardo continues to embody what it means to be a successful Business Rocket despite a lack of guidance early in his collegiate career.

John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation