Wayne State University - Mike Ilitch School of Business

When disaster strikes, getting critical supplies to the right place at the right time can save lives.

New research from Junwoo Cha, assistant professor in the Department of Global Supply Chain Management, examines how government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can better coordinate disaster relief efforts. His findings highlight how organizations can work together to distribute resources more equitably during crises, while reducing inefficiencies and improving outcomes for affected communities.

Learn more:
https://ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/news/new-supply-chain-research-from-the-mike-ilitch-school-of-business-examines-how-disaster-response-organizations-work-together-under-pressure-69617

A look back at the moments that shaped us—and the legacy that continues today 🎉
As part of our 80th anniversary celebration, we’re sharing a special timeline series highlighting key milestones in the Ilitch School’s history. Each post takes you through an important chapter that helped define who we are and where we’re headed.

Explore the full timeline here: https://ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/80/timeline

Have a memory or story of your own to share? Add your voice to our history: https://ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/80/stories

Join us all year long as we celebrate 80 years of excellence, impact, and community.

Congratulations to those who received Dean's List recognition for the Winter '26 semester!

Take a look at the requirements and the complete list of recipients: https://ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/news/ilitch-business-students-congratulated-for-receiving-deans-list-recognition-for-the-2026-winter-semester-69551

When Attila Yaprak joined Wayne State University in 1978, he envisioned a business school that would be recognized for both outstanding teaching and impactful research.

Over nearly five decades, he helped turn that vision into reality, playing a key role in launching the Ph.D. program, recruiting research-active faculty, and advancing international business scholarship around the world.

Learn more about Emeritus Professor Yaprak's enduring legacy at the Mike Ilitch School of Business here: https://ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/news/building-scholars-and-shaping-international-business-emeritus-professor-yapraks-enduring-legacy-69521

Can researchers accurately study human-robot interaction using virtual robots, or do experiments require a physical robot to produce meaningful results?

New research from Connor Esterwood, assistant professor of Technology, Information Systems and Analytics, examines this important methodological question. Rather than asking whether virtual and physical robots produce different outcomes, his work encourages researchers to identify when a robot's physical embodiment matters and when virtual environments can be used to effectively study human-robot relationships.

Learn more: https://ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/news/new-human-robot-interaction-research-asks-not-if-embodiment-matters-but-when-69534

Dr. Amanuel Tekleab, professor of management at the Mike Ilitch School of Business has received a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholars Award for the 2026-2027 academic year!

As part of this prestigious program, Tekleab will spend six months in Ethiopia working with faculty and doctoral students at Addis Ababa University, teaching, mentoring, and collaborating on research.

This is an incredible recognition of his work and a proud moment for the Mike Ilitch School of Business as we continue to build meaningful global partnerships.

🔗 Click the link to learn more: https://ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/news/mike-ilitch-school-of-business-professor-selected-for-fulbright-us-scholar-program-in-ethiopia-69511

The Ilitch School Laptop Loan Program helps ensure students have the technology needed to succeed in today’s business classroom.

Eligible students can apply to receive a fully equipped laptop—complete with essential software and support—to use throughout their time at the Ilitch School.

Learn more and apply: https://ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/resources/laptop

Congratulations to Tamme Quinn-Grzebyk on receiving the Sue Garr Innovative Teaching Award 🎉

This award recognizes her creativity and innovation in teaching and her commitment to engaging, student-centered learning at the Mike Ilitch School of Business.

Learn more at: https://ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/news/tamme-quinn-grzebyk-associate-professor-of-teaching-in-management-receives-sue-garr-innovative-teaching-award-69171?preview=true

Congratulations to six Wayne State University students — including four from the Mike Ilitch School of Business — who were awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship through the U.S. Department of State. This marks the highest number of Gilman recipients in a single award cycle in Wayne State history.

Congratulations to:
• Gotibeh Alhady — Global Supply Chain Management and Mechanical Engineering
• Taylor Jade Jones — Global Supply Chain Management
• Alexandra Prevaj — Finance and Marketing
• London Guilbeaux — Marketing
• Greyson Cantrell — Psychology and German
• April Bith — Political Science and Law

Read more about this accomplishment: https://ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/news/record-number-of-wayne-state-students-earn-gilman-scholarships-including-four-from-the-ilitch-school-69489

Congratulations to the first graduating cohort of the joint M.D./M.B.A. program offered through the Mike Ilitch School of Business and Wayne State University School of Medicine. 🎓

This unique program provides future physicians with expertise in finance, strategy, leadership, and healthcare management alongside their medical education, equipping them to navigate the evolving challenges of modern healthcare.

Learn more about the program and this year’s graduates: https://ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/news/first-cohort-of-mdmba-students-graduate-69483