Meet the Team
Administrative Faculty and Staff
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Dr. Scott Manley
Chair, Professor of Management
216 Atkinson Hall
478-445-8734
Education
DBA
Kennesaw State University, Management, 2015
MBA
Valdosta State University, Management, 1997
BBA
Valdosta State University, Management, 1990
Research
Strategic management, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial orientation, stakeholder theory
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Education
BBA
Georgia College & State University, Public Health, 2020
Management Faculty
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Education
PhD
Iowa State University, Business and Technology, 2019
MS
The University of Texas at Dallas, Finance, 2012
MBA
Multimedia University, Malaysia, Management, 2009
BBA
Shahid Behesti University, Iran, Management, 2006
Research Areas
Strategic Restructuring, Corporate divestiture, Mergers and Acquisitions
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Dr. Stephanie Austin
Lecturer of Management
209 Atkinson Hall
478-445-1641
Education
DBA
Gardner-Webb University, 2024
MBA
Piedmont University, 2010
BS
Piedmont University, 2008
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Education
PhD
University of Alabama, Human Resources Management, 1995
MDIV
Columbia Bible College, Divinity/Ministry, 1986
BA
University of Georgia, Economics, 1979
Research Areas
Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Professionalism, Mindfulness/Spirituality/Ethics, Scale Development
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Education
EdD
Liberty University, Educational Leadership, 2024
MBA
Fontbonne University, Management, 1996
BS
Ball State University ,Legal Administration, 1992
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Education
PhD
Oklahoma State University, Strategic Management, 2009
MS
University Of Southern California, Systems Management, 1993
BBA
University Of Cincinnati, Management And Marketing, 1978
Research Areas
Stakeholder Orientation, Entrepreneurship, Family Businesses
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Dr. Mehrnaz Khalaj Hedayati
Associate Professor of Management
210 Atkinson Hall
478-445-2592
Education
PhD
University of Rhode Island, Business Administration, 2020
MS
University of Rhode Island, Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2018
MBA
Payame Noor University (PNU), Executive Master of Business Administration, 2012
BS
Polytechnic University, Industrial and Systems Engineering, 1999
Research Areas
Digitization, Knowledge Management, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability in Supply Chains
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Education
PhD
University of Kentucky, Business Administration, 2008
MS
Chinese Academy of Social Sciences - Guangdong, Labor Economics, 2003
BBA
Wuhan University of Science And Technology, Business Administration, 2000
Research Areas
Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
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Education
PhD
University Of Alabama, Management, 1992
BS
Georgia Institute Of Technology, Management, 1987
Research Areas
Labor relations, Human resources management, Quality management, and Business ethics
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Dr. Mohsen Mosayebi
Assistant Professor of Management
428 Atkinson Hall
478-445-2570
Education
PhD
University of Rhode Island, 2020
MS
Polytechnic University, Tehran, IR, Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2012
BS
Polytechnic University, Tehran, IR, Industrial and Systems Engineering, 1999
Research Areas
Operations research, statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, Python coding, and multi-processing data analysis techniques
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Dr. Aric Wilhau
Associate Professor of Management
213 Atkinson Hall
478-445-2574
Education
PhD
Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Business Administration - Management, 2020
MBA
Western Illinois University, Business Administration Concentration, 2015
BS
Iowa State University, Finance, second major in Management, 2013
Research Areas
Motivation, Deviant workplace behavior, Individual differences (personality, values)
Logistics Faculty
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Education
PhD
Georgia Southern University, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, 2015
MBA
Georgia College & State University, Business Administration, 2008
MMIS
Georgia College And State University, Information Systems And Communications, 2005
BS
Macon State College, Information Technology, 2002
BS
Georgia Southern University, Manufacturing Technology, 1989
Research Areas
Supply chain digitalization , Supply chain risk and resilience, Supply chain talent, Supply chain change, Behavioral aspects of supply chain management, Student evaluation of teaching
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Education
PhD
University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Logistics and Transportation, 1993
MS
Wright State University, Logistics, 1989
BA
Wartburg College, Philosophy and Psychology, 1979
Research Areas
Sourcing, Procurement, Logistics, Transportation
Marketing Faculty
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Education
MBA
Mississippi State University, Business Administration, 2012
BA
Georgia College & State University, Spanish, 2008
Research Areas
Event marketing, Career Advising/ Professional Development for students, Downtown Development
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Dr. Whitney Ginder
Associate Professor of Marketing
215A Atkinson Hall
478-445-8661
Education
PhD
Auburn University, Consumer Science, 2016
MS
Florida State University, Retail Merchandising, 2007
BA
Flagler College, Psychology, 2005
Research Areas
Corporate social responsibility, Consumer behavior, Social media marketing
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Education
MBA
Emory University, Business Administration, 1993
BA
University of South Florida, History, 1979
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Dr. Heather Patterson
Assistant Professor of Marketing
205A Atkinson Hall
478-445-2593
Education
PhD
Iowa State University, Marketing, 2022
MS
University of Wyoming, Sociology, 2017
BA
College of Idaho, Chemistry, 1997
Research Areas
Psychological & Social Psychological Influences on Consumer Behavior, Resource Constraints, Variety Seeking, Banking and Financial Constraints, ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) Consumers, Sustainable Consumption, Experimental, and Qualitative Methods
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Dr. Cherie Rains
Associate Professor of Marketing
215 Atkinson Hall
478-445-4075
Education
PhD
Purdue University, Consumer Behavior, 1999
MA
Syracuse University, 1996
BA
The College of New Jersey, 1994
Research
Consumer-Brand Relationships, Experiential Learning, and AI Integration in Marketing and Education
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Dr. Mary Rickard
Associate Professor of Marketing
205B Atkinson Hall
478-445-2566
Education
DBA
Kennesaw State University, Marketing, 2014
MBA
University of West Georgia, Business Administration, 1998
BBA
University of West Georgia, Marketing, 1997
Research Areas
Franchising, Sales
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Dr. Ania Rynarzewska
Assistant Professor of Marketing
212 Atkinson Hall
478-445-0966
Education
PhD
The Florida State University, Communication with Emphasis in Marketing and quantitative tools, 2012
MS
The Florida State University, Integrated Marketing and Management Communications, 2010
BB
The Florida State University, Public Relations and International Affairs, 2008
Research Areas
Social Media
Small Business
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Education
PhD
Georgia Institute of Technology, Management, Marketing Concentration, 1995
MS
Georgia Institute of Technology, Management, 1991
BS
University of Georgia, Psychology, 1985
Research Areas
Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, LGBTQ+ Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion
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Dr. Christopher Serafin
Lecturer of Marketing
211A Atkinson Hall
478-445-2572
Education
DBA
Northcentral University, Marketing, 2018
MBA
University of Phoenix, Healthcare Administration, 2012
BA
University of the Pacific, Art History, 2005
Dr. Scott Manley
Education
DBA
Kennesaw State University, Management, 2015
MBA
Valdosta State University, Management, 1997
BBA
Valdosta State University, Management, 1990
Research
Strategic management, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial orientation, stakeholder theory
Education
BBA
Georgia College & State University, Public Health, 2020
Education
PhD
Iowa State University, Business and Technology, 2019
MS
The University of Texas at Dallas, Finance, 2012
MBA
Multimedia University, Malaysia, Management, 2009
BBA
Shahid Behesti University, Iran, Management, 2006
Research Areas
Strategic Restructuring, Corporate divestiture, Mergers and Acquisitions
Dr. Stephanie Austin
Education
DBA
Gardner-Webb University, 2024
MBA
Piedmont University, 2010
BS
Piedmont University, 2008
Education
PhD
University of Alabama, Human Resources Management, 1995
MDIV
Columbia Bible College, Divinity/Ministry, 1986
BA
University of Georgia, Economics, 1979
Research Areas
Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Professionalism, Mindfulness/Spirituality/Ethics, Scale Development
Education
EdD
Liberty University, Educational Leadership, 2024
MBA
Fontbonne University, Management, 1996
BS
Ball State University ,Legal Administration, 1992
Education
PhD
Oklahoma State University, Strategic Management, 2009
MS
University Of Southern California, Systems Management, 1993
BBA
University Of Cincinnati, Management And Marketing, 1978
Research Areas
Stakeholder Orientation, Entrepreneurship, Family Businesses
Dr. Mehrnaz Khalaj Hedayati
Education
PhD
University of Rhode Island, Business Administration, 2020
MS
University of Rhode Island, Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2018
MBA
Payame Noor University (PNU), Executive Master of Business Administration, 2012
BS
Polytechnic University, Industrial and Systems Engineering, 1999
Research Areas
Digitization, Knowledge Management, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability in Supply Chains
Education
PhD
University of Kentucky, Business Administration, 2008
MS
Chinese Academy of Social Sciences - Guangdong, Labor Economics, 2003
BBA
Wuhan University of Science And Technology, Business Administration, 2000
Research Areas
Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
Education
PhD
University Of Alabama, Management, 1992
BS
Georgia Institute Of Technology, Management, 1987
Research Areas
Labor relations, Human resources management, Quality management, and Business ethics
Dr. Mohsen Mosayebi
Education
PhD
University of Rhode Island, 2020
MS
Polytechnic University, Tehran, IR, Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2012
BS
Polytechnic University, Tehran, IR, Industrial and Systems Engineering, 1999
Research Areas
Operations research, statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, Python coding, and multi-processing data analysis techniques
Dr. Aric Wilhau
Education
PhD
Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Business Administration - Management, 2020
MBA
Western Illinois University, Business Administration Concentration, 2015
BS
Iowa State University, Finance, second major in Management, 2013
Research Areas
Motivation, Deviant workplace behavior, Individual differences (personality, values)
Logistics Faculty
Image
Education
PhD
Georgia Southern University, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, 2015
MBA
Georgia College & State University, Business Administration, 2008
MMIS
Georgia College And State University, Information Systems And Communications, 2005
BS
Macon State College, Information Technology, 2002
BS
Georgia Southern University, Manufacturing Technology, 1989
Research Areas
Supply chain digitalization , Supply chain risk and resilience, Supply chain talent, Supply chain change, Behavioral aspects of supply chain management, Student evaluation of teaching
Image
Education
PhD
University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Logistics and Transportation, 1993
MS
Wright State University, Logistics, 1989
BA
Wartburg College, Philosophy and Psychology, 1979
Research Areas
Sourcing, Procurement, Logistics, Transportation
Marketing Faculty
Image
Education
MBA
Mississippi State University, Business Administration, 2012
BA
Georgia College & State University, Spanish, 2008
Research Areas
Event marketing, Career Advising/ Professional Development for students, Downtown Development
Image
Dr. Whitney Ginder
Associate Professor of Marketing
215A Atkinson Hall
478-445-8661
Education
PhD
Auburn University, Consumer Science, 2016
MS
Florida State University, Retail Merchandising, 2007
BA
Flagler College, Psychology, 2005
Research Areas
Corporate social responsibility, Consumer behavior, Social media marketing
Image
Education
MBA
Emory University, Business Administration, 1993
BA
University of South Florida, History, 1979
Image
Dr. Heather Patterson
Assistant Professor of Marketing
205A Atkinson Hall
478-445-2593
Education
PhD
Iowa State University, Marketing, 2022
MS
University of Wyoming, Sociology, 2017
BA
College of Idaho, Chemistry, 1997
Research Areas
Psychological & Social Psychological Influences on Consumer Behavior, Resource Constraints, Variety Seeking, Banking and Financial Constraints, ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) Consumers, Sustainable Consumption, Experimental, and Qualitative Methods
Image
Dr. Cherie Rains
Associate Professor of Marketing
215 Atkinson Hall
478-445-4075
Education
PhD
Purdue University, Consumer Behavior, 1999
MA
Syracuse University, 1996
BA
The College of New Jersey, 1994
Research
Consumer-Brand Relationships, Experiential Learning, and AI Integration in Marketing and Education
Image
Dr. Mary Rickard
Associate Professor of Marketing
205B Atkinson Hall
478-445-2566
Education
DBA
Kennesaw State University, Marketing, 2014
MBA
University of West Georgia, Business Administration, 1998
BBA
University of West Georgia, Marketing, 1997
Research Areas
Franchising, Sales
Image
Dr. Ania Rynarzewska
Assistant Professor of Marketing
212 Atkinson Hall
478-445-0966
Education
PhD
The Florida State University, Communication with Emphasis in Marketing and quantitative tools, 2012
MS
The Florida State University, Integrated Marketing and Management Communications, 2010
BB
The Florida State University, Public Relations and International Affairs, 2008
Research Areas
Social Media
Small Business
Image
Education
PhD
Georgia Institute of Technology, Management, Marketing Concentration, 1995
MS
Georgia Institute of Technology, Management, 1991
BS
University of Georgia, Psychology, 1985
Research Areas
Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, LGBTQ+ Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion
Image
Dr. Christopher Serafin
Lecturer of Marketing
211A Atkinson Hall
478-445-2572
Education
DBA
Northcentral University, Marketing, 2018
MBA
University of Phoenix, Healthcare Administration, 2012
BA
University of the Pacific, Art History, 2005
Education
PhD
Georgia Southern University, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, 2015
MBA
Georgia College & State University, Business Administration, 2008
MMIS
Georgia College And State University, Information Systems And Communications, 2005
BS
Macon State College, Information Technology, 2002
BS
Georgia Southern University, Manufacturing Technology, 1989
Research Areas
Supply chain digitalization , Supply chain risk and resilience, Supply chain talent, Supply chain change, Behavioral aspects of supply chain management, Student evaluation of teaching
Education
PhD
University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Logistics and Transportation, 1993
MS
Wright State University, Logistics, 1989
BA
Wartburg College, Philosophy and Psychology, 1979
Research Areas
Sourcing, Procurement, Logistics, Transportation
Education
MBA
Mississippi State University, Business Administration, 2012
BA
Georgia College & State University, Spanish, 2008
Research Areas
Event marketing, Career Advising/ Professional Development for students, Downtown Development
Dr. Whitney Ginder
Education
PhD
Auburn University, Consumer Science, 2016
MS
Florida State University, Retail Merchandising, 2007
BA
Flagler College, Psychology, 2005
Research Areas
Corporate social responsibility, Consumer behavior, Social media marketing
Education
MBA
Emory University, Business Administration, 1993
BA
University of South Florida, History, 1979
Dr. Heather Patterson
Education
PhD
Iowa State University, Marketing, 2022
MS
University of Wyoming, Sociology, 2017
BA
College of Idaho, Chemistry, 1997
Research Areas
Psychological & Social Psychological Influences on Consumer Behavior, Resource Constraints, Variety Seeking, Banking and Financial Constraints, ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) Consumers, Sustainable Consumption, Experimental, and Qualitative Methods
Dr. Cherie Rains
Education
PhD
Purdue University, Consumer Behavior, 1999
MA
Syracuse University, 1996
BA
The College of New Jersey, 1994
Research
Consumer-Brand Relationships, Experiential Learning, and AI Integration in Marketing and Education
Dr. Mary Rickard
Education
DBA
Kennesaw State University, Marketing, 2014
MBA
University of West Georgia, Business Administration, 1998
BBA
University of West Georgia, Marketing, 1997
Research Areas
Franchising, Sales
Dr. Ania Rynarzewska
Education
PhD
The Florida State University, Communication with Emphasis in Marketing and quantitative tools, 2012
MS
The Florida State University, Integrated Marketing and Management Communications, 2010
BB
The Florida State University, Public Relations and International Affairs, 2008
Research Areas
Social Media
Small Business
Education
PhD
Georgia Institute of Technology, Management, Marketing Concentration, 1995
MS
Georgia Institute of Technology, Management, 1991
BS
University of Georgia, Psychology, 1985
Research Areas
Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, LGBTQ+ Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion
Dr. Christopher Serafin
Education
DBA
Northcentral University, Marketing, 2018
MBA
University of Phoenix, Healthcare Administration, 2012
BA
University of the Pacific, Art History, 2005
Emeritus
Thomas Krilowicz | Management | 2000
Lucretia Coleman | Management | 2004
Gordon Long | Marketing | 1998