At the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, our faculty and staff are the heart of our mission to deliver an exceptional, student-focused education. Each year, we celebrate their achievements, appointments, and milestones—recognizing excellence in teaching, research, and service that advances our vision of being the best student-focused business school. From newly appointed fellows and award recipients to dedicated new team members and esteemed retirees, these individuals embody what it means to make a difference through leadership, scholarship, and mentorship.
Faculty Appointments
- Dr. Aimée Kane, Donahue Chair in Management, 2025-2030
- Dr. Kelly Moore, H.J. Halliwell Faculty Fellow in Marketing, 2025-2028
- Dr. Rui Liu, William and Helen Lyons Faculty Fellow in Finance, 2025-2028
- Dr. Wenqi Zhou, Associate Director, Viragh Institute for Business Ethics and the PwC Alumni Faculty Fellow in Information Systems and Technology, 2025-2028
Faculty Research Award
Congratulations to Dr. Min Geiger, Assistant Professor of Management, on receiving the 2025 Faculty Research Award from Duquesne’s Center for Migration, Displacement, and Community Studies (CMDCS).
CMDCS Director Dr. Jennie Schulze praised the research for its rigor, timeliness, and relevance, noting it will be the focus of a public lecture in spring 2026.
Dr. Geiger was honored for her article, “Accent Speaks Louder than Ability: Elucidating the Effect of Nonnative Accent on Trust,” published in Group and Organization Management. Selected through a competitive process, the award recognizes outstanding scholarship with significant societal impact.
Congratulations on 25 Years
On September 4, 2025, Dr. William Spangler, Department Chair for Accounting, IST, and Supply Chain Management, and Professor of IST, was honored for 25 years of dedicated service.
News Information
New Faculty and Staff
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Shakeria Carter, Student Success Coach
Shakeria’s career in higher education began at Penn State University where she worked in admissions, academic counseling, and student advocacy. Shakeria supports Information Systems and Technology, Management, 3+3 Business and Law, Analytics and Information Management, and Flex MBA students.
Andrew Cummings, Multimedia Communications Specialist
Before returning to Duquesne as part of the School’s marketing and communication team, Andy worked in marketing and communications at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering.
Michelle Curry, Student Success Coach
Michelle has spent the past eight years in higher education serving in various roles. As a first- generation college student, she enjoys supporting our first-gen students, along with Discover Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Flex MBA students.
Jasmine Jones-Reed, Student Success Coach
Jasmine’s career began at West Virginia University, where she spent six years in the department of Housing and Residence Life as a Residence Life Specialist. Jasmine supports Accounting, Supply Chain Management, and Flex MBA students.
John Niedenberger, Executive Director, Investment Strategy Institute and Instructor
John has a professional background in institutional investment management and wealth management at several firms. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designations and has taught at Duquesne since 2016.
Sherryl Thomeier, Budget and Administrative Coordinator
Sherryl supports the School’s Business and Administration department with budget management. She also supports the faculty and students of the Economics, Finance, Information Systems and Technology, Supply Chain Management departments.
Faculty & Staff Awards, December 2024
The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business honors faculty and staff with annual awards, recognizing outstanding accomplishments and dedication to education and service. These awards celebrate the passion and commitment of our school members, highlighting their significant contributions to our community.
2023-2024 Eugene P. Beard Outstanding Service Award
Jennifer Milcarek, Program Director, Investment Strategy Institute
Staci Offutt, Director, Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Instructor
Cindy McKitrick, Budget Manager
2023-2024 Outstanding Research Award
Dr. Min Geiger, Assistant Professor of Management
2023-2024 Outstanding Teaching Award
Dr. Kelly Moore, Associate Professor of Marketing
2023-2024 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Wenqi Zhou, Associate Professor of Information Systems and Technology
Dr. Pinar Ozturk, Associate Professor of Information Systems and Technology
Andrea DiBernardo, Associate Director, Center for Leadership in Professional Selling;
Instructor
2023-2024 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research
Dr. Ryan Atkins, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management
Dr. Mark Geiger, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship
Dr. Matt Drake, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management
Dr. Wenqi Zhou, Associate Director, Viragh Institute for Business Ethics; PwC Alumni
Faculty Fellow in Information Systems and Technology
2024-2025 Rethwisch Award Winners
- Most Impactful Business Core Professor
Dr. Ron Dick, Associate Professor of Sports Marketing
Runner-up: Dr. Bryan Menk, Associate Professor of Accounting - Most Impactful Major Professor
Dr. Ron Dick, Associate Professor of Sports Marketing
Runner-up: Professor Valerie Williams, Associate Professor of Practice in Accounting
Congratulations to our Recent Retirees
Dr. Matt Marlin
Congratulations to Matt on his retirement from teaching after 38 years as a Professor
of Economics.
Dr. Amy Phelps
Congratulations to Amy on her retirement from teaching after 26 years as an Associate
Professor of Practice in Statistics.
Val Williams
Congratulations to Val on her retirement from teaching after 24 years as an Associate
Professor of Practice in Accounting.