Introducing the GSB Staff

I think it's about time to introduce the Graduate School of Business staff. Our staff is amazing and we do all enjoy our work. The Graduate School of Business population is a little over 300. We are a smaller school and we do have a small staff so we are all family. As students, you will get to know us and we will also know you.

Let's start with Marion Dunagan. Marion is our Assistant Dean, our administrator. I can't begin to tell you everything that she does. She is responsible for our entire operation. In regards to MBA, one of her tasks is to assist with the placement of our graduate assistants (GAs). Within our office, Marion is "where the buck stops." She handles the budget and also the disciplinary actions. Her door is always open to students.


Dr. Alan Ellstrand is the MBA Director. Alan is a faculty member in the Management Department. As with Marion, I couldn't begin to tell you everything that Alan does. He heads the admissions committees for MBA and MMBA. Alan is available to meet with prospective MBA students. All components of MBA planning (curriculum, faculty, etc.), fall within his realm.

Deb Williams is our other Assistant Director. Deb takes care of the student affairs side of the GSB. She works very closely with our students regarding their courses, and also is available to assist in other areas. Deb makes sure the programs are running smoothly. If a student has a problem with a class or a faculty member (or anything else), they start with Deb. Deb's background is in counseling and she has many years of experience working on a college campus. Her door is always open.

If you are a Walton College Graduate School of Business student, Nancy Fondren is your best friend. Nancy makes sure all of your paperwork is complete, that you are registered for your classes, and she checks graduation requirements. Most importantly, if you are on scholarship or have an assistantship, Nancy makes sure you get paid. Everybody loves Nancy; she is a very nice lady.

Anna Marie Grippe is our anchor. She mans (or womans) the front office. She is the first point of contact for students. Anna Marie is pretty important to me because she processes the travel. In other words, she makes sure I get paid when I am on the road. Also, she pays the bills. Many of them are mine - recruiting expenses and advertising. Anna Marie is the person you'll talk to first when you call our office. You should call (479-575-2851) her and say, "Hi." Ask her to send you an information packet while you are at it.

Last, but certainly not least, is my right hand, Regena Jedlicka. Regena processes all of the application materials. All applications (7 master's degree programs and 6 PhD degree programs), are logged into the computer by her and she makes a folder. She begins a line of communication with all applicants - helping them to complete their application packet. After the application deadline, she prepares the folders for the admissions committees. Regena also processes the admissions decisions. Since yesterday was our PhD application deadline, she is sitting behind a mile high pile of files right now.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Liliya Kunets. She works for us part-time and I depend on her a great deal. All new prospective student info is processed by her. She enters new student data into our database. Liliya also helps us complete surveys. Annamarie Lyst is our graduate assistant. Anna is a master's student in Higher Education. She helps us in many different areas. Also, Dave Alderson is now helping us with the design of our new website. I can't tell you how much I value him right now. I proved to be a complete failure in web design. Dave is a current MBA student and he'll graduate in May. He also has a student blog - check it out.

And you already know me. I am the other Assistant Director and my responsibilities are recruiting and marketing. I meet with students interested in graduate school. I also make corporate visits and go to Career Fairs at other Universities. I am always on the lookout for hot (highly qualified), new graduate students. I am looking for you!