Overview
This special episode of the Bengal Business Radio Show marks the final appearance of Dr. Shane Hunt as host. Dr. Hunt, Dean of the Idaho State University (ISU) College of Business, announces his departure to become President of Cameron University in Oklahoma. The episode features an in-depth conversation with Dr. Alex Bolinger, the incoming Dean and next host of the show, reflecting on their careers, the College’s legacy, and recent student achievements.
Key Highlights
- Shane Hunt's Farewell and New Role
- Dr. Hunt expresses gratitude to KISU staff and recounts the origins of the show, which was created to highlight ISU College of Business faculty and alumni.
- He announces his move to Cameron University, with his last day at ISU on June 6 and his first day as president at Cameron on June 30
Introducing Dr. Alex Bolinger
- Dr. Bolinger, a long-time faculty member, ISU alumnus, and previous first guest of the show, is introduced as the new Dean and host.
- The conversation explores Dr. Bolinger’s deep ties to ISU, having grown up in American Falls, Idaho, and being part of a family with 12 ISU degrees. He credits a welcoming and supportive environment at ISU for shaping his academic and professional path.
Path to Academia
- Dr. Bolinger shares his journey from undergraduate to MBA student at ISU, his early teaching experiences, and his eventual return to ISU after earning a PhD from the University of Utah.
- He discusses the challenges of entering academia during the 2008 economic downturn and his initial faculty role at Penn State Brandywine before returning to ISU.
Student Achievements and Experiential Learning
- The show highlights ISU’s recent record-setting performance at the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition, where both graduate and undergraduate teams excelled, bringing home multiple trophies.
- Dr. Bolinger emphasizes the value of experiential learning, teamwork, and the integrative nature of business education at ISU. Judges at the competition praised ISU’s teams, suggesting the school is "starting a dynasty".
Legacy and Community
- Both Dr. Hunt and Dr. Bolinger reflect on the importance of faculty-student relationships, the supportive ISU community, and the tradition of providing hands-on opportunities for students.
- The episode concludes with mutual appreciation and optimism for the future of the College of Business under Dr. Bolinger’s leadership.
This episode serves as both a farewell for Dr. Hunt and a celebration of the ISU College of Business community. It underscores the College’s commitment to student success, experiential learning, and continuity of leadership as Dr. Bolinger steps into the Dean’s role
