Welcoming New Faculty and Advisor for Spring 2025

The College of Business and Technology (CBT) at Northeastern State University is excited to welcome three new faculty members and a new academic advisor for the Spring 2025 semester. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their roles, and we are eager to introduce them to the NSU community.

Dr. Janice Black joins CBT as an Associate Professor of Management at the Broken Arrow campus. Dr. Black is a first-generation college graduate who earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration from Texas Tech University. This semester, she is teaching Principles of Management, Leadership and Supervision, and Digital Business—courses that align with her passion for strategic management and entrepreneurship. With over 30 publications and more than 2,750 citations of her work, Dr. Black is an accomplished researcher who looks forward to collaborating with colleagues and mentoring students. She is already appreciating the supportive environment at NSU, where faculty, staff, and students have welcomed her warmly. She is particularly excited about engaging students in applied learning experiences and research projects that will enhance their academic and professional development. In addition to her academic interests, Dr. Black enjoys exploring local culture and looks forward to immersing herself in the NSU community.

Dr. Vance Johnson Lewis joins CBT as an Associate Professor of Strategic Management. He holds a doctorate from Oklahoma State University and a post-doctorate in Marketing and Management from the University of Florida. Dr. Lewis has previously served as a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Central Arkansas and as the Founding Director of the Organizational Behavior and Human Resources degree program at the University of Texas at Dallas. This semester, he is teaching Business Policy and Organizational Behavior. His expertise in leadership, strategic planning, and organizational structure makes him a valuable addition to the faculty. Dr. Lewis is excited to contribute to NSU’s growth and stability, particularly in maintaining AACSB accreditation, and looks forward to making a lasting impact on both students and the broader community. He is passionate about fostering a dynamic and engaging classroom environment, where students can develop critical thinking skills and practical knowledge that will serve them in their careers. Outside of academia, Dr. Lewis enjoys traveling and discovering new perspectives that enrich his teaching approach.

Dr. Hassan Ahmed joins CBT as an Assistant Professor of Accounting. With a decade of experience teaching Financial, Managerial, and Cost Accounting at Langston University, Dr. Ahmed is dedicated to supporting first-generation college students through academic resources, mentorship, and career counseling. At NSU, he is currently teaching Managerial and Cost Accounting. Dr. Ahmed recognizes the challenges facing higher education, such as enrollment trends and budget constraints, but he remains committed to student success and fostering a strong academic environment. His research interests include accounting education and the impact of financial literacy on business decision-making. Dr. Ahmed is eager to collaborate with colleagues and engage students in practical learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications. In his free time, he enjoys reading about financial markets and staying up to date with industry trends.

In addition to the new faculty members, CBT welcomes a new academic advisor, Bailey Zagrabelny, who will be assisting students on the Tahlequah campus. Bailey graduated with a B.S. in Integrative Biology from NSU in 2021 and is currently completing her M.S. in Natural Sciences. She has worked at NSU for the past six years and is excited to transition into her new role as an academic advisor. Her responsibilities include assisting students with enrollment, schedule planning, major declarations, and addressing any academic concerns. Bailey is passionate about serving NSU’s student population and is eager to make a positive impact by helping students navigate their academic paths. She values the close-knit community at NSU, where faculty and staff can provide personalized support to students, enhancing their higher education experience.

We are thrilled to have Dr. Black, Dr. Lewis, Dr. Ahmed, and Bailey Zagrabelny as part of the College of Business and Technology family. Their expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm will undoubtedly contribute to the success of our students and programs. Please join us in giving them a warm NSU welcome!