Posted on August 29, 2024 by Rebekah Alegria
The Carlos Alvarez College of Business welcomes 15 new full-time faculty members for fall 2024.
Department of Accounting
Hunter Aku, assistant professor
"UTSA offers a lot of resources to conduct high-quality research, and I get to a diverse set of students," Aku shared. Her research delves into the intricate relationship between taxation and financial reporting, focusing on how taxes influence business decisions, particularly in mergers, acquisitions and investment strategies.
Department of Finance
Shahedur Chowdhury, assistant professor of practice
Department of Information Systems and Cyber Security
Emadeldin Elgamal, associate professor of practice
Frankie Grullon, assistant professor of practice
Fangyu Lin, assistant professor
"The opportunity to work alongside distinguished professionals and contribute to a department at the forefront of research and innovation was incredibly appealing," she said. Lin's research focuses on information privacy and the development of AI-enabled data analytics frameworks to mitigate privacy risks.
Akalanka Bandara Mailewa, associate professor of practice
Nehir Tanyel, assistant professor
"UTSA's vibrant culture of diversity and commitment to inclusivity were major factors in my decision to join the faculty," she explained. Her teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in innovation and versatility, utilizing real-world material and guest speakers to bring complex concepts to life.
Steven Ullman, assistant professor
"The passionate and hardworking faculty here provided me with an immediate warm welcome during my campus visit," Ullman recalled. His research focuses on using AI to protect IT infrastructure from cyber-attacks, a critical area in today’s digital landscape. He is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment, combining technical exercises with personalized mentorship to ensure students are well-prepared for real-world challenges.
Department of Management
Peter Amah, assistant professor of practice
Jeffrey Kropp, assistant professor of practice
Rodney Lacey, professor of practice
Lacey emphasizes a holistic approach to teaching, combining theory with real-world applications. "Class time is about practicing through discussion and exercises on current events that build students’ theoretical toolbox," Lacey explained. His experience as an organizational theorist and cultural sociologist brings a unique perspective to the classroom.
Department of Management Science and Statistics
Saidat Abidemi Sanni, assistant professor
An expert in quantitative methods and decision-making models, her research spans supply chain management, operations management and statistical analysis, offering students a robust foundation in these areas of business.
Müge Yayla-Küllü, associate professor
Yayla-Küllü is known for her experiential learning approach, incorporating case studies, simulations and field trips into her teaching. "UTSA Alvarez’s commitment to student well-being and community engagement made it an ideal place for me to continue my academic career," she noted.
Department of Marketing
Mark Johlke, professor of practice
Johlke leverages his professional experience in sales and sales management to create an engaging and practical learning environment. "My focus is on creating a classroom environment comprised of individual and small group experiential learning, allowing students to apply what they've learned in meaningful ways," he shared.
Larisa Kovalenko assistant professor
Kovalenko’s research examines consumer behavior and marketing strategies, providing students with insights into the factors that influence decision-making in various market environments.
— Rebekah Alegria
