Welcome to the COB Team!
Teamwork is something we do a lot of in the College of Business. Over the next four years you will develop team working skills by participating in activities like class projects, case competitions, student-faculty research, and student organization committees. The ability to collaborate successfully as a member of a team is something employers look for in prospective employees.
For a team to work effectively, you need to know who the players are and what roles they play. Introducing Dean Brewer Doran, the college’s CEO, and some of the executive staff you will interact with during your college career. You will learn what they do at work as well as what they do for fun. Who knows, you may have some interests in common!
"Success Starts Here" is a series of six articles that introduce new students to the UW-Eau Claire College of Business. A new article will be posted each week until the fall academic term begins.
Meet Brewer Doran, Ph.D.
Dean
Hometown: Montclair, New Jersey
What I do . . . I am the Dean of the College of Business.
Why I became a professor. . .I started teaching part-time when I was in industry and liked it so much I left my business behind and went back to do my doctorate.
The coolest thing I have been working on this summer is . . . hiring lots of new faculty for the College of Business.
My favorite thing to do on campus is . . . walk along the river or on the footbridge (at least when it isn't snowing).
People are often surprised to learn . . . that I have a commercial pilot's license.
When I'm not working, you will find me . . . traveling.
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to . . . Macchu Picchu
My favorite sports team is . . . dare I admit the Cubs?
Meet Jean Pratt, Ph.D.
Associate Dean
Hometown: Wilder, Idaho
What I do . . . First and foremost, I help students—mostly via petitions requesting various approvals from adding/dropping courses to substitutions to readmission applications. I also help students who are having academic difficulties or who are ahead of their game and have a creative path toward earning their degree. I also help students indirectly via working with faculty to a) create, implement, and assess relevant, rigorous student learning outcomes; and b) maintain and updated a relevant, rigorous curriculum. Also, as the Dean’s representative on the campus and in the community, I am an ambassador for both the College of Business and the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire.
Why I became a professor . . . I love students. I love teaching. Helping students transform their thinking and developing marketable talents gives me energy.
The coolest think I am working on this summer is . . . hard to pick just one! My big whiteboard is literally filled with projects that contribute to the improvement of student learning across the entire College of Business (and possibly across campus, as I work with the other associate deans and Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning ).
My favorite thing to do on campus is . . . to walk. We have a beautiful campus with many, many paths.
People are often surprised to learn . . . that I am the 10th of 15 children (Dad needed lots of kids to run the farm) and that my husband is 9th of 10 kids.
When I'm not working, you will find me . . . in flower gardens, where I replenish my “grounding.”
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go . . . back to Ireland—and maybe link in Scotland. I loved the serene countryside and the authentic, friendly people.
My favorite sports team is . . . the Packers, of course!
Meet Carrie Ottum
Outreach Program Manager
Hometown: Thorp, Wisconsin
What I do . . . I promote and market the College of Business to students, alumni, employers, and members of the business community. I also work with Admissions, Career Services, and COB Student Organizations planning and promoting events.
Why I became a professor . . . I am not a professor, but a professional academic staff member.
The coolest thing I am working on this summer is. . . getting more familiar with the College of Business Dean's Office and all the responsibilities of the position. I've been meeting a lot of wonderful students, faculty, and staff on campus.
People are often surprised to learn . . .my high school graduation class had 63 students.
My favorite thing to do on campus is . . . getting to know the students and taking walks around campus.
When I am not working, you will find me . . . trying to keep up with endless piles of laundry, cooking food that my youngest son won't eat, or reminding my oldest son to take his shoes off when he's in the house. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking, running, and going to concerts and plays.
If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to . . . Alaska or Fiji
My favorite sports team is . . .Being born and raised in Wisconsin, I'm enjoy watching the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers. The ultimate experience is attending a game at Lambeau Field.
Meet Faith Bogstad
Dean Assistant
Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
What I do . . . I’m the Dean Assistant for the College of Business… translated that means the “gatekeeper” for this office, and direct traffic, answer questions, or help people figure out who they need to see or speak to. I schedule appointments and travel for the Dean, and assist her in many other duties as needed. I also try to help the Associate Dean and the Outreach Program Manager as much as I can.
Why I became a Dean Assistant... I’ve worked in various administrative support positions on campus, each one learning a bit more about various policies and positions. When this opportunity opened, I was thrilled to interview and be chosen – and it feels like I’ve come “home”.
The coolest things I am working on this summer are . . . helping the new Outreach Program Manager become familiar with UWEC, and working with both her and the Dean in planning our next academic year.
My favorite thing to do on campus is . . . meet the students! And seeing the students every year when they come back for a new academic year. The energy that brings to the campus is amazing.
People are often surprised to learn that . . . I’ve worked on campus in various positions for over 30 years!
When I'm not working, you will find me . . . quilting whenever possible.
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to . . . there are so many places in the world to see, but I like to take a road trips throughout the continental United States visiting National Parks and special monuments.
My favorite sports team is . . . depending on the season - either the Milwaukee Brewers or the Green Bay Packers!
Meet Tom Kemp, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Economics
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
What I do...I am the chair and a professor in the Department of Economics.
Why I became a professor...As an academic, I am able to work on a variety of interesting projects as a professional in my field. As an educator, I also get to bring students, who continually bring fresh attitudes and ideas, to the work.
The coolest things I am working on this summer are . . . A couple of research projects: Gauging the feasibility of shifting existing Wisconsin businesses to ‘Green’ industry and testing the effects of ‘mark-to-market’ capital valuation models to longer run macroeconomic stability. Oh, and old motorcycles – I’m always working on those.
My favorite thing to do on campus is . . . Visit the library. To be surrounded by all that knowledge – it’s both humbling and inspiring.
People are often surprised to learn that . . . Economics is really very interesting.
When I'm not working, you will find me . . .
Spending time with my family, working on something with an engine, reading, or playing old Atari games.
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to . . . A quiet beach in South East Asia. (One that serves good food and drinks.)
My favorite sports team is . . . It’s a split between the 1987 Santa Cruz and 1987 Powell Peralta teams. It was a great era for skateboarding. I really need to get more riding in this summer.
Meet Tony Keys, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Information Systems
Hometown: Doncaster, United Kingdom
What I do . . . I lead the information systems department. This involves assisting students, faculty, businesses, alumni in their interactions with the department. I advise students, especially students who transfer and those taking a second degree, as well as those who sign up for the minor in information systems. I visit with companies and cultivate relationships that will benefit our students. I also lead the college's SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) initiative and teach IS classes.
Why I became a professor . . . helping young people realize their potential is a very rewarding career!
The coolest thing I am working on this summer . . . revising the IS curriculum.
My favorite thing to do on campus is . . . teach classes!
People are often surprised to learn . . . I have a background in science and math as well as business and information systems.
When I'm not working, you will find me . . . orienteering, kayaking, or sailing when I get the opportunity, but mostly I enjoy running on and off the trail. I love to listen to music and enjoy movies and books of all kinds. Modeling is a favorite pastime, whether using a programming language, a spreadsheet, or creating a world for a model train.
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to . . . Italy – it's where my son’s family is currently.
My favorite sports team is . . . the Liverpool Football Club.
Meet Kristy Lauver, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Management + Marketing
Hometown: Merriam, Kansas
What I do . . . I spend a lot of my time on student issues related to course scheduling and degree planning. I also monitor course sizes and enrollments in the department to help ensure that students get the classes they need and the talented instructors they deserve. I teach strategic management - the capstone business course for all business students. I am the adviser for Beta Gamma Sigma, the internationally recognized honors society for business students. I also conduct research on safety, organizational strategy, and most recently, sustainability.
Why I became a professor . . . I enjoy working with students, constantly learning new things through research, and working in the university atmosphere.
The coolest thing I am working on this summer . . . some research on international sustainability.
My favorite thing to do on campus is . . . walking across campus and watching students - how they interact and their energy is always fun to see.
People are often surprised to learn . . . I am a certified emergency medical responder for Dunn County.
When I'm not working, you will find me . . .I spend most of my time with my husband and two children. We enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, swimming, and snowmobiling. We also enjoy participating in sports like tennis, soccer, and go-karting. We also own a small plane, which my husband pilots for us.
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to . . . Portugal. I did a report back in the 6th grade that got me interested in the country.
My favorite sports teams are . . . Green Bay Packers for football, and Royals for baseball (sorry - but I grew up in KC - and although Packers have won me over, I still am a Royals fan).
Meet Paula Lentz, Ph.D.
Program Director, Business Communication
Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
What I do . . . I ensure that students and our faculty and staff have what they need to do their work. This means that I schedule the classes that are taught each semester, manage course enrollments, and make sure that we have faculty and staff to teach the courses. I teach undergraduate and MBA business communication courses, and have co-authored six books on business communication. In addition, I manage the tutors in the college's Business Writing and Presentations Studio. Lastly, I oversee the college's Student Professional Development Program, which provides students with hands-on workshops that ensure they know how to conduct themselves professionally in any business setting.
Why I become a professor . . . I was working as a technical writer and teaching as an adjunct instructor. When the opportunity to teach full time arose, I took it. At that point, I knew that I had found a profession that let me do what I enjoy most: writing, researching, and teaching. I earned my doctorate so that I could be a professor, and the rest, as the saying goes, is history.
The coolest thing I have been working on this summer . . . It's hard to pick just one thing. Currently, I am working on some research and writing the next edition of my textbook, which is pretty cool. I am also a big believer in life-long learning, so I am taking an introductory German course, which is something I've wanted to do for many years.
My favorite thing to do on campus is . . . attend concerts performed by students in our music and theater arts department. I particularly enjoy the lobby concert on the last day of fall semester and the holiday concert, but I look forward to them all. The choirs, orchestras, bands, and other ensembles . . . Our students’ talent is just incredible!
People are often surprised to learn . . . I am an extreme introvert.
When I'm not working, you will find me . . . reading a good book—preferably from my deck at the lake, but any place is the right place to read a good book.
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to . . . Europe on a literary tour to visit the sites connected with my favorite authors.
My favorite sports team is . . . Sports? What are sports?
Introducing the Class of 2023! Meet your classmates, COB faculty and staff members, your advisors, and student leaders, at the COB Academic Mixer on Tuesday, September 3 from 1:00-2:15 pm in the Schneider Hall. Watch your email for more details.
