Central Michigan University - College of Business Administration

08/31/2026

Rachel Kelley, ’19, ’20, didn’t follow a straight line from college to career — and she sees value in that.

As a CMU economics student, Kelley explored careers through internships in banking, insurance and government while completing both her bachelor’s degree and accelerated M.A. in Economics. Those experiences helped her discover not only what interested her, but what didn’t.

Along the way, graduate coursework gave her opportunities to move beyond economic theory and apply data, statistics and analytical thinking to real-world problems — skills she continues to use today as a director of operations.

Read Kelley’s story to learn how internships, faculty mentorship and CMU’s accelerated M.A. in Economics helped prepare her for a career she hadn’t originally imagined: https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/what-can-one-more-year-do-for-your-career

08/26/2026

First week is just around the corner! Here’s what to expect ✨🐿️🔥

08/26/2026

What if marketing could do more than sell a product? What if it could make a difference?

For marketing major Ainsley Reigler, that question has helped shape her path from a high school job shadow to leadership roles, classroom research and a hands-on internship experience at CMU.

Along the way, she's discovered an unexpected interest in the analytical side of marketing, built confidence as a student leader and found a community through organizations like the Society of Women in Business, CMU club soccer and the Business Honors Society.

Now, she's looking toward a career where she can pair her skills with a mission she believes in.

“I would like to do marketing for something that I can feel passionate about,” Reigler said.

Read more about Ainsley's CMU experience and how she's preparing to make an impact through marketing: https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/marketing-that-makes-a-difference

08/20/2026

We love seeing where a CMU business education can lead. 🔥⬆️

Congratulations to Steven McAndrews, MBA ’13, on being named chief information officer of FEMA. His career in technology, cybersecurity and public service is a great example of the many paths a business education can support — and the impact our alumni can make across industries and sectors.

Congratulations on this next chapter, Steven!

🚨 Big news for a Central Michigan University alumnus! 🔥⬆

Congratulations to Steven McAndrews, MBA '13, for being named the new chief information officer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Central Michigan University Online and Central Michigan University - College of Business Administration graduate brings extensive experience in cybersecurity, technology and federal leadership to the role.

McAndrews, a military veteran, has served as deputy CIO at the National Nuclear Security Administration since 2022, with previous roles at the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Army. 🇺🇸

We're proud to see a CMU Chippewa taking on a leadership role that will help shape the future of technology and emergency management across the nation.

For more on McAndrews' appointment: https://go.cmualum.com/mcandrewscmu26

08/12/2026

CMU management faculty member Michael Pisani took his teaching and research to Italy this summer as a visiting international scholar at the University of Sannio in Benevento.

During his two-month appointment, Pisani taught undergraduate and doctoral students, collaborated with faculty on research and strengthened connections between the two universities.

Those relationships are already creating new possibilities for future research, teaching and student collaboration. For Pisani, the experience also reinforced something at the heart of meaningful international partnerships: they’re built through trust, authenticity and a willingness to learn from one another.

Read more about Pisani’s experience in Italy and how the connections he built could create new opportunities for CMU students and faculty: https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/building-global-partnerships-through-scholarship

08/07/2026

24 days until we welcome our students back to Grawn Hall!

A new year means new content, new ideas, new connections, and a whole lot of community. We can’t wait to see what this year brings! ✨

08/06/2026

When Alyssa Welch enrolled in CMU's online MBA program, she had a plan. Working full time, she intended to take classes at a steady pace while building her career. Then life changed. After the premature birth of her daughter, graduate school took a back seat as she focused on her family's new reality.

Years later, with the support of her family, faculty and advisors, Welch returned to complete the degree she had started. Today, she's applying those experiences as the marketing intelligence manager at Vibe Credit Union.

Read how flexibility, perseverance and a strong support system helped her find her way back to the finish line: https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/alyssa-welch-found-her-way-back-to-the-finish-line

07/30/2026

When Deborah Gray started golfing, she wasn't planning to build a research agenda around it.

Over time, she noticed something that made her curious: Where were the women? That simple observation led to years of research exploring the relationship between golf, networking and professional opportunity.

Her work asks an important question: If valuable business relationships are often built in informal spaces, how do we make sure those spaces are accessible to everyone?

Read more: https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/for-deborah-gray-golf-is-about-more-than-a-game

07/28/2026

A college education is about more than choosing classes. It's about finding your people, building confidence and discovering the opportunities that will shape your future.

During orientation, incoming CMU College of Business students connected with faculty, staff, mentors and classmates while getting their first look at the experiences that await them, from student organizations and leadership opportunities to career preparation and hands-on learning.

We can't wait to see where their journeys take them. Welcome to the CBA. We're glad you're here!

Read more: https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/building-connections-and-confidence-at-cmu

📝Ava Mahon

07/28/2026

Hear from MSIS student Brendan Haldeman as he shares the experiences and opportunities that shaped his decision to attend Central Michigan University. From building meaningful connections to gaining hands-on experience, Brendan reflects on how CMU has helped prepare him for success.