COBE recognizes top faculty member, distinguished alumni

Tong-Hsin-Min

Marketing Professor Hsin-Min (Carl) Tong

Marketing Professor Hsin-Min (Carl) Tong is the recipient of the Radford University College of Business and Economics (COBE) Outstanding Faculty Award for 2014.

Tong, who is retiring from RU after 30 years of teaching at the university, received the honor during COBE's commencement ceremony May 10.

While presenting the award, COBE Interim Dean Dennis Grady said Tong was selected for the award because of his "integrity, work ethic, contributions and excellent publication record."

Before announcing Tong as the winner of the award, Grady built suspense among the audience made up of graduates, guests and COBE faculty who were braving a steady rain throughout the ceremony.

"This year the award is provided to a faculty member who has published well in his discipline. Publications are an important part of the career in higher education in business and the topics of study for this person focus on global market research which impacts businesses and organizations," Grady said before announcing Tong as the winner. "He has contributed time to the committees of the COBE and of RU, has served as the vice president for membership of the American Society for Competitiveness between 1997 and 2013 and is always excited to see positive steps across campus and in the achievement of his students."

During its commencement ceremony, COBE honored Jeff Price '86 and J.P. Beckham '87 as its alumni of the year.

Price was a charter member of the COBE Advisory Council and served as chair of the council during the two years in which the new COBE Building was under construction.

"Jeff has served COBE in many capacities, including working directly with classes and serving as a mentor in entrepreneurship for both undergraduate and graduate students," Grady said. "As president of Price Williams Realty, he has provided internships for COBE students as well as helping with resume reviews, protocol dinners, Experience Business Casually and other roles as called upon."

Beckham has served on both the Business Industry Council and on the President’s Advisory Council and is a member of the Society for the Advancement of Management.

"J.P. has served on the COBE Advisory Council since 2005 during which time he has dedicated numerous hours, not only attending all meetings to work with the dean and faculty, but serving on the executive committee as well," Grady said. "J.P. helps each year by working directly with COBE students as a mentor helping them improve preparedness for the job market by reviewing resume's, doing mock interviews, protocol dinners and more. He has helped students connect with internships at College Board and NSC. Both J.P.'s daughter and his son are currently RU students."

May 29, 2014