February 5, 2013: Dr Virgil Bakken

Dr. Virgil Bakken holds a doctorate in Communication from Regent University and a Master’s in film study. His preparation includes graduate and undergraduate study in the areas of curriculum development, mass communication, and business management. Dr. Bakken currently serves as the Chair of the Department Mass Communication at Bemidji State University, and has over ten years of teaching experience. Previously, he worked in broadcasting for nearly 15 years before joining the academy, with responsibilities for producing programming for national and regional broadcast as well as corporate training and promotion.

February 12, 2013 Dr. Shawn Strong

Dr. Shawn Strong holds a doctorate in Industrial Technology and Education from Iowa State University, a Masters of Business Administration and BS Degree in Industrial Management, and an AAS Degree in Mechanical Construction Technology.  He is the Department Head (since 2004) with oversight of two departments: Department of Technology and Construction Management and the Department of Fashion and Interior Design, that house eight academic programs and approximately 800 students.

February 13: Dr. Robert Mulligan

Dr. Robert Mulligan holds a doctorate in Economics  from  State University of New York at Binghamton and an Advanced Studies Certificate (A.S.C.) in International Economic Policy Research, from  Institut für Weltwirtschaft an der Universität Kiel, Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. He is currently the Head of the Department of Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, & Economics  (July 2011-present) at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC. And has over fifteen years of teaching experience as a professor of economics.