Alex Ampadu, clinical associate professor emeritus of accounting and law, was named the 2026 Accountant of the Year at the UB Accounting Annual Awards Celebration on April 30. He was honored at the event for 36 years of teaching, mentorship and significant contributions to the accounting profession. Ampadu, who retired in 2022, was widely known for his engaging teaching style and for his impact as director of the endorsed internal auditing program. In his remarks at the event, Ampadu shared stories about his childhood in a village in Ghana with 28 houses; his recruitment to UB in 1986; the entire range of accounting courses he taught throughout his career; and his attendance at more than 100 of his students’ weddings. “Alex leaves a lasting legacy in auditing education and professional guidance for generations of accountants,” says Ananth Iyer, dean. “His dedication to education is an example for all.”

Individuals who wish to advance their careers and expand their skills can take advantage of a new Online Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the School of Management.

Developed with input from industry leaders, alumni and corporate recruiters, the Online MS in Management Information Systems offers the same high-quality curriculum as the school’s campus-based program and delivers the technical depth and managerial insight needed to navigate and shape a rapidly evolving digital world.

“Many of today’s IT practitioners are feeling outpaced by the breakneck growth of the technology ecosystem over the past 10 years,” says Kevin Cleary, MS MIS program director. “This program is ideal for those who are seeking to retool, upskill or update their knowledge in this area.”

Working professionals will also find the new program more accessible and convenient than ever, thanks to the fully online format and innovative course structure, enabling them to access classes anywhere in the world on the days and times that fit best with their career, family and other obligations.

Graduates of the Online MS in Management Information Systems will earn a high-demand degree and gain an understanding of a wide range of emerging technologies, including data-driven forecasting and storytelling; generative AI and applied machine learning intelligence; enterprise technology architecture and more.

Last spring, School of Management students worked with Ashley Doll, CEL ’24, owner of Ashley’s Lingerie and Swimwear, on a point-of-sale analysis to help grow her business as part of the school’s Projects Clinic. Pictured (from left) are Alexis Lee, Jessica Gow, Doll and Emily Dickey in the Williamsville store. To learn more about this project and how the clinic partners with local and global businesses to employ students in experiential learning projects, visit: the Projects Clinic page.

In April, Maria Kraimer, the Donald S. Carmichael Professor of Organizational Behavior, was named a SUNY Distinguished Professor by the SUNY Board of Trustees.

Kraimer serves as an associate vice provost and faculty fellow for Faculty Affairs at UB, and director of the school’s Center for Leadership and Global Impact. She recently completed a two-year term as chair of the school’s Organization and Human Resources Department.

A highly accomplished and internationally recognized scholar, Kraimer was inducted into the premier management institution of the Academy of Management Fellows in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2025. Her research has garnered more than 30,000 citations according to Google Scholar, and she has published more than 50 articles in such elite journals as the Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology and Personnel Psychology. Her works span three distinct research streams: expatriates’ adjustment methods and effectiveness, career management, and relationships at work. Her long list of honors includes the Cummings Scholarly Achievement award and many Best Paper awards. She also has extensive teaching experience and has received superior teaching evaluations.

The rank of SUNY Distinguished Professor is accorded to faculty who have distinguished their campus and SUNY through outstanding academic contributions, including scholarly publications, national and international research presentations, research findings and the training of students. The rank of Distinguished Professor is the highest faculty rank in the SUNY system and an order above full professorship with three co-equal designations: distinguished professor, distinguished service professor and distinguished teaching professor.

Kraimer will be honored at UB’s Celebration of Academic Excellence this fall. 

LAZZCO Rocketry, a consumer and educational model rocketry company that develops certified solid rocket motors, reusable motor hardware and avionics systems took first place in April at the 2026 Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition.

The competition was created by the School of Management and UB’s Office of Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships. Funded with a $1 million endowment from the late Henry A. Panasci Jr. and hosted by UB’s Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad, the program brings UB students from science, technology, business and other disciplines together to maximize their potential to create viable businesses in Western New York. More than $75K in startup funding and services were awarded this year. Learn more.

Erika Bagnoli, unit business officer in the School of Management, was honored with a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service, the highest staff honor in the SUNY system. Bagnoli serves as a strategic business partner within the school, providing leadership over budget and financial management, human resources, administrative operations, compliance and stewardship. She joined UB in 2016, initially serving as director of resource management in Advancement before becoming unit business officer in the Graduate School of Education, a role she held until 2023 when she transitioned to the School of Management. “Erika has excelled at recognizing areas for organizational improvement and instituting change that contributes to greater fiscal and operational strength and strategic growth,” says Ananth Iyer, dean. “She is a role model of excellence in professional service and a tremendous asset to the university.”

Three School of Management faculty members were recognized this spring for their outstanding teaching.

Kevin Cleary, clinical associate professor of management science and systems, was awarded the School of Management’s inaugural Frank J. Krzystofiak Excellence in Teaching Award, established by alumni, faculty and friends of Krzystofiak, who retired in 2021. Recipients are selected by a committee of faculty peers. 

Celine Krzan, clinical assistant professor of entrepreneurship, was honored by the UB Student Association with the Milton Plesur Excellence in Teaching Award. The award is based on nominations by undergraduate students and recognizes Krzan for making a meaningful impact on student learning.

Nicole Zeftel, clinical assistant professor of organization and human resources, received the School of Management’s Arjang A. Assad Excellence in Teaching Award. Established with a personal endowment from Assad, former dean of the School of Management, honorees are chosen by a committee of fellow faculty. 

“Kevin, Celine and Nicole represent the best of what teaching in the School of Management looks like — faculty who show up for students, challenge them to grow and leave a lasting mark on how they think and lead,” says Ananth Iyer, dean of the School of Management. “Their recognition is well-deserved, and the students who learn from them are better prepared to make a difference in the world because of them.”

The Office of the Dean announced the second annual winners of the Dean’s Pillar Awards in May to recognize faculty and staff who go above and beyond in their service, advancing the school’s strategic pillars of transformative education, thought leadership, engaging with impact and competing as a business school. This year’s winners were Jennifer Flagg, Kyle Hunt, Dominic Sellitto (above), Jamie Tabone and Jeanne Myers (below).

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