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The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership

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A world-class business school with award-winning faculty and programs, offering a wide array of degree programs for a diverse student population.

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Meet Yangmei “Emily” Wang, assistant professor in the Accounting Department at the Ellis School of Business Leadership! Before joining UNM, Emily served as an assistant professor at Texas State University, where she taught undergraduate and graduate students.

“I was drawn to Ellis and The University of New Mexico because of the school’s strong commitment to academic excellence, student success, and a collaborative faculty environment,” said Emily. “I look forward to getting to know my students and colleagues and becoming more involved in the Ellis community.”

This semester, Emily is teaching Business Entity Taxation, where she aims to help students build a strong foundation in tax law and develop skills they can apply beyond the classroom.

“I hope students develop a strong understanding of the federal tax laws and regulations that apply to corporations, partnerships, estates, gifts, and fiduciaries. More importantly, I want them to learn how to apply what they learned in class to real-world situations.”

Emily enjoys helping students navigate complex topics, think critically and engage in meaningful classroom discussions.

“What I enjoy most is seeing students engage with challenging tax topics, ask thoughtful questions, and develop their ability to analyze complex situations. Taxation often involves both technical rules and practical and ethical considerations, so I enjoy helping students think critically about how tax laws apply to real-world decisions.”

Emily earned an MBA in professional accounting and a Master of Science in taxation from Fordham University. She later earned her doctorate in accounting from Texas Tech University and is a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York. by @unmellis

What does it take to build a career in the investment industry?

Last week, the Lobo Investment Club welcomed Lawrence Ou and Tara Davies of KKR and Kristin Varela of the New Mexico State Investment Council for an exclusive fireside chat at the Jackson Student Center!

Students got an inside look at infrastructure investing, careers in private equity and the professional journeys of industry leaders, with the opportunity to ask their own questions.

One of the biggest takeaways? Technical skills are only part of the equation. Panelists emphasized the importance of building relationships, finding mentors and embracing new opportunities. They also highlighted the role of emotional intelligence in an industry where relationships and shared values are essential.

A big thank you to our panelists for sharing their experiences and advice, and to the Lobo Investment Club for bringing this opportunity to our students! by @unmellis

Our Top Executives series continues its spotlight on health care with Maribeth Thornton, chief nursing officer at The University of New Mexico Hospital.

With a 40-year career in nursing, Maribeth has built a leadership philosophy centered on adaptability, mentorship and creating opportunities for others to succeed. Today, she helps oversee nursing operations, establish clinical standards and guide strategic priorities at UNM Hospital.

Maribeth credits her MBA from the Anderson School of Management, now The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership, with broadening her perspective beyond clinical care. Learning alongside professionals from different industries helped her develop the business and strategic thinking skills needed to navigate the complexities of health care leadership.

Throughout her career, Maribeth has remained committed to mentoring the next generation of health care professionals, drawing on the guidance she received from leaders who recognized her own potential.

"For me, a mentoring relationship is a two-way street. I learn just as much from people I am mentoring, as they do from me."

Alongside her husband, Chris, Maribeth also continues to invest in future leaders through the Thornton Family Scholarship for Healthcare Leadership. by @unmellis

Big recognition for an Ellis Lobo!

Congratulations to graduate student Mahmood Behnampour, recipient of the Best Teaching Innovation Award from the Forensic Accounting Section of the American Accounting Association!

Alongside co-author Eman Momeni of Northern State University, Mahmood was recognized for research published in the Journal of Accounting Education. Their study explores how fraud and forensic accounting are taught, offering insights that can help improve accounting education.

Mahmood earned his Master of Accounting degree in fall 2025, graduating at the top of his class and serving as our convocation banner carrier. Now pursuing his MBA, he continues to collaborate with Ellis faculty on research focused on financial reporting, corporate misconduct and governance.

His journey is a great example of what students can accomplish through research opportunities, faculty mentorship and philanthropic support.

As part of the UNM Foundation's Accelerate New Mexico campaign, we're celebrating students like Mahmood whose work is making an impact in their fields and beyond.

Read the full story at the link in our bio. by @unmellis

October really flew by! 🎈✨

We're still glowing from an unforgettable evening celebrating Balloon Fiesta with our amazing donors, alumni and friends!

One of the highlights of the evening was hearing from Ellis students David Dávila, Antonella Abriola and Darian Kapelianis-Donado, who shared how donor support has shaped their educational journeys and opened doors to new opportunities.

A little late sharing these memories, but the gratitude hasn't faded! Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to make the Ellis community shine so bright! by @unmellis

Our Executive MBA community welcomed Michelle Dearholt, BBA ’02, EMBA ’07, president and CEO of Nusenda Credit Union, for the latest installment of the Industry and Alumni Speaker Series. In a candid conversation titled “Saying Yes to What’s Next: From the Classroom to the Corner Office,” Michelle shared her journey from starting as a teller at Nusenda in 1998 to leading New Mexico’s largest credit union.

Michelle reflected on the opportunities, challenges and defining moments that shaped her career, emphasizing the importance of taking chances, stepping outside your comfort zone and recognizing when your skills can open doors you hadn't considered. She also discussed the value of mentorship and sponsorship, particularly in helping women advance into leadership positions.

The conversation explored what leadership looks like at the executive level, from building trust and developing talent to balancing professional ambitions with personal priorities. Michelle encouraged students to embrace the influence they have at every stage of their careers rather than focusing solely on reaching the next title.

Turning to the financial industry, Michelle discussed the evolving role of credit unions, the growing challenges of fraud and cybersecurity, and the opportunities and responsibilities that come with adopting AI. She also highlighted Nusenda’s commitment to community investment and the importance of aligning organizational values with the people and communities they serve.

Thank you, Michelle, for returning to Ellis and sharing your experiences, thoughtful advice and perspective on leading with purpose. The Industry and Alumni Speaker Series continues to give our EMBA students opportunities to connect with accomplished leaders and gain insights that extend beyond the classroom. by @unmellis

The Student Center for the Public Trust at Ellis is hosting its fifth annual Business Ethics Case Competition on Nov. 6!

Gather a team of two to four students, tackle a real-world business scenario and put your critical thinking, problem-solving and ethical decision-making skills to the test.

Here's what's on the line:

First place: $3,000
Second place: $2,000
Third place: $1,000

And the opportunity doesn't stop there! Last year's UNM team advanced to the national semifinals. Could your team be next?

The competition is open to all UNM undergraduate and graduate students, and lunch is provided.

Registration deadline: Wednesday, Oct. 28
Case released: Friday, Oct. 23
Competition: Friday, Nov. 6, beginning at 9 a.m.

Questions? Contact unmstudentcpt@clubs.unm.edu.

Get your team together and show us what ethical leadership looks like!

REGISTER, linked in bio! by @unmellis

Six new faculty members have joined The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership this fall! In this series, get to know the people bringing new expertise and perspectives to Ellis.

Meet Peter Thurston Carrera, assistant professor in the Department of Marketing, Information and Decision Sciences!

Peter earned his Ph.D. in operations management from The Ohio State University and his bachelor's degree from Cornell University.

“I am ecstatic to join Ellis. The quality of the students, the faculty within my department and school, and the university’s major support and pursuit of research all made me excited to join the University of New Mexico,” Peter shared.

This semester, Peter is teaching Introduction to Operations Management, where he hopes to help students understand the essential role operations plays in any organization.

His research focuses on service quality, operational excellence and learning in service operations. He also brings a decade of industry experience, including roles at Accor Hotels, Sabre and NASA.

One of Peter's favorite parts of teaching is connecting with students and learning from them.

“I love hearing my student’s aspirations and goals, supporting their plans to pursue them, and getting to see them achieve what they want to do in life!”

Outside the classroom, Peter enjoys basketball, science fiction and fantasy books, cooking and visiting family in Panama. He's especially excited to explore New Mexican cuisine and try making his own red and green chile!

Welcome to Ellis, Peter! by @unmellis

At Concentration Selection Day, Ellis students explored their options, connected with faculty and industry professionals, and got a firsthand look at where different business paths can lead.

A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers, including faculty, alumni, industry professionals and fellow students, who staffed tables, answered questions and shared their experiences. Your insight helps our students make informed decisions about their futures!

Here's to exploring new interests, making connections and finding your path at Ellis! by @unmellis

Our Top Executives series is back with a new spotlight on health care, highlighting alumni leaders making an impact on patient care, innovation and the future of the industry.

Robin Divine's journey in health care began in her father's pediatric office in Albuquerque, where she developed an early appreciation for the people and teamwork behind patient care. That foundation eventually led her to pursue an Executive MBA at the Anderson School of Management, now The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership, to strengthen her business knowledge and leadership skills.

Today, Robin serves as CEO of TriCore, one of New Mexico's leading clinical laboratories. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to patient-centered leadership, collaboration and creating opportunities for others to grow.

From navigating complex organizational changes to mentoring emerging leaders, Robin believes some of the most meaningful opportunities begin when someone encourages us to step outside our comfort zones.

"One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is helping people see potential in themselves that they may not yet see. Helping someone grow into a new role or achieve something they once thought was beyond their reach is incredibly meaningful." by @unmellis

Finance students, this one's for you!

The Finance Career Fair is happening TOMORROW! Connect with industry professionals, explore career opportunities and start building your network in finance.

Thursday, Oct. 15
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MCM Living Room

Open to ALL UNM students! Business professional attire is encouraged.

RSVP through the link in our story! by @unmellis

Making connections and opening doors at Sellers Market!

Ellis students had the opportunity to meet with recruiters, explore careers in sales, marketing and business development, and put their interview skills to the test with professionals from a variety of industries.

From practicing their pitches to making connections with potential employers, our Lobos got valuable experience taking the next steps toward their careers!

A big thank you to the companies who joined us and invested their time in our students:

Abrazo Homes, Adobe, Albuquerque Journal, Ben E. Keith Foods, Bruckner Truck & Equipment, Cintas, Comcast Business, CED, D.R. Horton, DSI, Enterprise Mobility, Fastenal, Gateway, HP Inc., KOAT, New Mexico United, Pulte Homes, Rich Ford, Samsara, Sandia National Laboratories, Summit Electric Supply and TK Elevator.

Lobos, keep those connections going! Your next opportunity might be just one conversation away. by @unmellis