News

Marketing students from Bemidji State University`s Department of Business Administration successfully competed with fifty-one college students from sixteen universities representing nine states at the Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up in Wisconsin, November 10-12, 2011.

Three rounds of sales calls, including the championship round, were video recorded live and evaluated by accomplished sales professionals.

This year`s event was attended by competitors, faculty coaches, corporate sponsors and student, faculty and corporate volunteers.

In addition to the actual competition and feedback, this highly valuable and enjoyable experience for business marketing students from Bemidji State University included a career fair, free professional seminars, role plays, social hour and banquet for all attendants. BSU business marketing students are already preparing for next year`s event!

2011 Homecoming Presents: Business Alumni Leaders in YOUR Classroom!

The Bemidji State University Alumni Association is once again `Bringing Successful Bemidji State University Alumni Together in the Classroom With Current Students.`

Each year, our students gain from this very valuable and important opportunity to learn from some of our leading graduates. BSU Business students have these opportunities to make contact, network and gain invaluable knowledge from this fantastic event! It`s why this homecoming event remains one of the most popular on campus!

This year`s panel is comprised of Mr. Bill Hawkins [BSU`74: His global business has been thriving for 3 decades]; Mr. Eric Davidge [BSU`90: Senior VP with investment firm Stifel Nicolaus & Co.]; and Mr. John Thompson [ BSU`98, VP of Federated Insurance]. Learn about Business Philosophy & Motivation!

For the FOURTH consecutive year, Bemidji State University has earned a place in the top tier of the U.S. News and World Report rankings of America`s colleges and universities.

The University ranked 34th among public universities in the region. Among other rankings released for universities in the Midwest region, Bemidji State tied for 26th in rankings of a school`s population of international students.

U.S. News & World Report categorizes schools based on mission, according to classifications developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and, in some cases, also breaks schools down by region. U.S. News classifies Bemidji State University as a regional university in the Midwest region. Regional universities as classified as those offering a full range of undergraduate programs with some master`s, but few, if any, doctoral programs. There a total of 441 ranked institutions across four regions: North, South, Midwest and West. U.S. News & World Report began publishing America`s Best Colleges in 1983.

Business administration programs at Bemidji State University continue to experience significant growth for 2011-2012. It started with increased numbers from summer, and momentum carried into fall semester.

BSU has fostered this growth as new programs in business related fields were implemented and six new full-time doctoral faculty members have been successfully recruited, two each for the past three consecutive years.

BSU business related programs include finance, management, marketing, business administration, international business, management information systems, entrepreneurship, small business management, marketing communications, computer information systems , accounting, computer forensics and accounting forensics.

Bemidji State University has received specialized accreditation for its business and business- related programs through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), located in Olathe, Kansas. The business and business- related programs in the following degrees are accredited by the IACBE:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting;

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphases in Finance, Generalist, Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management, and International Business.

The Best-Strategy Invitational is a global competition among high-performing GLO-BUS companies worldwide. All student-teams finishing in first place in the simulation exercise conducted at their respective schools are invited to participate in the BSI.

We are pleased to inform Bemidji State University`s first-place-finishing team has elected to participate in the Best-Strategy Invitational competition for 2011.

For further information about the University, visit www.bemidjistate.edu

Become a fan of Bemidji State University on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BemidjiState or follow us on Twitter at @BemidjiState

McGraw-Hill Publishing recently announced the team of students from Bemidji State University has ranked Number One WORLDWIDE in overall score for their participation in business simulation, The Business Strategy Game (BSG-Online). This computer based competition is modeled to reflect real-world character of the globally competitive athletic footwear industry. Student teams run simulated companies in competition both with their classmates and with teams of students from other universities. Company operations simulate cause-effect relationships and revenue-cost-profit relationships based on global market and economic principles. All aspects of The Business Strategy Game mirror competitive functioning of the athletic footwear industry. BSU`s student team performance reflects their leadership skills, collaboration & teamwork, financial analysis & management, operations management, marketing management, human resources management, and strategic analysis & planning.

Every year 200 to 300 universities from all over the world participate in the simulation, including teams from other MnSCU universities as well as the University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin. Each week during the semester, student teams enter their business-based tactical and strategic decisions, representing a simulated year of business operations. The BSG-Online staff calculates five key performance measures (i.e., earnings per share, return on equity, stock price, credit rating, and image rating or customer perception of product quality) which are in turn used to calculate an overall investor confidence score for each student company. This overall score ranges from a minimum of 0 to a maximum score of 120. Company B from Dr. Dean Frost`s section of Strategic Management received a score of 110.0 which tied them for the best worldwide score for the week of April 17, 2011. BSU`s Company B was run by Brian Aaland, Mike Jacobson, and Matt Chruscielski. Very impressive and congratulations!

For further information about the University, visit www.bemidjistate.edu
Become a fan of Bemidji State University on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BemidjiState or follow us on Twitter at @BSUNews

Bemidji State University`s Department of Business Administration announces Sigma Beta Delta National Honor Society Class of 2011. Sigma Beta Delta is the honor society for students in business, management, and administration, across the nation.

The principles of the society are `Wisdom, Honor and the Pursuit of Meaningful Aspirations.` The recently held formal banquet was in the American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) on the shores of beautiful Lake Bemidji. Joining society advisors, Professors Joann Fredrickson and Carol Nielsen, in the initiation, were BSU President Richard Hanson and Dean of College of Business, Technology and Communication, Dr. James Maxwell.

The honor society is the most appropriate way to internationally recognize lifelong learning and to encourage scholastic excellence. Congratulations inductees!

Mr. Nicholas Ingman, a Bemidji State University senior business major, was one of only
25 students, nationally, selected to attend Sigma Beta Delta national honor society’s annual conference, in San Diego, California. Sigma Beta Delta is the honor society for students in business, management, and administration, across the nation. Nick was nominated by business management professor Dr. Dean Frost, and very impressively was selected from 265 chapters from around the entire country. Bemidji State University`s College of Business, Technology and Communication sponsored Nick`s travels.

The theme for the 2011 Sigma Beta Delta leadership academy was `Developing and Using the Sigma Beta Delta Network to Serve Humanity.` Students from across the nation came together to develop projects to conform to the ideals of Sigma Beta Delta: Wisdom, Honor, and Aspirations.

Dr. James Fowler, a guest on `The Colbert Report,` was one of many fine presenting scholars from around the world.

Nick�s take from the conference: `With technology, our networks aren�t limited to standard neighborhoods and workplaces of the past. We can be in touch and connected around the globe. Our generation has continuously improving tools to stay connected to our communities, including Bemidji State University, regardless of where we are in life.`

Well stated. Congratulations Nick!

The Board of Directors and the Board of Commissioners of the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) are pleased to announce the Board of Directors of the (U.S. Government) Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) granted recognition to the IACBE.

The IACBE is a leader in mission-driven and outcomes-based programmatic accreditation in business, and its mission is to promote and recognize excellence in business education in institutions of higher education worldwide, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, through specialized accreditation of business programs.

About Bemidji State University: Shaping Potential, Shaping Worlds Bemidji State University, located in northern Minnesota`s lake district, occupies a beautiful campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling approximately 5,400 students, the University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. The University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and has a faculty and staff of nearly 600. University signature themes include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and global and multi-cultural understanding.

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Once again, a team of BSU Business Administration students, led by Dr. Valerie Wallingford, assistant professor of business administration, ranks highly worldwide, this time in the top 15 for BEST performance in the latest GLO-BUS Simulation assignments.

Their $14.59 Earnings Per Share is 15th best worldwide performance of the week (ending November 28, 2010). Congratulations and keep it going, as we know you will!

GLO-BUS is a completely online exercise where teams of students run a digital camera company in head-to-head competition against companies run by other class members. Company operations parallel those of actual digital camera companies. Just as in the real world, companies compete in a global market arena selling digital cameras in four geographic regions-Europe-Africa, North America, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
Company co-managers must make decisions relating to research and development, component usage, camera performance, product line breadth, production operations, work force compensation, outsourcing, pricing, sales and marketing and finance. The challenge is to craft and execute a competitive strategy that results in a respected brand image, keeps your company in contention for global market leadership, and produces good financial performance as measured by earnings per share, return on investment, stock price appreciation, and credit rating. For more information on GLO-BUS, visit http://www.glo-bus.com.

About Bemidji State University: Shaping Potential, Shaping Worlds Bemidji State University, located in northern Minnesota�s lake district, occupies a beautiful campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling approximately 5,000 students, the University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. The University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and has a faculty and staff of nearly 600. University signature themes include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and global and multi-cultural understanding.

For further information about the University, visit http://www.bemidjistate.edu
Become a fan of Bemidji State University on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BemidjiState or follow us on Twitter at @BSUNews

Q. True University Experience
World Class University Degree
Private College Setting
State Tuition Cost
Without Sacrificing Quality & Environment?

A. Bemidji State University
Bemidji State has the most beautiful campus. It is a very calm place to study & it`s nice to walk by the lake and relax after classes. Nikki, ND

My Top 5 Reasons For Attending BSU:
5. Beautiful Campus & Small Class Sizes
4. I Have a Name; I`m Not a Number; BSU Faculty & Students Know It
3. Knowledgeable & Friendly Faculty
2. Hands on Experience
1. BSU has helped me grow both in and out of the classroom
Meghan, Rush City, MN

The main reason I attended Bemidji State University is the great opportunities in the Business Administration Department. The Business Administration Department offers great majors from Accounting to Marketing to International Business. The faculty is open to all suggestions and provides great one on one consultation for any issue. Small class sizes and an open environment create an opportunity for students to advance their education. Aaron, Chaska, MN

Great experience I can always relate back to is my relationship with my faculty advisor. Observing and talking to him always challenged my problem solving skills. Learning to think critically and absorbing information has helped me explore the greater potential of what I can offer life. Genci, ALB

It`s like going to school up at the cabin. I loved it! Jarrett, Circle Pines, MN

I like everything & anything about BSU:
Quiet place to learn, grow & rest;
small class sizes;
close relationship with teachers;
easy to get in touch with my teachers if I had questions;
faculty always available. Christian, Burnsville, MN

I believe that Bemidji State has prepared me for the next stage in my life.
BSU faculty has worked in the business world. They bring real world experiences into the classroom. Deven, Nebish, MN

I liked Bemidji State University because of its laid back campus atmosphere. BSU faculty is very helpful and they take time to get to know individual students in their classes by name! This is possible because of small class sizes. As a reserved student, I feel I was able to get the most out of my education at BSU. Adam, Blackduck, MN

I chose to attend BSU because it offered me the chance to move away; so far away that I couldn`t drive home often. Also, BSU offers a variety of emphases in business, which was the key selling point for me. They have a knowledgeable, friendly faculty that assisted in selecting my major and emphasis. The same faculty has continued to encourage me to work hard as I near graduation with my business administration major and emphases in marketing, management and entrepreneurship, plus an MIS minor. Overall the class sizes are perfect, allowing students to have one on one contact with the professors to truly obtain information we need to change the future of the business world. Kayc, St. Peter, MN

During my two years at BSU, I received an education spanning beyond the classroom. Being an out-of-state student, I was exposed to a variety of new cultures and ethnicity, which has altered my perspective and made a lasting impression on me. Anthony, Salem, OR

I found BSU to be my perfect fit. It offers a small and friendly campus with great fishing at your backdoor. If you can`t get enough of the outdoors and want a great education, Bemidji State is the only place to be. Thomas, Holdingford, MN

What really impressed me about Bemidji State is the caring, understanding and flexibility of the professors. The classes are the right size and the professors know your name and want to get to know you. I`m truly glad that I made the decision to further my education at BSU. Jared, Healdsburg, CA

This university broadened my overall knowledge base immensely, as well as opened my eyes to all the possibilities there are upon graduation. Warren, Anchorage, AK

I came from California and had no idea what to expect. Bemidji State has been nothing but a great experience. Class sizes are perfect; my teachers know me by name and care about me as a student, and often as a friend. I couldn`t be more satisfied with the education I received here at Bemidji State University. Lydia, Ukiah, CA

This is a place where you learn in the classroom and even more outside the classroom. It will broaden your mind and will lead me to be successful in the workplace upon graduation. I came in as an 18 year old boy and left as a 22 year old businessman. Nathan, Two Rivers, WI

This is the best area in the state, region, and Midwest for hunting & fishing. Kyle, Ashby, MN

Bemidji, besides beautiful winters, is a great place to meet new people in a fun environment. It`s easy to fall in love with Bemidji State. Tiffany, Milaca, MN

Bemidji State University is a great college, especially if you love to hunt and fish. This is the all-around college if you truly love learning and the outdoors. Tyler, Kensington, MN

BEMIDJI, Minn. - A group of BSU Business Administration students, led by Dr. Valerie Wallingford, assistant professor of business administration, ranked in the top 40 world-wide for BEST performance in two latest GLO-BUS Simulation assignments.

Their Overall Game-To-Date Score of 108.5 tied for the 38th best Overall Game-To-Date Score performance of the week (Oct-18-24) worldwide.

Congratulations are in order for students in your class who earned two Global Top 100 ranking world-wide for their company’s GLO-BUS performance (includes Oct-11-17).

The co-managers of A Olympia Optics (Company A) earned a Global Top 100 ranking on the following performance criteria: Overall Game-To-Date Score, worldwide. The co-managers of D-Wallingford Ind. (Company D) earned a Global Top 100 ranking on the following performance criteria: Return on Average Equity � worldwide. These performances reflect on the caliber of instruction that students are receiving in your program. Congratulations once again to you and your students. Best regards from the GLO-BUS author team!

GLO-BUS is a completely online exercise where teams of students run a digital camera company in head-to-head competition against companies run by other class members. Company operations parallel those of actual digital camera companies. Just as in the real world, companies compete in a global market arena selling digital cameras in four geographic regions-Europe-Africa, North America, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
Company co-managers must make decisions relating to research and development, component usage, camera performance, product line breadth, production operations, work force compensation, outsourcing, pricing, sales and marketing and finance. The challenge is to craft and execute a competitive strategy that results in a respected brand image, keeps your company in contention for global market leadership, and produces good financial performance as measured by earnings per share, return on investment, stock price appreciation, and credit rating. For more information on GLO-BUS, visit http://www.glo-bus.com.

About Bemidji State University: Shaping Potential, Shaping Worlds Bemidji State University, located in northern Minnesota�s lake district, occupies a beautiful campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling approximately 5,000 students, the University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. The University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and has a faculty and staff of nearly 600. University signature themes include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and global and multi-cultural understanding.

For further information about the University, visit http://www.bemidjistate.edu
Become a fan of Bemidji State University on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BemidjiState or follow us on Twitter at @BSUNews

BSU Enrollment for 2010-2011: Experiencing BIG Positive Momentum!

Bemidji State University`s enrollment numbers for academic year beginning 2010-2011 are in, and they show BSU has its largest total enrollment in nearly two decades.

BSU`s total enrollment is nearly 5,400 students! That figure has BSU on pace to see its largest number of students on campus since 1991.

Fuelling BSU`s enrollment increase is another sizeable group of freshmen and new transfer students. BSU has 864 new freshmen this year, a nearly ten percent increase from last year.

Throughout the last five years, freshman enrollment at BSU has increased by 33 percent!

Enrollment totals reflect an un-duplicated number of students enrolled in credit-generating courses at Bemidji State University.

Homecoming Panel Set for BSU Homecoming Student Audience!

Joanne Provo, Ph.D. Vice President and Managing Director, Midwest Region
PDI Ninth House

Dr. Provo is Vice President and Managing Director for the Midwest Region of PDI Ninth House, a global leadership solutions company, based in Minneapolis. Her consulting and coaching capabilities benefit from her deep expertise in finance, strategy, and human resource development.

Prior to joining PDI NH, Dr. Provo held various roles at United Defense, FMC, Northrop, and Republic Precious Metals, in finance and organizational strategy. She has done a great deal of writing in the area of human resource development and strategy. Her work can be found in a number of professional journals, including Human Resource Development Quarterly, Human Resource Development International, and Adult Education Quarterly.

Dr. Provo has been an adjunct professor for undergraduate and graduate programs at several universities including the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas, where she received the Excellence in Teaching Award. Her teaching and consulting have an international focus as she has lived as an expat and travelled extensively. She has set a personal goal to spend time in 100 countries before she turns 65.

In addition to her broad corporate and educational experience, Dr. Provo has held leadership positions with a number of non-profit and community organizations. She was a trustee for 12 years at the Basilica of St. Mary and she is currently Chair of the Midwest Leadership Circle for the White House Project, a non partisan organization focused on efforts to involve, engage, and train women for political office.

Joanne received her B.S. in Business Administration from Bemidji State University with Minors in Psychology and Computer Science. Her MBA is from DePaul University in Chicago where she majored in Finance. She received her Ph.D. in Human Resource Development from the University of Minnesota.

Scott Pearson, Senior Marketing Representative
Federated Insurance

Scott Pearson earned a bachelor`s degree in business administration from Bemidji State University in 1977. While attending BSU, Scott was a member of the Track and Field team and a 4-year letter winner. During his senior year at Bemidji State, Scott was hired by an on-campus recruiter from Federated Insurance. He has spent his entire career marketing business insurance products in north central Minnesota for Federated. His current title is Senior Marketing Representative. Scott is a member of the Federated Chairman`s Council, a Distinguished Service Award winner, and a three-time recipient of the Pinnacle of Performance Award; Federated`s highest marketing honor.
Scott is a member of several BSU organizations and event planning committees including Beaver Pride, the Bemidji Area Alumni Chapter, the Hardwater Classic, and the Family Friends Program, which hosts international students. Scott`s community involvements include serving as a guide for the Take-a-Kid Fishing and Let`s Go Fishing events. He is a volunteer for Fishing Has No Boundaries and for the Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival. He has served as a committee member for the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Muskies Inc., and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. He recently earned certification as a National Weather Services Skywarn Spotter. He has served as audio technician at Trinity Lutheran Church for 28 years and is a co-founder of the Cass Lake Lake Owners Association. For the past 25 years, Scott has served as a mentor for BSU seniors considering marketing positions, allowing them to shadow him for a day as he interacts with current customers and prospects. Scott and his wife, Kate (BSU `78, `82), make their home in Bemidji.

Linda S. Hanson, Senior Vice President / Investments
Stifel Nicolaus

Linda has been a financial advisor since 1983. Her expertise has been in assisting individuals, small to medium corporations and non-profit organizations for 28 years.

A team of three provides services to clients ranging from retirement planning, estate building and preparation, second and third generation succession plans to portfolio building and asset management.

She works with people that are looking for a sense of relief regarding their financial future. They visualize their future and together we develop a roadmap to get them there.

Advanced courses in money management, estate and tax planning have assisted in her ability to keep pace with the changing lifestyles requirements of today`s investor.

Linda has consistently been recognized for her achievements in the financial services business as well as within her community.

She is a Director of Brainerd Rotary Foundation, a Director of the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation and chairperson of the Brainerd Women`s fund. She is a past director of the Bemidji State University Foundation. She is a Juliet Gordon Lowe Society member of the Girl Scouts.

Linda`s interests include wilderness adventures, international treks, an avid kayaker, cross country skiing, hunting and gardening. Linda has two daughters.

Tom Welle, President & Chief Executive Officer
First National Bank

Tom Welle is a 1972 graduate of Bemidji State University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with minors in mathematics and physics. Upon graduation, Tom began his banking career as an examiner for Bremer Bank in St. Paul, Minnesota. He transferred to their Brainerd branch in 1975, where he initially worked as a lender and then as Executive Vice President. He is a 1980 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin. In 1982, Tom accepted the position of President at Bremer�s International Falls bank and served in that capacity for three years. Tom returned to Bemidji in 1985 to work as Executive Vice President for First National Bank, Bemidji, a community bank opened in 1897. The bank was acquired by his grandfather and great uncle in 1944. In 1988, Tom was named President and CEO of that bank, a position he still holds today.

Tom has been very involved in the community of Bemidji and serves as a Board member and treasurer of the Bemidji Baseball Association. He belongs to the Bemidji Curling Club and the Bemidji Town & Country Club. Previous community service includes membership on the BSU Foundation Board of Directors and the Beaver Pride board, President of the Bemidji Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the North Country Regional Hospital Foundation and the Bemidji Library Foundation, served as board and executive committee member of the Lakeland Public Television and for many years coached baseball for the local Babe Ruth and VFW teams. He currently serves as Past Chair of the Minnesota Banker�s Association.

For the third consecutive year, Bemidji State University has earned a place in the top tier of the U.S. News and World Report rankings of America`s colleges and universities in the Midwest region.

The University ranked 35th among public universities in the region.

`Once again, Bemidji State University is ranked among the top tier of regional institutions in the Midwest, and we`re very proud of that,` Bemidji State University President Dr. Richard Hanson said. `The rankings reflect the University`s continued commitment to excellence through its stellar academic programs and educational experiences.`

Among other rankings released for universities in the Midwest region, Bemidji State tied for 26th in rankings of a school`s population of international students.

U.S. News & World Report classifies Bemidji State University as a regional university in its Midwest region. The publication defines regional universities as those offering a full range of undergraduate programs with some master`s, but few doctoral, programs. America`s Best Colleges 2011 ranks 572 universities classified as regional institutions across four regions: North, South, Midwest and West. The publication`s Midwest region includes North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

BEMIDJI, Minn. - A group of Bemidji State University business students, led by Dr. Valerie Wallingford, assistant professor of business administration, tied for BEST performance WORLDWIDE in its latest GLO-BUS Simulation assignment.

Congratulations are in order for BSU Business Administration students who earned a global tie for best ranking for their company’s GLO-BUS performance during the week of 5-Apr-10 through 11-Apr-10.

The co-managers of APicture Perfect earned a Global Top 100 ranking on the following performance criteria:
Overall Game-To-Date Score - Their Overall Game-To-Date Score of 110.0 tied for the BEST OVERALL Game-To-Date Score performance of the week, WORLDWIDE!

GLO-BUS is a completely online exercise where teams of students run a digital camera company in head-to-head competition against companies run by other class members. Company operations parallel those of actual digital camera companies. Just as in the real world, companies compete in a global market arena selling digital cameras in four geographic regions-Europe-Africa, North America, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

Company co-managers must make decisions relating to research and development, component usage, camera performance, product line breadth, production operations, work force compensation, outsourcing, pricing, sales and marketing and finance. The challenge is to craft and execute a competitive strategy that results in a respected brand image, keeps your company in contention for global market leadership, and produces good financial performance as measured by earnings per share, return on investment, stock price appreciation, and credit rating.

For more information on GLO-BUS, visit http://www.glo-bus.com.
About Bemidji State University: Shaping Potential, Shaping Worlds Bemidji State University, located in northern Minnesota�s lake district, occupies a beautiful campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling approximately 5,000 students, the University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. The University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and has a faculty and staff of nearly 600. University signature themes include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and global and multi-cultural understanding.

For further information about the University, visit http://www.bemidjistate.edu
Become a fan of Bemidji State University on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BemidjiState or follow us on Twitter at @BSUNews

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Following its victory in regional competition, Bemidji State University Sales Team finished in a tie for 29th place out of 61 teams at the 12th Annual National Collegiate Sales Challenge.

The National Collegiate Sales Challenge, the WORLD`s LARGEST Collegiate Sales Competition, pits sales students against one another in live one-on-one sales call challenges. Each sales call is broadcast to faculty and recruiters who evaluate each student�s performance.

Two students are invited to compete from each of the participating colleges and universities. Competitors make sales calls to fictional businesses with representatives of the challenge�s corporate sponsors playing the students` prospects. Goals for the calls range from getting a second appointment to making the sale. However, the focus is on the sales skills exhibited rather than the outcome of the call. Competitors sell a product in the 20-minute role-plays individually and are awarded as individuals, with the exception of team awards which are based on the combined cumulative scores of the two teammates.

The competition is a tournament-style format which includes a wildcard and elimination rounds for advancement. Contestants are evaluated on their approach and rapport, needs identification, presentation, handling of objections, closing and communication skills.

Bemidji State`s team consisted of Robyn McBrady, a senior in business administration and marketing communication from Hewitt, Minn., and Tony Hietalati, a senior in business administration from Aitkin, Minn.

Molly Krivarchka, a senior in marketing communication from Mayville, N.D., and Chris Nelson, a sophomore in business administration from Bemidji, were alternates.

McBrady was Bemidji State�s top individual finisher, advancing to the quarterfinals.

`One of the greatest values of these competitions is the wide variety of career doors that are opening for our students,` said David Heilig, assistant professor of business administration and coach of Bemidji State Sales Team. `Our senior team members have been inundated with job opportunities and job interview requests.`

This was Bemidji State`s second trip to the national sales competition. BSU tied for 34th in its first appearance at the contest in 2009.

About the National Collegiate Sales Competition
Inaugurated in 1999, the National Collegiate Sales Competition is the largest and oldest sales role-play competition in existence. In the competition�s 11-year history, more than a thousand students and faculty have participated from schools in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Instituted for the purpose of enhancing the practice and professionalism of the sales profession, the competition features the top collegiate sales talent and sales faculty from the best university sales programs in North America. Students are provided a venue for sharpening their sales skills in a highly competitive environment and networking with their peers and sales faculty from across the country. In addition, the competition�s corporate sponsors have the opportunity to meet and interact with top collegiate prospects.

About Bemidji State University: Shaping Potential, Shaping Worlds
Bemidji State University, located in northern Minnesota�s lake district, occupies a beautiful campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling approximately 5,000 students, the University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. The University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and has a faculty and staff of nearly 600. University signature themes include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and global and multi-cultural understanding.
For further information about the University, visit http://www.bemidjistate.edu.
Become a fan of Bemidji State University on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BemidjiState or follow us on Twitter at @BSUNews.

BEMIDJI, Minn. - A group of Bemidji State University business students, led by Dr. Valerie Wallingford, assistant professor of business administration, has THRICE placed among the top 100 teams in the GLO-BUS weekly global business-strategy simulation.

Bemidji State�s team, APicturePerfect, They have done it again, only this time on their overall performance score.

Congratulations are in order for students who earned a Global Top 90 ranking for their company`s GLO-BUS performance during the week of 29-Mar-10 through 4-Apr-10. The co-managers of APicturePerfect earned a Global Top 86th ranking on the following performance criteria: Overall Game-To-Date Score - Their Overall Game-To-Date Score of 108.0 tied for the 86th best Overall Game-To-Date Score performance of the week, worldwide! Says the GLO-BUS authors, `An excellent performance - a performance that reflects well on the caliber of instruction that students are receiving in the program!`

For the week, there were NEARLY 2,000 TEAMS from 132 colleges and universities from around the world participating in the simulation.

GLO-BUS is a completely online exercise where teams of students run a digital camera company in head-to-head competition against companies run by other class members. Company operations parallel those of actual digital camera companies. Just as in the real world, companies compete in a global market arena selling digital cameras in four geographic regions-Europe-Africa, North America, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

Company co-managers must make decisions relating to research and development, component usage, camera performance, product line breadth, production operations, work force compensation, outsourcing, pricing, sales and marketing and finance. The challenge is to craft and execute a competitive strategy that results in a respected brand image, keeps your company in contention for global market leadership, and produces good financial performance as measured by earnings per share, return on investment, stock price appreciation, and credit rating.

For more information on GLO-BUS, visit http://www.glo-bus.com

About Bemidji State University: Shaping Potential, Shaping Worlds Bemidji State University, located in northern Minnesota�s lake district, occupies a beautiful campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling approximately 5,000 students, the University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. The University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and has a faculty and staff of nearly 600. University signature themes include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and global and multi-cultural understanding.

For further information about the University, visit http://www.bemidjistate.edu
Become a fan of Bemidji State University on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BemidjiState or follow us on Twitter at @BSUNews

NEW DYNAMIC HANDS-ON PROJECT FOR ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS STUDENTS - `ADRIAN PROJECT`

The first of its kind on a Minnesota state college and university campus, Bemidji State University will have the�largest participation rate in the history of the�The `Adrian Project!`� This dynamic hands-on project�is a one-day program that turns�accounting & business majors into `Special Agents` for the day. This unique program places college students into groups, assigning them to solve hypothetical financial crimes. Some of the hypothetical investigations involve business owners skimming from their company, a bar owner with a second set of books, a multiple-filer scheme, and a drug trafficker. Each group has an experienced Special Agent or retiree who coaches them and provides learning points along the way, but it is up to the `Honorary Agents` to follow the paper trial. Their five-hour investigation may start with an anonymous informant, a meeting with local law enforcement, or a bag of garbage. The accounting students select their next steps in gathering evidence, usually taking them to potential witnesses, played by seasoned Special Agents, CPA`s, and other volunteers. Some of the students will utilize the tools available to federal law enforcement officers, including use of undercover, surveillance, subpoena, and search warrants. At the end of their scenarios, the students meet as a group to talk about their investigation and receive an evaluation from their coaches.

�The pilot program was first offered at Adrian College, Adrian, Michigan, in February 2002 for 25 accounting and criminal justice majors. As of 2005, IRS CI has offered this program 15 times in Michigan, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, with a record 59 students from Central Michigan University doing 12 simultaneous scenarios at once. During this period, retired agents have participated in every Adrian Project in Michigan and now run the program at Adrian College, receiving an honorarium from the school for their efforts.

�BSU College of Business, Technology & Communication Dean, Dr. James Maxwell, stated that this is the first time the `Adrian Project` provided by the college and� Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Unit has been offered in the College of Business, Technology and Communication at Bemidji State University.� He further stated that he is hopeful that the student response will be enthusiastic, often referring to the hands-on interaction and the life-like simulations, while feeling a sense of accomplishment when they crack the case. The project will take place March 26, 2010.

BEMIDJI, Minn. - A group of Bemidji State University business students, led by Dr. Valerie Wallingford, assistant professor of business administration, has TWICE placed among the top 100 teams�in the GLO-BUS weekly global business-strategy simulation.

Bemidji State`s team, PicturePerfect, tied for 78th place on the GLO-BUS `Return on Average Equity` and `Earnings Per Share`�global top 100 leader board for two weeks beginning�Feb. 22, 2010.� Top performances are posted every Sunday night at 11:59 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time (5:59 p.m. Central). For the week, there were NEARLY 2,000 TEAMS from 132 colleges and universities from around the world participating in the simulation.

GLO-BUS is a completely online exercise where teams of students run a digital camera company in head-to-head competition against companies run by other class members. Company operations parallel those of actual digital camera companies. Just as in the real world, companies compete in a global market arena selling digital cameras in four geographic regions - Europe-Africa, North America, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

Company co-managers must make decisions relating to research and development, component usage, camera performance, product line breadth, production operations, work force compensation, outsourcing, pricing, sales and marketing and finance. The challenge is to craft and execute a competitive strategy that results in a respected brand image, keeps your company in contention for global market leadership, and produces good financial performance as measured by earnings per share, return on investment, stock price appreciation, and credit rating.

Comprising the nationally ranked Bemidji State University Business Administration squad are Josh Whirley, Collin Rehnblom, Brady Lee, Prerana Poudyal and Tyler Day.

For more information on GLO-BUS, visit http://www.glo-bus.com.

About Bemidji State University: Shaping Potential, Shaping Worlds Bemidji State University, located in northern Minnesota`s lake district, occupies a beautiful campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling approximately 5,000 students, the University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. The University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and has a faculty and staff of nearly 600. University signature themes include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and global and multi-cultural understanding.

For further information about the University, visit http://www.bemidjistate.edu

Become a fan of Bemidji State University on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BemidjiState �or follow us on Twitter at @BSUNews

Bemidji State University Business Administration alum John Thompson is recognized for having the HIGHEST SCORE in the NATION by the American Institute for Chartered Property-Casual Underwriters (AICPCU).

John Thompson is the assistant controller in corporate for Federated Insurance, Owatonna, Minnesota.� Federated annual sales are estimated at $1 Billion, and employs about 2,600.

Mr. Thompson received the Distinguished Graduate Award for academic excellence resulting from his top cumulative grade point average on his exams, as part of his continued education and certification, as an insurance professional.� It comes with a cash award and plaque, as well.

The AICPCU is the insurance industry’s leading educational organization.� Built on a foundation of broad technical knowledge, high ethical standards, and demonstrated industry experience, the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation program prepares you to meet the changes and challenges of a demanding risk management and insurance marketplace with confidence and professionalism.� Passing the required CPCU exams and meeting the ethics, experience, and matriculation requirements earns the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation.

This is a program that has seen over 1,100 insurance executives & presidents matriculate.� Pretty heady & impressive stuff!� Congratulations John!

BSU Defends Collegiate Sales Competition Championship in Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up`s �Biggest Event Yet!

Amy Lytle, Bemidji State University, AGAIN, was named Overall Champion. Lytle was awarded a trophy and $1,500 cash prize sponsored by SuperValu.� Amy won it all last year as well!� Just a couple points behind was first runner-up Robyn McBrady, Bemidji State University, who received a trophy and $1,000 cash prize sponsored by the Huntsinger Companies.

A School Champions Award went to Bemidji State University Tony Hietalati. Molly Krivarchka, our fourth competitor, finished 14^th out of 51.

Fifty-one college students from fourteen schools in seven states competed for cash prizes and title of top salesperson at the Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up competition.

The Warm-Up is a great opportunity for students to test their sales skills prior to heading South to National Sales Competition in Georgia.� Bemidji State University`s contingent has now earned its way to the Atlanta nationals for this, their second consecutive year!

All contestants delivered two 20-minute sales presentations - one for a Hormel product, the other for a SuperValu service - to an individual buyer.

Sales calls were evaluated by a panel of sales professionals who viewed presentations via streaming video at a remote location. Students received their evaluation sheets, a computer link to their presentations, and a half-hour debriefing session with one of the sales professionals who evaluated their performance.

This year`s event was attended by 180 people, a number that included competitors, faculty coaches, corporate sponsors and student, faculty and corporate volunteers. A special thanks to the many individuals those who made the event possible. Joe and Dave Lueken`s donated their time, insight, and expertise for the practice sales calls.

Bemidji State University`s Sales Team is sponsored by The Real Mike McKinley, Federated Insurance Co`s, Fastenal, Edward Jones, Amden Corp. and Bemidji State University Department of Business Administration, and was under the very capable and watchful eye of sales coach and Professor Dave Heilig.

Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up SPONSORS, and job fair participants include Cintas, Hormel Foods, SuperValu, Aflac, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Huebsch Services, Huntsinger Companies, Larson Companies Hotel Group, Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Liberty Mutual, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network�Bohannon Group, Sun Life Financial, Tom James and Wells Fargo Financial.

Let`s hear from Coach & Professor Heilig — A lot of the success of the sales team is the result of team effort. Not just the 4 students who competed, but others like Chris Nelson, Martin Hayes and Nic Heilig, who are practicing for the next competitions. They also do the research and practice with the team and work together to bring the best out of everyone involved.

None of this would be possible without financial support and encouragement. Two folks on top of mind would be Joe and Dave Lueken of Lueken`s Village Foods. They were instrumental in setting the team on the correct Feature/Benefit track. Others such as Edward Jones, Fastenal, Amden Corp provided financial support.� Our partner companies, Mike McKinley and the Federated Insurance Group offered both unbridled encouragement, and substantial financial resources.

Each year the competition gets stronger. The sponsors of these contests and the volunteers at the host universities are the true hero�s. The sponsors give not only significant financial resources, but also large blocks of time to write scenarios, judge and participate in the job fairs and career workshops.

Sponsor companies such as Hormel and Super Value are always in the market for the best people. What better opportunity for any company, than to be a sponsor and have access to the top young sales people in the nation at these competitions.

Bemidji State University as a whole can take credit for the success of the team. Our business department and every other group on campus can own part of the never ending compliments to the professionalism of our students both during and after the competition. The BSU National Sales Team appreciates everyone�s support and with the right partners, will continue to be champion ambassadors for the University.

CONGRATULATIONS - - AGAIN!

�The College of Business, Technology and Communication at Bemidji State University has launched a new institute, combining the resources of several existing outreach enterprises on campus with new initiatives to create the Institute of Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

The institute will combine the 360 Degrees Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence, Northwest Regional Small Business Development Center and Marketing Assistance and Research Solutions with three new initiatives, the Entrepreneurial Scholarship Pathways, Technology Assistance and Research Solutions and FastTrack� Entrepreneurship programs.

Karen White, executive director of 360 Degrees, has been named the executive director of the institute.

“The Institute of Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation will be a front door for the businesses, entrepreneurs, and technology innovators and high school students in the state of Minnesota and across the region,“ said Dr. James Maxwell, dean of the college. “This endeavor will make it easier for our constituents to access the resources and expertise available in the college. It offers one-stop shopping to the community.“

The institute allows the college to combine its externally-focused service areas into one central organization, enabling the college to streamline its efforts and combine resources while at the same time allowing each of the institute`s components to focus on their particular areas of expertise. The endeavor also provides the college with a grant writer, which will allow for new revenue streams and help provide professional development opportunities for the university`s�students and faculty .

The institute will also prove unparalleled opportunities for university�students to receive hands-on experience and networking opportunities with real-world clients, and also allow the college`s faculty to become more engaged with the community through consulting opportunities.

Initial reaction to the institute has been positive, Maxwell said.

“There is interest in and need for services like MARS and TARS,“ he said. “Businesses need assistance with marketing and research, prototyping and design technology. The institute gives our college the opportunity to find out what the market really wants and needs, and it encourages our students to stay in Bemidji and the northern Minnesota region when they graduate from Bemidji State University.“

360 Degrees
360 Degrees Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence is a partnership of nine institutions led by Bemidji State University which includes Central Lakes College, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Northland Community and Technical College, Northwest Technical College, Pine Technical College, Riverland Community College, Saint Paul College, and St. Cloud Technical College. 360 Degrees was initiated by the Governor of Minnesota to strengthen the state�s manufacturing economic sector and serve the needs of the industry by cultivating a potential future workforce through more flexible educational opportunities via the concept of the seamless career pathway.

Northwest Regional Small Business Development Center
The Minnesota Small Business Development Centers provide no-cost, professional business consulting to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs on a variety of business topics. Consulting services are customized to each client`s needs and are delivered in a confidential one-on-one environment.� The Northwest Regional SBDC in Bemidji supports Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Red Lake and Roseau counties and also has locations in Park Rapids, Thief River Falls and Crookston.

Marketing Assistance and Research Solutions
Marketing Assistance and Research Solutions is a faculty-directed, student-run center uniquely serving the northwest Minnesota business community while providing Bemidji State�s marketing students with hands-on learning experiences. MARS research services include feasibility studies, Internet and exploratory research, focus groups, group interviews, telephone surveys, mail surveys and strategic management analysis. MARS has completed projects for area businesses and organizations including variety of University departments and offices.

Technical Assistance and Research Solutions
Technical Assistance and Research Solutions will provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs and businesses to support the commercialization of new products. TARS services include rapid prototyping, design technology assistance and a variety of other technology-related services.

Entrepreneurial Scholarship Pathways
Entrepreneurial Scholarship Pathways is a program for high school students, designed to show how those students can apply their knowledge to the creation of economic opportunities for themselves and their communities. The free, classroom-based program includes program materials, lesson plans and multiple optional program extensions that instructors can use to supplement virtually any existing economics, business, social studies or other similar high school course.

FastTrack Entrepreneurship Program
FastTrack is a comprehensive package of learning programs and materials for entrepreneurs. It provides existing and aspiring entrepreneurs a non-academic environment to develop the business insights and skills, leadership experiences and valuable networking opportunities they need to start, grow and lead a business. Since 1993, the FastTrack program has served nearly 300,000 entrepreneurs.

For more information about the Institute of Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, please contact Dr. James Maxwell, dean of the College of Business, Technology and Communication at (218) 755-3730.

Institute director Karen White can be reached at (218) 755-2208.

ON THE WEB

College of Business, Technology and Communication

360 Degrees MN����������������� 360 Degrees Distance Learning
Small Business Development Center

Homecoming Panel�Impresses�Bemidji State University Student Audience!

Scott Dunlop

Hollywood Executive Producer, Alternative Energy Leader, Advertiser & Creative Consultant -�www.dunlopgrp.com

DID YOU KNOW? Creator & Executive Producer of record-breaking HIT-SHOW

`The REAL Housewives of Orange County,` ��is a BSU Business GRAD?

�TRUE!

The Dunlop Group, a diversified media and alternative energy company headed by OC entrepreneur Scott Dunlop, is pleased to announce that its television series, `Real Housewives of Orange County` helped lead NBC/Bravo to its best second quarter performance ever.

Scott, principal of Dunlop Entertainment, is a producer and writer based in Orange County. Dunlop most recently created and was Executive Producer for “THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF THE O.C.“� Scott also produced the off-Broadway play, “THE LAST MANHATTAN“ and is co-author of the “PURPLE CLOUD.“ �The advertising division of the Dunlop Group has produced award winning television, radio, and print campaigns for decades,�for clients like LA Cellular (AT&T), and the agency is active in developing branded entertainment projects. Scott founded the Pure Energy Corporation and remains active in global bio-energy initiatives targeting bio-fuel and wind-energy development.� The Company became the only privately held firm to earn the distinction by the U.S. Department of Energy under EPACT, of developing and patenting P-Series, a liquid motor fuel defined as a “non-petroleum substitute for gasoline.“

Al Clark

#1 State Farm AGENT in the COUNTRY

DID YOU KNOW? �

The Numero-Uno State Farm Agent in the U.S. of A. is a BSU Business GRAD?

TRUE!

Al Clark graduated from Bemidji State University�with a Bachelor of Science degree in business education.� He later went on to earn a Masters degree and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.� Al began his career in education, teaching and coordinating vocational education in Minnesota for 15 years.� From there, Al moved into financial services and insurance and has been with State Farm for 26 years.� He has been recognized as the number one producing multiple line agency for State Farm for the past eleven years out of their 17,000 agencies in the United States and Canada. He is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table and of State Farm`s President Club.� He has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and was named Arlington, Texas Employer of the Year in TWICE!

Dave Ramsey

First Vice President, Federated

Dave Ramsey earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State University. Upon graduation, Dave began his career with Federated Insurance in Owatonna, MN. Starting out as a commercial lines Underwriter, he quickly moved his way up the ladder in the Federated organization. He became a Marketing Representative, then served as an Account Executive for the Association for Risk Management Services. He was promoted to District Marketing Manager�and to General Marketing Manager. Following, he was named as a Vice President and was then promoted to Assistant Director of Administration. He also was appointed First Vice President and assumed the duties of Director of Administration. Then Dave was promoted to Senior Vice President�and then again to his current position of Senior Vice President and Director of Insurance Alliances with Federated Insurance in�2000. Dave has passed requirements to gain the designations of Associate in Underwriting (AU) and the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter.

Anthony `Tony` Gramer� �

Graduating from Bemidji State with degrees in business management and accounting, Tony Gramer is currently head of Gramer Company, LLC, a private investment company.� Mr. Gramer is also one of the organizing partners and a co-managing partner of Partners Detroit, LLC, which has co-ventured with MGM Mirage, Inc., to form MGM Grand Detroit, LLC, a successful applicant for one of three casino licenses available in the city of Detroit.� Prior to this, he owned a real estate development and management company specializing in the development of shopping centers.� The company developed, redeveloped and managed approximately 18 million square feet of space in 14 states. Following,�Mr. Gramer formed a self-administered, self-managed real estate investment trust which was placed on the New York Stock Exchange.� Mr. Gramer served as CEO and president of the public company until his departure.� He began his career as a member of the Detroit audit staff of Touche Ross & Co. �Upon leaving public accounting, Mr. Gramer held various officer positions with companies in the mortgage banking industry, and also served as the Chairman of the legislative committee of the Michigan Mortgage Bankers Association.� Mr. Gramer was also president and CEO of a publicly held real estate company which acted as general partner for seven publicly held partnerships with properties in 15 states.

Scott Lindberg

Scott Lindberg has spent 25 years in the electronic semiconductor industry, starting in Minneapolis and then transferring to the San Francisco Bay area, where he opened the San Jose, California based distribution branch of Avnet, Inc. He helped that business grow from a startup to $20 million in four years. Eventually, he moved to Hitachi, where he ran the company’s computer memory manufacturing operation and saw it grow from a $25 million business to over $500 million. Moving into sales, he then helped Hitachi implement a worldwide distribution strategy, which included a partnership with Avnet.� This allowed Hitachi to become Avnet’s first Asian supplier. During his career at Hitatchi, he traveled to Asia over 50 times. He later helped oversee a merger between Hitachi and Mitsubishi, which at the time were the world’s two largest semiconductor manufacturers. Mr. Lindberg retired from Hitatchi as the Vice President of Sales after 15 years with the company.� He currently holds licenses as a real estate broker and insurance broker and works for Northstar Insurance, a brokerage firm serving private clients in California.

Bob Solheim

Bob Solheim graduated from BSU in business accounting.� Upon graduation, he joined the Minneapolis audit staff of Touche Ross & Co (now Deloitte, Touche) and worked there until�he took a financial manager position with a small pharmaceutical company in northern Minnesota called Raid-Rowell Solvay.� Then�he was promoted to CFO and the executive management group. Until his retirement in 2006 he was a member of the senior leadership of the organization and was responsible for a number of functional activities including operations, finance, strategic and operational planning, business development, investment and other administrative services. During this period the organization grew from $3MUSD to nearly $1BUSD in sales, from a regional / national to a national/international focus in terms of geography, from a general focus to a specialty focus in terms of products, a growth in employment from 80 to nearly 2500 people and, most importantly a commensurate growth in profitability.� Mr. Solheim is a past member of AICPA, Minnesota and Georgia Society of CPAs, and the Financial Executives Institute.

BEMIDJI, Minn. (August 24, 2009)� �For the second consecutive year, Bemidji State University has been ranked in the upper tier among Midwest-region master`s institutions in U.S. News and World Report`s America`s Best Colleges 2010 survey. Bemidji State is No. 71 in the overall regional ranking, tied with three other institutions.

Among public master`s institutions, Bemidji State tied for 18th in the Midwest regional rankings with two other institutions.

Bemidji State University`s position among the top master`s institutions in the Midwest for the second consecutive year helps confirm that the University`s strategic initiatives are having an impact, Bemidji State University President Dr. Jon E. Quistgaard said. It has been the University`s goal to be recognized as the Midwest`s premier student-centered state university, and our entire campus community has worked tirelessly in pursuit of this goal. This continued recognition of our efforts is the result of a worthy and rewarding journey.

Master`s universities are defined in the U.S. News and World Report rankings as institutions which offer a full range of undergraduate programs and some master�s programs, but few doctoral programs. The rankings split 572 master`s universities into four regions, ranking schools in the North, South, Midwest and West.

Bemidji State was one of eight schools in Minnesota that appeared in the Midwest regional lineup.

The University also appeared in the report`s rankings of the top master`s institutions in the midwest for highest percentage of international undergraduate students (4%, t-24th), economic diversity, which measures the percentage of undergraduates receiving Pell grants (32%, t-36th), average freshman retention rate (70%, 95th) and campus ethnic diversity (diversity index 0.11, 125th).

The U.S. News and World Report survey ranks schools based on peer assessment, freshman retention and graduation rates, class sizes, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving rate.

ON THE WEB
� U.S. News and World Report �America�s Best Colleges 2010� Rankings
� About the U.S. News and World Report rankings and methodology

BEMIDJI, Minn.���The start of this�new academic year is extra special:��The business and accounting programs in Bemidji State University College of Business, Technology and Communication have received specialized national and international accreditation from International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. The accreditation was granted during assembly 2009 annual conference, held in Louisville, Ky., and continues through June 30, 2015.

Bemidji State accounting program becomes just the third in the state of Minnesota to receive specialized national and international accreditation and the business program becomes just the sixth in Minnesota to be so recognized.

It is a great achievement and a great day for Bemidji State University students and alumni, said Douglas Leif, professor and chair of the Department of Business Administration. This is about them. The assembly is outcomes-driven and mission-driven, and not input driven. Just because you can show your inputs does not prove that your outputs are of quality; that is the old paradigm. This is the new paradigm: Show us your inputs, but then measure your outputs. That is why this is exciting - it measures our students and our alumni, our outputs. They are the beneficiaries.

There was a lot of hard work by a lot of people over a period of years to receive accreditation, Leif said. It was all for our students, past, present and future.

The assembly is a leader in outcomes-based assessment and accreditation, in which excellence in business education is evaluated based on an assessment of educational outcomes, rather than on prescriptive input standards. Because of the essential role that educational processes play in determining educational outcomes, the assembly has developed accreditation principles based on best practices in business education. These principles promote excellence through a benchmarking process that is helpful in determining why the business unit is, or is not, achieving its mission and broad-based goals and in interpreting the results of the outcomes assessment process.

Accredited programs have been examined by trained evaluators who ensure that assembly standards are being met in eight key areas: outcomes assessment, strategic planning, curriculum, educational innovation, faculty, resources, internal and external relationships, and scholarly and professional activities.

Dr. Robert H. Roller, president of the assembly, said in a prepared statement, Accreditation is recognition that the business programs of Bemidji State University demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to continuous quality improvement. The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education is especially interested in the assessment of student learning outcomes. The accreditation process is one means of making certain graduates are well-equipped to excel in the business world.

For more information about Bemidji State business and accounting programs, please call (218) 755-2907 or visit the program on the Web at http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/.

About the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
Based in the Kansas City metropolitan area, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education is the premier business accrediting association for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities. Bemidji State University joins a growing list of over 225 IACBE member institutions throughout the world that support quality assurance in education.

For further information about the assembly, visit its Web site at: http://www.iacbe.org.

At the 2009 annual conference of the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), the Board of Commissioners announced the granting of specialized accreditation of the business and accounting degree programs of Bemidji State University. Business program accreditation by the IACBE assures the high quality of Bemidji State University business and accounting programs. Accredited programs have been examined by trained evaluators who ensure that the IACBE’s standards are being met in eight key areas: outcomes assessment, strategic planning, curriculum, faculty, scholarly and professional activities, resources, internal/external relationships, and educational innovation. The quality of the business programs are measured by the accomplishment of the school’s mission and broad-based goals, the effectiveness of student learning, and the operational effectiveness of the business programs.

Dr. Robert H. Roller, President of the IACBE, notes that, “accreditation is recognition that the business and accounting programs of Bemidji State University demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to continuous quality improvement. The IACBE is especially interested in the assessment of student learning outcomes. The accreditation process is one means of making certain graduates are well-equipped to excel in the business world.”

“Accreditation is more than just another credential for institutions,” adds William Parrott, Director of Member Services and International Programs for the IACBE. “Accreditation requires evidence that a school’s programs are meeting high standards and producing measurable, high-quality results.”

Based in the Kansas City metropolitan area, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education is the business accrediting association for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities. Bemidji State University joins a growing list of over 225 IACBE member institutions throughout the world that support quality assurance in education.

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Bemidji State University advanced into Tier 1 among Midwestern master’s institutions in U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2009 survey.

Five years ago, I challenged the campus to work toward a goal of being recognized as a premier student-centered state university, Bemidji State University President Dr. Jon E. Quistgaard said. Our U.S. News and World Report ranking reflects the collective desire of the faculty, staff and administration at Bemidji State University to continue providing access to incredible learning opportunities for our students. It also reflects the achievement of Bemidji State’s 44,000 alumni around the world.

In a time of increasing expectations and significant challenges, being ranked amongst the top tier of institutions of our type in the Midwest is no easy achievement, Quistgaard said.

Bemidji State was one of seven schools in Minnesota that appeared in the regional lineup.

The U.S. News and World Report survey ranks schools based on peer assessment, retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate performance and alumni giving rate.