The Journey Magazine
Winter 2025-2026
Journey Magazine is the biannual alumni magazine of the Farmer School of Business at Miami University, sharing the latest innovations, achievements, and news from our students, faculty, and global alumni network. Each issue highlights thought leadership, industry impact, and the enduring connections that define the Farmer School community.
Letter from the Dean
Open any business school website, social media account, or magazine today and you will find the same topics over and over. Everyone’s talking about innovation, AI, technology, and the future of business. So are we.
But at the Farmer School of Business, what I know for sure is that innovation in business education is not about chasing the next trend. It’s about staying grounded in developing human-centered competencies and equipping students with technological fluency to make better decisions.
This has always been both the mission and strength of the Farmer School of Business—to not just prepare students for today but to prepare students to lead through whatever changes and transformations they encounter tomorrow.
You will see this balance in the design of our new Business Leadership programs, our approach to AI, the stories of our alumni, and the commitment of our faculty and staff.
I hope you enjoy our latest issue of The Journey! 
Jenny Darroch
Dean and Mitchell P. Rales Chair in Business Leadership
Feature Stories
Top 10 Highlights
1. Center for L.I.F.E. Receives Multiple Awards
The Center for L.I.F.E. in the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship earned two national honors in 2025 for its innovative integration of faith and entrepreneurship.
2. A.I. and Emerging Technologies at the Forefront
FSB welcomed its first Director of Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Glenn Platt, and Miami University, with the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub, secured a $1.5 million grant to launch an AI/VR/AR-based manufacturing safety training initiative.
3. Students Bike 4,000 Miles for Charity
Two FSB students, Charlie Taft ‘27 and Nick D’Angelo ‘27, pedaled 4,000 miles over 63 days to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities.
4. New Business Leadership Co-Major and Minor
A new Business Leadership co-major and minor was introduced, with the co-major open to all Miami students and the minor open to just FSB students. This program expands interdisciplinary pathways and prepares students to lead in any industry.
5. 2024 RedHawk50 Recap
The RedHawk 50 Class of 2024 was unveiled at Cincinnati’s Music Hall, honoring 50 fast-growing Miami University–founded or –led companies that collectively generated nearly $5.5 billion in revenue and employed more than 7,100 people.
6. New Fashion Institute Established
Jamie Schisler ’96 led the launch of a new fashion institute designed to support fashion-forward student organizations, aligning business education with creative industries and linking art and the marketing curriculum together.
7. Students Receive Recognition Nationally and Locally
Andy Robbins ‘28 and Zach Carlo ‘27 made the CincyInno Under 25 list, Jacob Farmer ‘25 earned a fellowship from the Ronald Reagan Institute and Layla Gardner ‘27 and AJ Hainline ‘27 were selected as PCAOB Scholars for 2025.
8. Farmer Stays Relevant in Collegiate Rankings
The Farmer School was named one of the “10 to Watch” by Poets & Quants for undergraduates, and Miami University ranked as a top 2 public school for undergraduate teaching in 2026 according to U.S. News & World Report, including recognition for Undergraduate Business Programs.
9. Changes at Top of Entrepreneurship
Suraj Maraboyina was named director of the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship, bringing new perspectives to academic leadership, partnerships, and entrepreneurial engagement.
10. Women at Farmer
The Farmer School continues to champion women in business, leadership, and scholarship. Over the last year, the Women in Business student organization hosted its first “Embark” conference, four junior supply chain students–Elaine Schaft, Mandy Sackett, Talia Lamm and Elena Hentz participated in the Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence Symposium.
Meet the Class of 2029
1,242 Confirmed Students
- 732 Ohio residents
- 502 Non-Resident
- 8 International
12.8% Increase in Applications
Increasing competition in the applicant pool and lowering the acceptance rate.
6 Presidential Fellows
The middle 50% of students directly admitted into farmer achieved:
- 3.71-4.23 GPA (4.0 Scale)
- 26-31 Composite ACT Scores
- 1230-1370 SAT Scores
Short Takes
Yao “Henry” Jin, Ph.D., Acting Chair, Department of Management, Endres Associate Professor
"We are undergoing tremendous changes to all facets of the market environment, from the global supply chain to talent management. Technology and regulatory forces will reshape how businesses compete, and we are ready to meet these challenges to help our students and alumni lead others toward sustainable success."
Jan Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Director of Business Honors Program
“As my students are wrapping up client projects in all three of my classes, it is reinforcing how vital these partnerships are because our students are learning to turn theory into practical skills. It allows them to apply concepts to real business problems by using consumer research to support their strategies and tactics. They are developing their ‘business sense,’ which is vital for success.
Riley Acton, Frank H. Jellinek Jr. Endowed Assistant Professor of Economics
“There seems to be a disconnect happening in higher education right now. As an economist that studies the sector, I know that the data tell us that a college degree has large payoffs for many students. Yet, many students and families aren’t sure that it does. So I find myself asking: what makes the value of higher ed feel tangible? How do we help students see a path that fits their goals and their lives? At a public university, this work should be at the heart of our mission—opening doors, lowering barriers, and helping students turn opportunity into outcomes.
Brenda Homan, Forsythe Chair in Entrepreneurship, Associate Lecturer
“I'm amazed how busy alumni make time for students. How they open their networks for opportunities. That generosity continues to shine in small and big ways.” -
Joshua Ferris, Director of FSB First-Year Integrated Core, Assistant Lecturer
“First-year students underestimate their own capabilities. We talk a lot about skill gaps, but confidence gaps are just as real —and detrimental to closing the skill gap. Teaching is more than content—it is professional coaching to become a better individual.
Ryan Singh, president, BSAC
"As president of BSAC, I am continuously amazed by how much the Student Organisations do. I’ve learned that being part of a student org is basically a live simulation of a business education. You get the leadership, the collaboration, and the pressure."
