Category: Baylor ENT Professor

Lee Grumbles, B&I LLC Faculty in Residence

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

“Don’t be in a hurry, but instead enjoy the process,
embrace the failures and use it all to fuel your growth as an entrepreneur.”

-Lee Grumbles

What do you do when life just kind of happens and you’re a little slow reaching your goals and dreams? For Lee Grumbles it’s a go-to Bible verse that carries him during trying times. Lee says, “I lean on Philippians 4:6 when stress and anxiety try to get the best of me.”

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
~ Philippians 4:6

Lee grew up in Houston, Texas. He completed his undergraduate work at Texas A&M. Lee spent most of his corporate career working in the commercial banking and finance industry. While working, he also earned an MBA from Sam Houston State University as well as a PhD in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University. For 17 years, Lee was a vice president in commercial banking and mentored countless new bankers in areas such as B2B sales, risk assessment and portfolio management. By all accounts, a very impressive resume.

However, Lee’s goal was always to transition to academia, but “life” just kind of happened. Married with two children and a fortieth birthday around the corner, Lee realized it was time to just go for it.

Lee was initially drawn to Baylor University because of Baylor’s mission of integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment. However, after meeting with the Entrepreneurship Department and experiencing its unique culture, he was hooked.

Lee started his new career in academia as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Baylor Entrepreneurship Department in the Fall of 2020 and taught Small Business Management, New Venture Finance and Entrepreneurial Finance. 

The amount of behind-the-scenes work required with academia was a bit of a culture shock for Lee, but he soon learned to take full advantage of evenings and weekends to keep on track and not fall behind. Lee feels his years of mentoring new bankers actually prepared him for his role in academia. He explains, “I believe those experiences were extremely valuable in giving me an understanding on how to effectively work with my students.”

In the Fall 2022, in addition to teaching Lee took on the role as Faculty In Residence at the Business & Innovation LLC housed in Brooks Flat Residential Hall. In this new role, Lee serves as a resource for students to help them navigate a new life at Baylor, but he will also work as a mentor to these students as students explore business and innovation from a faith-based perspective.

While Lee knows firsthand that life happens and it’s easy to lose track of time, his advice to students is not to be in a rush. He shares, “Don’t be in a hurry, but instead enjoy the process, embrace the failures and use it all to fuel your growth as an entrepreneur.”

Lee didn’t rush and he is right where he’s supposed to be. Sic ‘em, Lee!

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

Meet the New #BaylorENT Prof | Dr. Gabriella Cacciotti

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

 

“Always find love and appreciation for all that you receive in life.“

-Dr. Gabriella Cacciotti

Who is the new #BaylorENT prof?
I come from a very small town near Rome and my husband is from Milan. Together with our three-year-old daughter, home is in two different places in Italy. I received my undergraduate degree from Bocconi University in Italy, my masters degree from Fudan University in China, my PhD from Warwick Business School in the UK and my post doc from Aalto University in Finland. I cannot get enough of discovering the world and understanding different cultures. I have learned a lot by living in different countries and meeting new people. The world is a wonderful place.

Why teach?
My job is beautiful. I have so many opportunities to learn and discover new things.

Why Baylor?
The environment at Baylor is wonderful. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with my students in a way that has a positive impact on them and helps them grow.

Thoughts on Waco?
The sense of community is incredible. I’ve never lived here, but it feels like I’ve come home.

#BaylorENT in three words or less…go.
Collegial, Professional, Inspirational

  
For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

Meet the New #BaylorENT Prof | Dr. Justin Yan

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor


 

“It’s so exciting to be in a new place, to work with new colleagues and to meet new people.“

-Dr. Justin Yan

Who is the new #BaylorENT prof?
I grew up in Inner Mongolia, a northern province of China. For my undergraduate work, I studied at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing. I came to the U.S. about eight years ago and received my MBA in Finance from Seton Hall University. After my MBA, I worked in the financial service industry and as a financial analyst for Bloomberg LP and I co-founded FISH institute, an online education service firm that provides assistance to foreign students in the U.S. I recently wrapped up my Phd. in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville. I like to travel and hike. Fun fact — I’ve been to more than 38 states and 50 national parks and historical sites so far.

Why teach?
For me, teaching is a combination of an intense, intellectual challenge that comes with research and a thrilling, interactive experience that comes with teaching and mentoring students.

Why Baylor?
The University’s Christian guided mission was a major factor when deciding on Baylor. But Baylor also has one of the best entrepreneurship programs in the nation and a top-ranked entrepreneurship research group. 

Thoughts on Waco?
I wasn’t expecting the great cultural and racial diversity of the local population. Another surprise was the weather…

#BaylorENT in three words or less…go.
Collegial, Diverse, Prestige

  
For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

Meet the New #BaylorENT Prof | Dr. Jim Kee

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

 

“I’m most looking forward to seeing first-hand
the success of my students.”

-Dr. Jim Kee

Who is the new #BaylorENT prof?
I’ve lived all over. I was born in Los Angeles, lived in Tulsa for ten years and graduated high school in Houston. Interesting James Kee trivia, I was a Radioman with the US Coast Guard and was one of the last to learn Morse code. My wife Lea and I have been married for 28 years. Our son Robbie just graduated from Notre Dame and our daughter Kellie is a sophomore at Oklahoma University. Before moving to Waco I was the President of South Texas Money Management, a $4 billion investment advisory firm which was sold last year. 

Why teach?
As a professor, I have the opportunity to share my life experiences with students with hopes of helping them achieve success in their careers. 

Why Baylor?
Without a doubt, Baylor’s Christian mission was a deciding factor to move to Waco. The world needs institutions like Baylor, and Baylor students can and do influence the world. 

Thoughts on Waco?
Cameron Park is this beautifully hidden little gem tucked within Waco. 

#BaylorENT in three words or less…go.
Dedicated

  
For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

Meet the New #BaylorENT Prof | Dr. Lee Grumbles

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

 

“My hope is that students with non-entrepreneurial backgrounds
will take one of my courses and be motivated to start a business.”

-Dr. Lee Grumbles

Who is the new  #BaylorENT prof?
I grew up in Houston, Texas. My wife Lauren and I are the proud parents of twelve-year-old Ethan and nine-year-old Avery. I completed my undergraduate work at Texas A&M. After that, I spent almost twenty years working in the commercial banking and finance industry where I helped new and mature ventures grow by providing them with external capital. During this time, I also earned my MBA from Sam Houston State University as well as a PhD in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University.

Why teach?
The opportunity to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs is an experience that can’t be beat.

Why Baylor?
Lauren is a Baylor grad, so I have an affinity to Baylor albeit by proxy. The deciding factor to yes, we’re moving to Waco really comes down to Baylor’s mission to integrate academic excellence and Christian commitment. To work for an employer that openly supports my faith is an unbelievable opportunity.

Thoughts on Waco?
Construction! I suppose that’s the positive side of growth. Seriously though, who knew Waco was surrounded by so many charming communities?  

#BaylorENT in three words or less…go.
Discovering tomorrow, together.

  
For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | David Scheaf

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

David Scheaf, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship

 

WHO IS DAVID SCHEAF?

I called Columbus, Ohio home until I left for North Carolina to attend college at Queens University of Charlotte. I met my wife, Courtney, at Queens University of Charlotte and we dated for 6 years before getting married during my final year of graduate school. I attended UNC Charlotte for graduate school where I received my M.A. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Ph.D. in Organizational Science with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship. After I received my Ph.D., Courtney and I moved to Waco where I started my first Assistant Professorship at Baylor University. Courtney and I recently welcomed our son—James—to our family. Our little family couldn’t be happier living in Waco and being part of the Baylor community.


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I just wrapped up my second year as an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship. I actually wear two hats as an Assistant Professor — researcher and teacher. To be completely honest, I love both! Being in the classroom was my primary motivation for choosing a career in academia. I am passionate about challenging students to think critically and I love watching them get to those personal ah-ha moments.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

The Entrepreneurship Department has so many hands-on opportunities for students, opportunities to gain real-world experience outside of the classroom. The 1846 Student Incubator, for example, gives students extraordinary support for their entrepreneurial endeavors. Baylor Angel Network is also a great opportunity for students as they evaluate start-up companies, which can ultimately help them get jobs in Banking and Finance.  


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

Is it even possible to pick just one favorite Baylor tradition? There are so many. I can’t pick just one, but my top three traditions would be Christmas on 5th, the Baylor Homecoming parade and Pigskin Revue.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

New Entrepreneurship majors should be ready to learn how to think rather than what to think. This will make their experiences in the classroom even more worthwhile.

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Les Palich

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

Les Palich, Professor of Entrepreneurship

 

WHO IS LES PALICH?

I didn’t grow up in Texas or go to Baylor, but I got here as fast as I could. My wife, Dianna, and I both grew up in the Phoenix area, and I completed my undergraduate studies at a small Christian college in Manhattan, Kansas. A few years later I went back to school to earn an MBA and eventually a PhD at Arizona State University. My next stop was Baylor. We felt a strong sense of calling in coming to Baylor and Waco. This is definitely where we belong.


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I taught my first class at Baylor in the summer of 1991. It’s one of the courses I still teach today: Strategic Management, the capstone course for all business majors. Since then I have gone on to develop and/or teach other courses for both MBA and undergraduate students, most with an international business focus. Some of my most memorable experiences have come from leading study abroad trips for Baylor students. I’ve led more than 30 groups to Europe and Latin America, and the experience of introducing our students to the places we visit is indescribable!


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

My colleagues at Baylor are among my closest friends. You would be hard pressed to find a group of faculty and staff who function as well together as we do. In the Entrepreneurship Department we tend to lean toward entrepreneurial thinking, innovative thinking. It’s important that we model creative opportunity development for our Entrepreneurship students, and I really think we hit that mark. Perhaps that explains, in part, why our program is so highly ranked. 


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

My favorite tradition at Baylor is Diadeloso, and not because we all get the day off! Central Texas weather in April is fantastic. Combine that with the casualness of the interactions between faculty and students and you have the makings for a wonderful and unique experience. All of the fun activities of the day are icing on the cake.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

Keep an open mind about where you see yourself going. Don’t let uncertainty keep you from giving it your all and just going for it. The skills and insights you take away from the experiences are key to your success whether you continue with an entrepreneurial path or not.

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Bradley Norris

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

Bradley Norris, Director Technology Entrepreneurship

 

WHO IS BRADLEY NORRIS?

I earned my undergrad in computer science and math from Indiana University Bloomington and my Master of Science in management at Purdue University Krannert. My wife, Laura, and I have three wonderful kiddos. I have been on staff at Baylor for fifteen years now, and have loved every minute of it.


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I am the Director of Technology Entrepreneurship and I serve on Baylor’s new Lab-To-Market team, a partnership between the Vice Provost for Research and Hankamer School of Business. This fall I will start a new journey also serving as the Faculty-in-Residence at Brooks Flats, home to the Business & Innovation LLC. My wife, youngest child and I will move into the dorm in August. To have the opportunity to live on campus and mingle with students outside of the classroom is so exciting.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

I’ve had the privilege to work on real-world class projects including local Waco companies like Bankstons and Butter My Biscuit to NASA’s Neil Armstrong Flight Research Center to a billion-dollar pharmaceutical startup.


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

Baylor Homecoming is amazing! I especially like the parade. The floats that the students work so hard to make are incredible.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

Always make time to check out guest speakers. Baylor, the business school and the Entrepreneurship department all bring in an incredible roster of speakers who come to campus for you. Be there to learn, to appreciate and to meet!

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Patsy Norman

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

Patsy Norman, Associate Professor Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation

 

WHO IS PATSY NORMAN?

Did you know… I am the shortest person in the Entrepreneurship department, but I tower over my mother. That’s just a fun Patsy fact. Before coming to Baylor, I served in the United States Air Force as a Contracting/Acquisition Officer where I ended up meeting my husband, Mike Farr. Mike and I enjoy travelling and have been very fortunate to be able to travel widely both in the U.S. and abroad.


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I came to Baylor in 1997 after completing my PhD at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. I am an Associate Professor with a focus on strategy. I teach strategy classes in our on-campus MBA program and in our Executive MBA programs in Dallas and Austin. I also sometimes teach undergraduate students in summer study abroad programs, as well as coach the MBA case competition team. My research covers a variety of topics including alliances, innovation and downsizing.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

One of the things I enjoy about our department is that it’s full of hard-working and fun-loving people. Many of us like to think we are a lot funnier than we actually are. When we get together as a department, the jokes and barbs are unleashed. The term “don’t quit your day job” definitely applies. This certainly makes our department fun, but it doesn’t stop us from accomplishing whatever we are there to do.


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

I look forward to Baylor graduation every semester. It’s such a great time to celebrate the accomplishments of my students. Meeting student family members who are in town for graduation is always such a treat. At one graduation a father of one of my students approached me and it was then that I realized that the student was the son of a former Air Force colleague.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

I actually have three tips. 1) Take advantage of all the opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. The Entrepreneurship classes are great. They’re phenomenal.  But there are so many other things available that can enhance the student experience like living in the Business & Innovation LLC, attending speaker sessions and studying abroad. 2) Don’t be afraid to take risks. Try something uncomfortable, something hard. The more you do this, the more comfortable you’ll be and the more you will learn. 3) Have fun! Hard work and fun can, and should, co-exist.

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.

 

ENT Buzz | Kendall Artz

kathy_carrBaylor ENT Professor

Kendall Artz, Director Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise

 

WHO IS KENDALL ARTZ?

I grew up on a remote cattle ranch in Eastern Montana in the small town of Jordan (pop. 400). It took me a long time to decide what I really wanted to do; which led me first to getting an undergraduate degree in Finance from Montana State University, then an MBA from Arizona State, and finally, a PhD from Purdue. I married my hometown sweetheart, Colene, and we have been blessed to be together for nearly 30 years. We have one daughter, Alona, who lives in Seattle.


WHAT DO YOU DO AT BAYLOR?

I started working at Baylor in 1995 and have held a number of different positions. For as long as I can remember I have been passionate about entrepreneurship. At Baylor I had the opportunity to help build a world-class entrepreneurship program when I became the Chair of the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (before Entrepreneurship was its own separate department) from 2000 to 2013, and then as Chair of the Entrepreneurship Department from 2013 to 2016. Since 2016, I’ve served as the Director of the Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise and as the Associate Chair of the department. It’s been so rewarding to work with everyone in the Entrepreneurship department to create new and impactful educational opportunities for our students.


WHAT’S SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING IN THE ENT DEPARTMENT?

All it takes is a single email or text from a student who graduated a decade ago, telling me what an impact Baylor made in their life, and I am reenergized and reminded of  how blessed we all are to have this opportunity.


WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAYLOR TRADITION?

Diadeloso, hands down. It’s an April “holiday” so the weather is usually perfect, not too hot and not too cold. It’s close enough to the end of the semester, but far enough from finals that students, faculty and staff are all relaxed. Plus, since it’s scheduled in the middle of the week, it kind of feels like you’re playing hooky for the day!


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW ENT MAJOR?

Launch a business as soon as possible! Set aside excuses and fears and just do it. The initial business may not be successful from a financial point of view, but the lessons learned will be invaluable. The Entrepreneurship department provides fantastic tools like classes and mentoring, but nothing beats actual hands-on experience.

 

For more information on Baylor Entrepreneurship, please visit our website at baylor.edu/business/entrepreneurship/.