Cover photo courtesy of UAF by JR Ancheta.
In a proud moment for CBSM, three esteemed faculty members were awarded their doctorate degrees this spring, marking a significant achievement in their academic and professional pathways. After years of being in front of the classroom, they swapped roles, embracing the life of a student once again. As full-time faculty members, family members and individuals with a multiverse of responsibilities, a strong support system was key to dedicating themselves to their research on this ambitious journey.
Dr. Amy Cooper, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Accounting Program Director, received her Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, researching employees’ turnover intentions in small and large accounting firms. She focused on the relationship between the size of an accounting firm and two constructs: job embeddedness and job engagement; collecting surveys from small, mid, and large-size CPA firms.
"This research is obviously something I can discuss in class,” said Dr. Cooper. “What I really want to do is share my findings with the profession so that my students who are going into public accounting will be able to have a strong profession to grow with."
Amy Cooper (center) stands with her siblings after the University of Missouri-St. Louis commencement ceremony. Photo provided by Amy Cooper.
Dr. Kim McGinnis, MBA Program Director and faculty advisor for the Student Investment Fund, studied at Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business, receiving her DBA as well. Her research covered the relationship between inclusive governance and corporate performance at Alaska Native Corporations. She found when shareholders partake in the design of their ANCs future, they are more likely to share positive perceptions of the organization, which in turn drives better financial performance. She also discovered that ANCs are viewed as critical Indigenous institutions by shareholders; this motivates them to participate, creating positive effects for the individuals and organizations.
"I'm teaching the Economy of Rural Alaska next year, and without a doubt, ANCs are a critical part of the Rural Alaskan economy," said Dr. McGinnis. "I’m hoping to bring some of the people I met during the process of conducting research into the classroom."
Kim McGinnis stands in regalia with her baby at a family celebration in her home. Photo provided by Kim McGinnis.
Dr. John E. Pennington, MSDM Program Director, received his Ph.D. in Indigenous Studies through the Cross Cultural Studies Program in UAF’s College of Rural and Community Development. He examined the relationship between Alaska’s Tribes and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He visited multiple villages to explore the definition of “disaster” through the eyes of Alaska Natives, also bringing light to the uniqueness of culturally-experienced disasters.
"My research is specifically designed to provide a roadmap for FEMA and the United States Congress to adjust, amend, or create disaster policies that more appropriately address Alaska Native cultures and traditions in the post-Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act environment," said Dr. Pennington.
John Pennington stands at the UAF PhD hooding ceremony with President Richard Chalyee Eesh Peterson of the Central Council of the Tlingit, left, and Jason Wilson, Director of Public Safety for the Tlingit and Haida. Photo provided by John Pennington.
In their rigorous programs, the three professors exchanged developing a syllabus with developing a dissertation. At CBSM, the small class sizes and hands-on learning make it easier for many faculty to connect and relate with their students. However, transitioning from teacher to student again gave these professors, in their words, "more sympathy for online students", "made me remember test-anxiety is a real thing", and "magnified the clarity of the student lens".
“I can sympathize with my students who thought they were going to be going to class in-person and then ended up online during the pandemic,” stated Dr. McGinnis. “After the first year of my program, I ended up exclusively being on Zoom. I have a newfound appreciation for distance learning, both the challenges and benefits.”
Throughout their studies, these professors also managed to work full-time, raise children, maintain relationships and carry out all the responsibilities of their daily and personal lives. A common theme for these newly-titled doctors is a strong support system of family, friends, coworkers, and of course, furry companions.
“Anyone who knows me, knows Stitches Pennington, my little canine friend of nearly 15 years,” said Dr. Pennington. “He remained by my side through this entire journey and deserves more credit than I can place into words.”
John Pennington smiles while taking a winter selfie with his dog, Stitches.
While these professors definitely lead by example in continuing their education, it is now time for them to bask in their sense of accomplishment and some new-found free time, as all new graduates do. When asked about how they will replace their study time, family was the number one priority across the board.
“I am going to practice saying no,” said Dr. Cooper. “For about six months, I’ll just be hanging out with my family. I would love to volunteer at my kids’ school, because I used to do that a lot and for the past three plus years, it's just not been a possibility.”
In conclusion, the achievement of earning a doctorate is no small feat, and for these three professors at CBSM, it represents the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and intellectual pursuit. Their accomplishment not only demonstrates their personal commitment to life-long learning and advancing expertise in their fields, but also serves as an inspiration to their students and colleagues.
CBSM has been honored to support, accommodate and invest in these faculty members, as they are an integral part of the team and community. As they grow in their unique disciplines, CBSM and UAF are directly impacted, better serving the next generation of aspiring leaders. Together, their findings fully encompass CBSM’s mission of preparing broadly-educated business professionals and helping students contribute value to Alaska and the nation.