LMU Graduate Business Programs

Our “People Behind the Programs” series continues with James Wagner, MBA, marketing lecturer. 📚 With decades of experience leading iconic brands at Mattel, MGA Entertainment, and Razor Worldwide, James brings the real world into the classroom through live case studies, from revitalizing Hot Wheels to launching L.O.L. Surprise into a global phenomenon. 🚀

His teaching is rooted in action. Students don’t just learn theories, they apply them to real scenarios, make decisions with imperfect information, and unpack what actually works when the stakes are high. James is especially proud of leading teams to achieve what once seemed impossible, emphasizing that true success comes from trust and teamwork. 👏

He challenges students to stay relentlessly curious, prioritize learning over titles, and develop the critical thinking and leadership skills needed to create clarity and confidence in any situation. We are fortunate to have such an industry powerhouse on our faculty!

Read the full Q&A with James at https://tinyurl.com/4w88ntay

🌴 Last week, we welcomed our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) students back to the bluff for their in-person residential experience - a cornerstone of the program that fosters meaningful learning, collaboration, and connection.

Between sessions, students enjoyed some sunshine, great food, and the opportunity to connect with Dean Smith while strengthening relationships with their cohort. ☀️

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Learn more about our DBA program at https://bit.ly/3ufNW5M

As part of our “People Behind the Programs” series, let's get to know Kelly Watson, Ph.D., clinical professor of management and managing partner at Orange Grove Consulting. With decades of leadership experience across corporate and academic spaces, Kelly brings the real world into the classroom by connecting theory to practice through powerful stories. 👏

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in rigor and trust in the process. Kelly challenges students to fully engage, put in the work, and embrace every opportunity to grow, emphasizing that what you get out of your education is directly tied to what you put in.

Through experiential learning and a passion for developing future leaders, Kelly creates an environment where lightbulb moments happen, and students are equipped to thrive in today’s competitive business world. In her free time, Kelly can be found on the field as a professional soccer referee. ⚽️

Read the full Q&A with Kelly at https://tinyurl.com/6uwkuzmn

Summer is here, and we’re bringing the LMU Graduate Business community back together for some fun in the sun! 🌴☀️

Join us on Saturday, June 13, from noon - 3 p.m. on St. Robert’s Lawn for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community. Catch up with fellow alumni, reconnect with faculty, and meet current graduate students. 🦁✨

No cost to attend; lunch included. Plus ones are welcome.

Register at: https://bit.ly/43yogiT

to the 44th Annual LMU Accounting Society Spring Banquet! ✨

More than 200 students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and industry professionals came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our accounting scholars. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partner firms, $674,200 in scholarships was awarded to undergraduate and graduate accounting students. 🤩

We were also honored to hear inspiring remarks from Alumna of the Year Gina Hagen ’87 and to celebrate retiring faculty member Larry Kalbers with the surprise announcement of The Larry Kalbers Endowed Scholarship for Ethical Leadership.

The evening was a powerful reminder of what community investment makes possible. 📈

🎉 Congratulations to the following faculty on their well-deserved promotions!

- Rosemary Kim to professor of accounting
- Aidin Namin to professor of marketing analytics
- Trevor Zink to professor of management and sustainability
- Jeff Thies to clinical professor of management
- Greg Lontok to clinical associate professor of information systems and business analytics
- Armando Paz to clinical associate professor of business law
- Rochelle Webb to clinical associate professor of marketing and entrepreneurship
- Tony Beaudoin to senior lecturer of finance
- Mark Macedo to senior lecturer of management
- Dustin Reece to senior lecturer of management