Faculty in the News

Real-Estate Around Burnham Yard Site – Jeff Peshut, Finance assistant professor, spoke with 9News about increased real-estate activity around the Burnham Yard site as investors anticipate development tied to a potential new Broncos stadium. He noted that early repositioning signals confidence in long-term land-value growth.

Economic Implications of New Broncos Stadium in Burnham Yard –Alexandre Padilla, Economics chair and professor, spoke with Fox31 about the economic implications of placing the new Broncos stadium in Burnham Yard, noting that while major projects bring benefits, they also drive-up surrounding property values.

Steve Forbes KOA News Radio  and Univision Colorado covered MSU Denver’s Exploring Economic Freedom Project speaker series event on Sept. 23, featuring Economics professor Alexandre Padilla alongside Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine, for a lecture on economics and free enterprise. A RED story contributed to the coverage.

Sober-Curious Movement – Darrin Duber-Smith, a retired Marketing senior lecturer, spoke with Denver7 about Colorado’s growing “sober-curious” movement; he noted that Gen Z is intentionally distancing itself from millennial drinking culture and is instead embracing healthier, more mindful lifestyles.

Fall Savings Strategies-Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, spoke with CBS Colorado about fall savings strategies. He urged people to review their budgets and maintain savings cushions rather than rely solely on paychecks heading into the holiday season.

Revised Bureau of Labor Statistics Data Regarding Jobs–Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, spoke with Denver7 about revised U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing 911,000 fewer jobs added between March 2024 and March 2025 than originally estimated. He noted the report adds short-term uncertainty to the economic outlook, though it is not a major cause for concern.

Recent U.S. Economics Data and the Federal Reserve–Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, spoke with The Washington Times about what recent U.S. economic data is showing, and what it could mean for the Federal Reserve. He predicted that the Federal Reserve will likely cut interest rates soon—by 25 to 50 basis points—and how such a move could boost the housing market.

How Students Can Save Money–Austin Elsey, Finance lecturer, interviewed with CBS Colorado about how college students can save money, advising strategies such as budgeting, using student discounts, attending campus events and utilizing meal plans.

Sharp Decline in International Student Enrollments Nationwide-Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, spoke with 9News about warnings of a sharp decline in international student enrollments nationwide, citing ripple effects across multiple sectors.

Proposed Federal Cuts to Section 8 Housing-assistance–Andy Proctor, Affordable Housing Institute director and Finance lecturer, interviewed with FOX31 and 9News about proposed federal cuts to the Section 8 housing-assistance. He emphasized that the cuts would affect not only renters but also landlords and property owners. Colorado had already seen 9,000 eviction filings through July. A RED story contributed to coverage.

How to Recover Wealth if You’ve Overspent in Retirement-Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, interviewed with AOL about how to recover wealth if you’ve overspent in retirement. He emphasized that spending control is the first crucial step – suggesting retirees try reducing their budget gradually. He also spoke with CBS Colorado about investing with a 529 plan to cover college costs for your children.

Use Caution During Amazon Prime Days to Avoid Online Scams –  Edgar Maldonado, Computer Information Systems professor, spoke with Telemundo, warning consumers to be cautious during Amazon Prime Days and to avoid online scams by never clicking on suspicious emails. Instead, he urged shoppers to access Amazon directly through its website or app to protect their login credentials.

Rollback of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs Affects on LGBTQ-owned Small Business – Adam Melnick, Management assistant professor, spoke with Denver7 about how the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion programs is affecting LGBTQ-owned small businesses. He explained that funders often steer clear of organizations that draw negative attention and noted that, amid a shifting political climate, backing inclusive businesses such as the Cake Bar can present opportunities as well as challenges.

New CO Law penalizing use of AI-generated Explicit Images That Bully Minors – Edgar Maldonado, Computer Information Systems professor, was interviewed byTelemundo Colorado about a new Colorado law that penalizes the use of AI-generated explicit images to bully minors. Maldonado emphasized the importance of parental guidance and open conversations to help protect children from this emerging digital threat.

Denver Broncos Potential New Stadium Locations – April Schofield, MSU Denver Marketing lecturer, interviewed with FOX31 about reports that the Denver Broncos have purchased land in the Burnham Yard area, which is one of the locations being considered for a potential new stadium.

Impact of U.S. Auto Tariffs – Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, spoke with The Washington Times about the economic impact of recent U.S. auto tariffs. He explained how these measures are leading automakers to reconsider pricing strategies, potentially raising costs for U.S.-made vehicles.

Removal of Guidance Discouraging Cryptocurrency in Retirement Plans – Austin Elsey, Finance lecturer, spoke with Fox31 and CW2 about the Trump administration’s removal of guidance discouraging cryptocurrency use in retirement plans. Elsey outlined the risks and benefits of crypto while advising consumers to consult with a financial adviser when investing.

How To Get Cheap Car Insurance – Chandler Reilly, Economics assistant professor, was interviewed by WalletHub for an article about how to get cheap car insurance. The article provides a comprehensive review of USAA’s car insurance offerings, highlighting its affordability and tailored services for military members, veterans and their families.

Dangers of kids Using AI Chat Bots – Edgar Maldonado, Computer Information Systems professor, interviewed with Telemundo Colorado about the danger of kids using AI Chat bots. He emphasizes the importance of parental supervision and the need for educational initiatives to ensure safe and informed use of AI technologies among children.

Faculty in the News (continued)

RTD Exploring redevelopment of Underused Park-N-Ride Lots for Affordable Housing – Andy Proctor, FHLBank Topeka Affordable Housing Institute director and Finance lecturer, spoke with 9News about RTD’s exploration of redeveloping underused Park-N-Ride lots into affordable housing. He said even incremental additions to the housing supply represent meaningful progress.

Declining Consumer Sentiment and Emergency Funds – Robert Persichitte, Accounting affiliate professor, spoke with CBS Colorado about declining consumer sentiment and advised maintaining an emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses. He recommended budgeting techniques such as using cash for one pay period to track spending and cautioned against emotional investment decisions, urging a disciplined, long-term approach to financial planning.

Billups connection to Federal Gambling Investigation – April Schofield, Marketing senior lecturer and director of the Center for Professional Selling, spoke with FOX31 about Chauncey Billups’ connection to a federal gambling investigation. She noted that while Billups has long represented integrity and resilience, the allegations show how quickly public trust and reputation can be challenged.

Proposed Tariffs and Possible Retaliatory Trade Restrictions – Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, was interviewed by The Washington Times about how Trump’s proposed tariffs could trigger retaliatory trade restrictions and supply-chain disruptions, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals and automotive components.

Rising Concert Prices – Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, spoke with CBS Colorado about rising concert ticket prices from inflation, supply constraints and hidden fees.

Live Nation and Ticketmaster Practices- Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with 9News about practices by Live Nation and Ticketmaster, noting that they may reflect “monopoly power issues” that warrant closer scrutiny.U.S. Space Command Move-Alexandre Padilla, Economics chair and professor, interviewed with Telemundo Colorado about President Trump’s announcement to relocate U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Alabama. He outlined the significant economic impact such a move could have on Colorado.

Unified application for State Housing Programs–Andy Proctor, MSU Denver’s FHLBank Topeka Affordable Housing Institute director, interviewed with Denver7 about Senator Michael Bennet’s call for a single, unified application for state housing programs. Proctor praised the proposal, noting it would reduce “points of friction” by cutting duplicative paperwork and staggered reviews across multiple agencies.

New Broncos Stadium–Jeff Peshut, Finance assistant professor, interviewed with Fox31 about the possibility of a new Broncos stadium. He noted that Denver is not alone—teams nationwide are exploring new facilities, which can bring significant economic benefits to their cities.

Cracker Barrel’s Reverting Back to Iconic Logo-Darrin Duber-Smith, retired marketing professor, joined KOA Colorado’s Morning News to analyze Cracker Barrel’s decision to revert back to its iconic “Old-Timer” logo after a divisive rebrand. He emphasized how emotional ties—like nostalgia and tradition—are foundational to consumer trust, especially for legacy brands undergoing modernization efforts.

Denver Layoffs and Budget Shortfall-Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with FOX31 about Denver’s recent layoffs and budget shortfall, which could push the city toward a recession. He added that while personnel cuts may help slow spending, the city must better manage budgets and expenditures in coming years to avoid worsening deficits.

Proposed Changes Impose New Taxes on Solar – and Wind-energy Projects – Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, spoke with Denver7 about the proposed changes to the federal “Big Beautiful Bill,” which would impose new taxes on solar- and wind-energy projects. Kulkarni said the additional tax would raise production costs, prompting a domino effect that could ultimately increase electricity prices for consumers and particularly impact Colorado’s energy-driven economy.

Legal Dispute Involving Denver Public Schools Financing Structure – Rey Hernández‑Julián, Economics professor, spoke with The Denver Gazette about the financing structure at the center of a legal dispute involving Denver Public Schools. The story also ran in Colorado Politics.

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment one of the Most Valuable Sports Empires – April Schofield, Marketing lecturer, interviewed with Fox31 and CW2 about a new report showing that Kroenke Sports & Entertainment is one of the most valuable sports empires. The company is valued at $21.2 billion and owns major franchises including the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Rapids, along with other teams and stadiums.

Marketing Strategy for Amazon Prime Day & Kroenke Sports & Entertainment topping the List – Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing retired senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA Radio about with marketing strategy for Amazon Prime Day and about Kroenke Sports and Entertainment topping the list of the world’s most valuable sports empires.

Office Buzzwords Elevating Perceived Status – Apryl Brodersen, professor of Management, was featured in a Medium article. She discussed how corporate jargon often serves as a social signal, noting that office buzzwords can help elevate perceived status—especially those in leadership positions—while also potentially fostering unnecessary workplace pressures.

Challenges Facing Downtown Denver’s Restaurant and Retail Sectors – Glenn Furton, Economics assistant professor, provided expert analysis to The Denver Post about the challenges facing downtown Denver’s restaurant and retail sectors. He discussed the economic forces driving increased vacancy rates and business closures.

New-car Buyers May Suffer Lengthy Loan Terms and High Interest Rates – Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, spoke with Fortune about how new-car buyers looking to dodge auto tariffs may suffer unintended financial consequences as a result of lengthy loan terms and high interest rates.

Advanced Investment MGT class Outperforms the Market – CBS Colorado reported on the Advanced Investment Management class and how the students in it have outperformed the stock market by 20% since the class inception in 2020. Adam Schor, Finance lecturer and seasoned finance professional with over 35 years in asset management experience, guided students in activities that mirror real-world investment practices. Students credited their success to sticking with the fundamentals they learned in class, avoiding emotional reactions and focusing on long-term strategy. A RED story contributed to this coverage.