The trio have long careers at the School of Business.

Professor Jakov (Yasha) Crnkovic

When did you start at the university?

At the time of the first joint conference with the University at Belgrade and SUNY Albany held in Dubrovnik during the summer of 1985, I was working at the University of Miami, Florida.  Since the University at Belgrade is my alma mater, I decided to participate in the conference. At the conference Bill Holstein, former dean of the School of Business, successfully recruited me to come to Albany. I worked at SUNY Albany for first time in the Fall 1986. After that, I left Miami to take a tenured associate professorship position back in Belgrade. This move allowed me to work three fall semesters in Albany and spring semesters in Belgrade. I finally settled down with SUNY Albany in the Fall of 2000.

What positions have you held?

I was a visiting associate professor several times while working at the University of Miami and University at Belgrade. While I was a full time tenured associate professor at the College of Saint Rose, I participated at SUNY Albany as an adjunct professor. Finally, I moved to the School of Business full time in 2000, accepting my clinical professorship position.

What would the university, the School of Business or your colleagues consider to be your greatest achievement(s)?

I always worked diligently and serviced the department as best as I could. I always jumped at any and all opportunities to teach, provide services and do research. I always did my best to be approachable and be the one that people look up to in the department. I strived to be the one who people could come to the celebrate accomplishments, and work through tough moments. In that endeavor, I taught EVERY undergraduate and almost every graduate BITM course. According to official university data, I typically had 500% more students than the average professor at the University.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievements(s)?

I published 35 research papers, authored 13 chapters in scholarly books, presented 50 peer reviewed conference papers, and I was the leading author or co-author in 37 textbooks.  And much to the dismay of some of my students, I’ve never missed a single class or any department or a school meeting!

What is your fondest memory of the School of Business?

When I was hired at SUNY Albany, the then President Karen Hitchcock asked me why I was moving from the College of Saint Rose for the School of Business. I answered: “Go west young man”. Even if “west” was only 2.5 miles the long way around…

What are your retirement plans?

I want to write a brief, but true history of my work over 50 years for the several universities I taught at, and the nuances of them being on two continents. Maybe I can become a travel agent on the side… My son works as a software engineer in San Francisco now, so I can truly go more than a few miles west!

Director of Undergraduate Student Services Susan Maloney

When did you start at the university?

I started in September 1987 and was hired by John Levato.

What positions have you held?

I’ve really only held two positions since coming here.  I started out as Assistant to the Dean for Graduate Academic Services.  As such I was responsible for all of our graduate advisement (all programs) as well as admissions, recruitment, degree clearance, graduate assistantships and a multitude of other tasks. I did that job for about ten years and  then moved into the position of Assistant to the Dean for Undergraduate Student Services and then a few years later was promoted with the title of Director of Undergraduate Student Services.

What would the university, the School of Business or your colleagues consider to be your greatest achievement(s)? What do you consider to be your greatest achievements(s)?

I think what I consider to be my greatest achievement is probably the same as that of the University and my colleagues.  I believe we have made our office one of the best advisement services locations on this campus.  Of course, I did not do that alone; I had the help of John Levato who mentored me for many years and helped me get established, as well as the help of my co-worker and good friend Jason Cotugno who came later, both of whom were absolutely instrumental in helping me accomplish this.

What is your fondest memory of the School of Business?

I have many fond memories of the School of Business, but one of the things that stands out in my mind were Christmas parties in our office for our students.  This was a highlight of the year for me.  I also cherish the associations I have had with so many students over the years.  So many of them were absolute pleasures to know and work with.  A fond memory I have of the campus is the summertime here.  It is very serene in the summer and the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed, especially after the hectic pace of the academic year.

What are your retirement plans?

My retirement plans are still in the works, but I have many of them.  Once we are able to do so, my husband Michael and I plan to travel.  First up is a trip to Australia to see our oldest son.  We will also spend more time with our younger son who lives in Providence. Then the plan is to visit Italy.  I have been trying to learn Italian for the past year and a half with that in mind.  I especially would like to take some cooking classes there and travel through Tuscany tasting the wine!  We may also take a train trip across the U.S. and a Viking cruise somewhere. I want to become a Master Gardener and will take the class through the Co-operative Extension once they start teaching them again.  I got my sewing machine tuned up and would like to learn to quilt.  I know there is a need for volunteers, especially among the aging, so I hope to do some of that work in my community as well.  I plan to ride my bike more (we’ll see how that goes!).  I’ve also had a long-standing yen to learn to play the trombone!  

Professor Paul Miesing

When did you start at the university?

1979

What positions have you held?

Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor; Director of Graduate Programs; Chair of Management Department; Founding Director of CAUSE (Center for Advancement and Understanding of Social Enterprises).

What would the university, the School of Business or your colleagues consider to be your greatest achievement(s)?

My greatest achievement is CAUSE, along with G3, Going Green Globally, the former cornerstone project for MBAs.

What do you consider to be you greatest achievements(s)?

As far as largest impact on me and then my kids: Fulbright to China 1998-99.

What is your fondest memory of the School of Business?

My two kids have three degrees between them and are doing very well; my ex-step son has two School of Business degrees and is also doing very well.

What are your retirement plans?

I am the recipient of an O’Leary Professorship, largely to establish the “High Peaks Impact Awards” recognizing local businesses that consider environmental, social and governance responsibilities. I am also working with several groups to engage in training, consulting and research and engaging in some personal and professional writing; travel; getting closure on past initiatives. I’m sure more to come …