College of Business Highlights

Fall 2024 Provost Award Winner

Congratulations To Noah Hannula!  Fall 2024 Provost Award Winner!

Noah Hannula - Fall 2024 Provost Award Winner
MSU Denver’s Fall 2024 Provost Award winner, Noah Hannula, is a finance major with a double minor in economics and banking. Hannula is the team captain of the MSU Denver men’s soccer team. Photo by Alyson McClaran

College of Business Outstanding Student Award Winners!

Outstanding Students - Undergraduates

Jason LaBau Outstanding Student in Accounting

Tyler Braegger Outstanding Student in Business Intelligence

Alexander Tucker Outstanding Student in Computer Info. Systems

Emma Keyser Outstanding Student in Economics

Demitris Padgett Outstanding Student in Entrepreneurship

Esteban Hernandez Outstanding Student in Finance

Jacob Endries Outstanding Student in International Business

Diane Spring Outstanding Student in Management

Tamiru Jembere Outstanding Student in Marketing

Ian Lee Outstanding Student in Professional Selling

 

Outstanding Students - Graduate Programs

Laura Girdner Outstanding Student in Master of Professional Accountancy

Adam Penner Outstanding Student in Master of Business Administration

Alumni Spotlight

College of Business Alumnus Stephen Lease

Stylish shades shed light on goodr founder’s success

Stephen Lease headshot, with goodr sunglasses

MSU Denver alumnus Stephen Lease, CEO of the popular sunglasses company, shares lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The word “reckless” doesn’t exactly call savvy business skills to mind. But for Metropolitan State University of Denver alumnus Stephen Lease, co-founder and CEO of the successful active-sunglasses brand goodr, it’s a vital component of a thriving business.

The brand leader throws himself into his work, and it shows. Lease is a 2005 “-ish”  graduate* of the College of Business with a degree in Marketing. The Colorado native is now a CEO, co-host of the popular Culture goodr podcast and a serial entrepreneur. And he was named the 2024 MSU Denver Distinguished Alumni of the Year, all because of that recklessly creative approach to business and life.

Faculty in the News - Spring 2025

How Tariffs on Imports Raise Consumer Prices


Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with 9News and Denver7 about how tariffs on imports raise consumer prices, benefiting the government and domestic producers while harming consumers.

How Tariffs will Affect Multiple Industries


Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with 9News, on how President Donald Trump’s tariffs will affect multiple industries such as appliances, autos and construction due to the rising costs of steel and lumber.

Importance of Federal Law Enforcement and Complexities of the U.S. Immigration System


Alex Padilla, Economics professor and chair, interviewed with Denver7 to discuss the congressional request for Mayor Mike Johnston to testify, highlighting the importance of federal law enforcement and the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.

Potential King Soopers Strike


Alexandre Padilla, Economics chair and professor, spoke with Fox31 on how a potential King Soopers strike could lead to higher consumer costs, empty shelves and reduced customer service, impacting companies, employees and consumers.

Future of Empower Field


Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, discussed with Denver7 the future of Empower Field, emphasizing that while the current stadium is outdated, a new location could offer enhanced financial and utilization benefits. However, taxpayers likely won’t want to foot the bill.

TikTok Ban


Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, talked with 9News to discuss how banning TikTok would signal a shift in how some consumer businesses market their services and how other similar platforms will likely emerge quickly.

Federal Trade Commission Crackdown on Fake Online Product Reviews


Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing senior lecturer, interviewed with 9News to talk about the recent Federal Trade Commission crackdown on fake online product reviews, discussing the implications for consumers and businesses and how the new regulations aim to foster more transparency and trust in online shopping platforms.

How Tariffs on Chinese Imports would Lead to Higher Prices for Colorado Consumers


Alex Padilla, Economics professor and chair, interviewed with Fox31 to warn that the new tariffs on Chinese imports would lead to higher prices for Colorado consumers, particularly for items such as cellphones, clothing and car parts.

Potential Economic Impact if United Airlines Moves Its Headquarters


Alex Padilla, Economics professor and chair,

Padilla also interviewed with Fox31 about the potential economic impact if United Airlines decides to move its corporate headquarters from Chicago to Denver.

Park Hill Golf Course Land Swap


Jeff Peshut, Finance assistant professor, spoke with 9News and Denverite about the Park Hill Golf Course land swap between the City of Denver and Westside Investment Partners, explaining how the deal could potentially benefit both parties long-term but that it’s still too early to determine.

Challenges Facing California from Devastating Fires


Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with La Voz Colorado about the challenges California faces in recovering from its devastating fires, highlighting prolonged efforts complicated by rising property values, supply-chain disruptions and potential labor shortages.

How Restaurants Must Adapt to Stay Relevant in Business


Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, interviewed with Fox31 about how restaurants must adapt to changes to stay relevant in business, citing the popularity of Buc-ee’s in Colorado amid the closing of Johnson’s Corner Restaurant and Bakery in northern Colorado.

Full retirement age and keeping Social Security solvent


Greg Clifton, Accounting chair and professor, interviewed with 9News about the decision to push back the full retirement age, highlighting its larger goal to keep Social Security solvent for future generations.

 

Faculty in the News - Past semesters

Student and Alumni Highlights