Palumbo-Donahue School of Business

Business students talk in front of the Investment Strategy Institute.

Contact

www.duq.edu/business
(412) 396-6277

Administration

Dean B. McFarlin, Ph.D.
Dean

Karen Russo Donovan, Ph.D.
Sr. Associate Dean, Academic Programs and Executive Education

Risa Kumazawa, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Academic Systems and Accreditation

History

The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business was established in 1913 as the School of Accounts and Finance. In 1931, the name was changed to the School of Business Administration to reflect the expansion of course offerings and growing professional stature in the education community. With programs dating from the founding of the School in 1913, the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business has continued to develop, broaden and adapt its curriculum since 1957. The School earned accreditation in 1962 by the premier business school accrediting agency, AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. About five percent of business schools worldwide have achieved the AACSB distinction, and Duquesne has maintained it proudly for more than 60 years.

The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business has a long history of strong ties to local business leaders. Following a generous endowment in 1991 by Antonio J. Palumbo, an accomplished business professional, the School adopted his name for its undergraduate programs. In 1999, the graduate School was named in honor of a highly successful entrepreneur, John F. Donahue, who established an impeccable reputation for integrity, wisdom and hard work. Donahue, a former World War II bomber pilot, founded Federated Investors in 1955. By the early 1980s, Federated became the country's second largest fund operator. Donahue previously served as the firm's chairman and chief executive officer.

Vision Statement

Be A Premier Business School With Distinctive Excellence... We aspire to be recognized as a global leader in business education for impactful scholarship and engaging, distinctive programs and experiences that transform students' lives in a Catholic, Spiritan tradition and provide innovative solutions for communities, organizations, and the world.

Mission Statement

Provide Transformative Education in a Spiritan Tradition... We develop ethical business professionals who understand the global marketplace and serve others by leading with integrity to transform their communities, organizations, and society. Toward this end, we engage our students, alumni, and business partners with passionate faculty members who create impactful scholarship and innovative educational experiences that connect theory to practice.

Our Values

 The Business of Difference Making - Principles that Drive Us Forward...

  • Respect for the world.  Our business perspective is shaped by the Spiritan emphasis on respect for the world and the pursuit of good environmental stewardship and social justice in doing so.  That perspective also recognizes the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals and includes our commitment to creating an inclusive culture of respect, fairness and equality.
  • Ethics and integrity.  Ethics and integrity are essential characteristics of high-performing organizations over the long term. We want our faculty, staff and students to be guided by the highest principles of honesty, fairness, accountability, transparency, and moral courage.
  • Student-centered.  Everything we do is about putting students first. We have a relentless focus on giving students high quality learning and developmental opportunities that shape their ability to make a difference. Put simply, we are in the business of difference making for students.
  • Scholarship that matters.  We embrace impactful scholarship whether it involves discipline-based research that creates new knowledge, applied research that shapes business practice, or pedagogical research that helps improve teaching effectiveness.
  • Practical wisdom.  Business education is no longer just about knowledge acquisition. Instead, students need transformational experiences that show employers and others what they can do with knowledge. Instilling practical wisdom is what helps turn students into difference makers.
  • Change and innovation.  Business today is rapidly changing and our competitors aren't standing still.  We embrace change and monitor trends in business education to measure ourselves against external benchmarks as well as by who our students become with the aim of creating innovative programs. 
  • Collaborative boundary-spanning.  Our students need to understand and embrace cultural differences since today's business environment is increasingly and unmistakably global. Indeed, today's work world is filled with cross-functional teams and fluid boundaries across disciplines, organizations, communities, and cultures.

We add value for the greater good of our stakeholders by creating an environment of support for the intellectual pursuits of our faculty, a commitment to excellence in teaching, community outreach, and service.

Administration and Faculty

Dean B. McFarlin, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor of Management

Karen Russo Donovan, Ph.D.
Sr. Associate Dean, Academic Programs and Executive Education

Risa Kumazawa, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Systems and Accreditation

Gokhan Sonaer, Ph.D.
Department Chairperson, Economics and Finance

Akwasi Opoku-Dakwa, Ph.D.
Department Chairperson, Management and Marketing

William Spangler, Ph.D.
Department Chairperson, Accounting, Information Systems and Technology, and Supply Chain Management

Rebecca Ellsworth, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and Student Affairs

Chris Rouhier, M.S.
Sr. Director, Recruitment & Admissions

Richard Longo, R.N., FACMPE, FACHE
Director, Small Business Development Center

Katy Owens, B.A.
Director, Business and Administration

Tricia Brancolini-Foley, M.S.
Program Director, Marketing and Communications
Ryan Atkins
Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management
B.S., M.S., Pennsylvania State University
Ph.D., Queen's University Belfast, Ireland

Philip L. Baird, III
Associate Professor of Finance
B.A., M.B.A., Ph.D., University of Tennessee

Debarati Bhattacharya
Associate Professor of Finance
B.S., M.B.A., University of Calcutta, India
Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Karoly Bozan
Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Technology
B.A., M.B.A., Ph.D., Kent State University

Georgiana Craciun
Associate Professor of Marketing
B.S., Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania
M.S., University of Antwerp, Belgium
Ph.D., University of South Carolina

Patrick Deegan
Assistant Professor of Practice in Business Law
B.A., Washington and Jefferson College
M.B.A., M.S., Duquesne University
J.D., Widener University School of Law

Andrea DiBernardo
Associate Director, Center for Leadership in Professional Selling
Instructor, Sales and Marketing
M.B.A., Duquesne University 2023
B.S., Northern Illinois University

Ronald J. Dick
Associate Professor of Sports Marketing
B.S., M.B.A., Saint Joseph’s University
Ed.D., Temple University

Pamala J. Dillon
Assistant Professor of Management
B.A., Eckerd College
M.A., American University
M.B.A., University of South Florida
Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst

Karen Russo Donovan
Sr. Associate Dean, Academic Programs and Executive Education
Associate Professor of Marketing
B.S.N., Carlow University
M.B.A., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Matthew J. Drake
Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management
B.S.B.A., Duquesne University
M.S., Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology

Susan P. Eppley
Director, Center for Leadership in Professional Selling
Instructor of Marketing and Management
B.A., Edinboro State University
M.B.A., Robert Morris University

Charles Favreau
Associate Professor of Finance
B.A., University of Central Florida
M.S., University of South Florida
Ph.D., University of Arizona

Ryan Garvey
Professor of Finance
Donahue Chair in Investment Management
B.A., Mercyhurst College
M.B.A., Providence College
Ph.D., University College Dublin

Mark Geiger
Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship
B.S., M.B.A., Illinois State University
Ph.D., University of Kansas

Min Geiger 
Assistant Professor of Management
Ph.D., Organizational Behavior, West Virginia University
M.P.A., University of Kansas

Pinar Geylani
Associate Professor of Economics
B.S., Bilkent University
M.S., Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University

Peter T. Gianiodis
Professor of Management
Merle E. Gilliand Professor in Entrepreneurial Finance
B.A., Dickinson College
M.B.A., Queens University of Charlotte
Ph.D., University of Georgia

Audrey Guskey
Associate Professor of Marketing
B.S.B.A., Robert Morris University
M.B.A., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Kathleen S. Hartzel
Associate Professor of Information Systems & Technology
B.S., Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
M.S., Pennsylvania State University
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Aimee A. Kane
Associate Professor of Management
B.A., Duke University
M.S., Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University

Maryellen Kelly
Assistant Professor of Practice in Marketing
B.A., Chatham College
M.B.A., Ohio State University
Ph.D., The Union Institute

Christina Kuchmaner
Assistant Professor of Marketing
B.S.B.A., M.B.A., Marketing Management, Youngstown State 
Ph.D., Marketing, Kent State University

Robert J. Kollar
Associate Professor of Practice in Accounting
B.S.B.A., M.B.A., Duquesne University
C.P.A., Pennsylvania

Risa Kumazawa
Associate Dean for Academic Systems and Accreditation
Associate Professor of Economics
B.A., Illinois Wesleyan University
M.S., Illinois State University
Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Congcong Li
Assistant Professor of Accounting
B.S., Central University of Finance and Economics (China)
M.A., Duke University
Ph.D., University of Maryland

Rui Liu
Associate Professor of Finance
B.A., Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (China)
M.B.A., Auburn University
M.Sc., Auburn University
Ph.D., University of Houston

Ryan Luchs
Associate Professor of Marketing
B.S., Pennsylvania State University
M.B.A., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Leslie Mansfield
Director of the First Year Innovation Experience
B.S., Carlow College
M.S., Carnegie Mellon University

Kathryn Marley
Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management
B.A., Grove City College
M.B.A., University of Akron
M.A., Ph.D., Ohio State University

Matthew R. Marlin
Professor of Economics
B.A., Ph.D., Florida State University

K. Bryan Menk
Associate Professor of Accounting
Director of Accreditation
B.B.A., James Madison University
Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University
C.P.A., Virginia

Kelly Moore
Assistant Professor of Marketing
B.A, B.B.A., University of Iowa
M.B.A., Drake University
Ph.D., Iowa State University

Brian M. Nagle
Associate Professor of Accounting
B.B.A., Siena College
M.S., State University of New York (Albany)
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
C.P.A., New York

Staci Offut
Director, Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship 
Instructor, Entrepreneurship
M.F.A., Parsons, The New School
B.F.A., West Virginia University

Akwasi Opoku-Dakwa
Chair, Management and Marketing
Associate Professor of Management
B.Sc., Brown University
M.B.A., International Institute for Management Development
Ph.D., Rutgers University

Pinar Ozturk
Associate Professor of Information Systems & Technology
B.S., University of Istanbul
M.B.A., M.S., University of Hartford
Ph.D., Stevens Institute of Technology

Amy Luginbuhl Phelps
Associate Professor of Practice in Statistics
B.A., M.S., Ohio University
M.A.S., Ohio State University
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Jacqueline C. Pike Gerber
Associate Professor of Information Systems & Technology
PwC Alumni Faculty Fellowship in Information Systems
B.S.B.A., Ohio University
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Stephen E. Rau
Associate Professor of Accounting
B.S.B.A., Robert Morris University
M.B.A., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

John Russo
Associate Director, Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management
B.A., Duquesne University
M.B.A., Duquesne University

Matt Edmund Ryan
Associate Professor of Economics
B.A., Claremont McKenna College
M.A., Ph.D., West Virginia University

Jan Napoleon Saykiewicz
Professor Emeritus
P.M.A., University of Warsaw
M.S., Econ., Ph.D., D.Sc, Central School of Planning and Statistics, Warsaw

Wendy Serapiglia
Instructor of Supply Chain Management
B.S., Allegheny College
M.S., Point Park University

Michael D. Sherwin
Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management
B.S., M.S., Penn State University
M.B.A., Carnegie Mellon University
Ph.D., Mississippi State University

Seleshi Sisaye
Professor of Accounting
B.A., Addis Ababa University
M.A., University of Illinois at Chicago
M.L.S., State University of New York (Albany)
Ph.D., Cornell University
M.B.A., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Nagaraj Sivasubramaniam
Associate Professor of Management
B.E., Birla Institute of Technology and Science
P.G. Diploma, International Management Institute
Ph.D., Florida International University

Gokhan Sonaer
Chair, Economics and Finance
Associate Professor of Finance
H.J. Halliwell Faculty Fellow in Finance
B.S., M.S., Middle East Technical University (Turkey)
M.B.A., University of North Carolina
Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

William E. Spangler
Chair, Accounting, Information Systems and Technology and Supply Chain Management
Professor of Information Systems and Technology
B.A., University of South Florida
M.B.A., University of Hawaii
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

David M. Wasieleski
Albert Paul Viragh Professor in Business Ethics  
Executive Director of the Albert P. Viragh Institute for Ethics in Business
Editor-in-Chief, Business and Society Review
M.B.A., Duquesne University
B.A., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

James F. Weber
Professor of Business Ethics and Management
The Rev. Martin Hehir, C.S.Sp. Endowed Chair in Scholarly Excellence
Managing Director, Albert P. Viragh Institute for Ethics in Business
Managing Editor, Business and Society Review
B.A., Loyola University, Los Angeles
M.B.A., St. Louis University
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Valerie Williams
Associate Professor of Practice in Accounting
Director of Accounting Mentorship Program
B.S., Duquesne University
M.B.A., University of Pittsburgh
C.P.A., C.I.A., C.H.F.P., C.F.E., C.F.F., PmP

Pavel A. Yakovlev
Associate Professor of Economics
B.S.B.A., Shepherd College
M.A., Ph.D., West Virginia University

Amy Jo Naponic Yurko
Associate Professor of Accounting
B.A., J.D., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Wenqi Zhou
Associate Professor of Information Systems & Technology
B.S., M.S., Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
Ph.D., George Washington University

Centers and Institutes

These Centers and Institutes support innovative research and applied educational experiences for students as well as promote interaction with local business leaders and entrepreneurs. We give our students the skills they need to act entrepreneurially, sell effectively and manage sustainable supply chains while also enhancing job creation and workforce development in the region.

The Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship infuses an entrepreneurial mindset into the business student experience. This empowers graduates with the skills to recognize and seize opportunities to solve problems and create value on their own or within existing businesses. The Center includes an ideation suite and makerspace with resources for designing, developing, and creating new products. The Center also facilitates the Duquesne New Venture Challenge, a premier business plan competition with over $100k in prizes.

The Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management focuses on how information systems and technology can enhance the management of complex, integrated supply chains. Our supply chain students will learn how to improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of supply chains by using advanced planning, scheduling, procurement management, transportation, and warehouse management systems and technologies.
The nature of selling has changed in our technology-driven world, and the Center for Leadership in Professional Selling is preparing students to meet that challenge. The Center features simulation labs where students can role-play their sales approaches in various settings with executives from partner firms.
All simulated spaces allow students to project presentations onto a flat screen and are part of a sophisticated digital video capture system. Sales sessions can be live streamed or recorded so students can review and hone their work.
The Beard Center for Student Success (CSS) launched in fall 2022, marking the beginning of a new era for the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. The Center is the realization of the School's integrated, holistic approach to serving students. To realize this vision, staff roles across the school were reimagined to better support students, and the 7th floor of Rockwell Hall was completely renovated, making the Center a physical reality. 

With the launch of the CSS, business students receive a comprehensive experience from their first contact with the School as high school students through graduation and their transition to alumni. 

Student Success Coaches are the heart of the CSS. Each coach is responsible for specific academic programs and advises and counsels all students in those programs. Coaches have a deep understanding of their programs and their respective fields, allowing them to best meet their students' needs.
The Albert P. Viragh (B'27) Institute for Ethics in Business at Duquesne University has launched an annual book series, entitled Business and Society 360, sponsored by the International Association for Business and Society (IABS).
The Institute for Sustainable Business Innovation (ISBI) embraces the School's fundamental pillars of excellence: Pillar #1 Distinctive Education, Pillar #2 Thought Leadership, Pillar #3 Business Practice.

Applying theory from across the curriculum, students help clients reduce costs, improve processes and enhance competitiveness.
The Investment Strategy Institute delivers a portfolio of experiences designed to enhance students’ career prospects in corporate finance, asset management, financial planning, and wealth management. Among these experiences is the Student-Managed Investment Funds (SMIF) program, in which students manage approximately $1,600,000. Utilizing the ISI’s 24 Bloomberg terminals, students manage the Duquesne Values Fund (DVF), the Duquesne Microcap Fund (DMF), and the Duquesne Balanced Fund (DBF) while learning about investments and financial markets.
The mission is to provide assistance to small businesses in southwestern Pennsylvania. If you are looking to start a business, receive professional guidance through one-on-one consulting, training workshops, research, and professional referrals.

Student Organizations

The following student organizations in the Palumbo Donahue School of Business exist for the promotion of the scholarly and professional interests of members.

The American Marketing Association members at Duquesne University interact with the Pittsburgh professional chapter to organize seminars featuring successful marketing executives, workshops, career forums, and networking events. AMA is dedicated to furthering the profession and developing student careers.
Association for Information Systems at Duquesne (AIS@DUQ) is a student association dedicated to promoting knowledge in the information technology field. The organization holds monthly meetings with corporate guests, networking and professional development events, and alumni engagements. The organization is open to all Duquesne University students, faculty, and staff.
Beta Alpha Phi is the local honorary scholarship society of the School. Its membership is limited to juniors and seniors in the Business School who have attained Q.P.A.s of 3.25 or better.
Beta Alpha Psi is the premier national honorary accounting fraternity. Less than 15% of eligible schools accredited by AACSB International have achieved active status. The fraternity sponsors professional growth and development programs as well as community and University service activities.
The Zeta Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, a national honorary fraternity for accredited schools of AACSB International, is chartered at Duquesne University. Membership in this honorary fraternity is limited to juniors in the top 5% of their class and seniors in the top 10%.
The Student Accounting Association is an organization where business students with similar interests network with professionals from the Pittsburgh business community. In relaxed and informal settings, students learn about career opportunities in accounting and other business fields. Membership is open to all School of Business students.
The Dean’s Student Advisory Council consists of student leaders in the School who meet on a regular basis with the Dean to discuss School matters.
Delta Sigma Pi, a national professional business fraternity, is represented by Theta Rho chapter. The fraternity makes substantial contributions to the University community through its many service activities.

DAMG members learn about investing and financial markets while managing the Duquesne Values Fund, Duquesne Microcap Fund, and the Duquesne Balanced Fund. Opportunities for career development include coaching on internship and job-seeking strategies and networking with professionals from leading companies who are regularly invited as guest speakers.  Financial support is available to members for extra-curricular skills development, licensing and credentialing, and conference travel. 

Duquesne Entrepreneurship Council (DEC) is a student organization for anyone interested in innovation, creativity, and community. DEC facilitates a guest speaker series with local entrepreneurs, organizes InnoPitch, an interdisciplinary pitch competition, and hosts Techstars Startup Weekend. The Council also delivers skill-builders throughout the year to help students pitch, prototype, and prepare for entering opportunities like the Duquesne New Venture Challenge.

Duquesne Supply Chain Council (DSCC) is a student-run organization for Supply Chain Management majors. It provides opportunities for students to gain real-world experiences, network with industry professionals, and enhance their professional development.
Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM) is a nationally recognized professional organization that promotes the development and advancement of managerial skills for individuals. Membership with SAM provides students with opportunities for professional training as well as opportunities to network with the corporate community.
FMA is an organization that engages students in various activities outside the classroom. It sponsors guest speakers in various finance-related areas, partners with community professionals to deliver financial literacy training courses, and networks with firms to identify internship and career opportunities.
The International Business Association is a student organization for those interested in careers in the area of international business.
Phi Beta Lambda, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), is a student business association organized to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.
Pi Sigma Epsilon - Delta Chi Chapter is the national, professional, coeducational fraternity in marketing, sales and communications affiliated with Sales and Marketing Executives International and the Pittsburgh SME chapter.

DUST provides an inclusive platform for students from all majors to explore and enhance their sales skills. Whether you're a business major or pursuing a different field, DUST offers valuable opportunities to learn about sales and develop practical expertise. Student members can join the DUST competition team, competing in prestigious sales competitions in locations like Orlando, FL, and Ocean City, MD, with the possibility of winning cash prizes. Moreover, DUST facilitates networking opportunities with local and national organizations seeking to hire students for sales roles, offering avenues for internships and full-time employment.