It’s been an eventful week at the College of Business and Analytics! From the Hall of Fame and ESLA Awards to the Homecoming tailgate and SSIF’s 25th anniversary celebration, campus was buzzing with energy and pride. CoBA was also recognized at the Saluki football game for being the top fundraising college a win worth cheering for! Our Dean’s External Advisory Board wrapped up the week with powerful ideas to propel the college forward. And as we look ahead, November promises more excitement with Saluki Takeovers in Texas and continued celebration of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.We are proud, we are grateful, and we are just getting started.
Phil Pfeffer: A Legacy of Leadership, Love, and Lifelong Learning
More than six decades after first stepping onto the SIU campus, Phil Pfeffer still remembers the physics class where he met his wife, Pam — the beginning of a lifelong partnership built on love, leadership, and learning.
From his start at SIU to leading global giants like Ingram Distribution Group and Random House, Pfeffer has lived by a simple truth: “You can’t wait for the perfect opportunity — you have to get in the game.” His career and generosity continue to inspire future Saluki leaders.
Oyd Craddock: Great People Doing the Right Thing for People
After an extraordinary 31-year career with IBM, Oyd Craddock returned to SIU to be honored for a lifetime of leadership rooted in character and service. From the football field to the global business arena, Craddock built a career on teamwork, performance, and integrity.
His guiding principle — “Great people doing the right thing for people” — remains the hallmark of his legacy and a reminder that Saluki values endure in every profession.
Ryan Hammer: From the Hardwood to the Boardroom — A Winning Streak That Never Ended
A former Saluki basketball player turned gaming industry executive, Ryan Hammer (’99) has proven that grit and strategy translate far beyond the court. Now an entrepreneur and Chair of CoBA’s External Advisory Board, Hammer is helping shape the future of business education while celebrating his induction into the Hall of Fame.
“It’s a great time to be a Saluki. Don’t worry about what you can’t do — focus on what you can.”
Dr. Lane Hudgins: A Legacy of Leadership, Learning, and Saluki Pride
From earning her Ph.D. in Economics at SIU to becoming President of the National Association of Forensic Economics, Dr. Lane Hudgins has built a remarkable career grounded in mentorship, professionalism, and community.
“Ask questions. Go to conferences. Reach out. People are always willing to help — you just have to take the first step.”
Her journey embodies “Pride in tradition” and the spirit of being a Saluki for Life.
Triple Win for Dr. Omid: Excellence in Research, Teaching, and Impact
When passion meets purpose, excellence follows. Since joining the College of Business and Analytics in 2019, Dr. Omid Kamran Disfani has embodied CoBA’s commitment to innovation and impact—both in the classroom and in the field. This year, his dedication earned him a triple win: Researcher of the Year, the Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award, and the Dean’s Summer Faculty Research Grant (SFRG).
All Eyes on Marketing: When Students Lead, CoBA WinS
Marketing took center stage at the College of Business and Analytics but this time, the spotlight belonged entirely to the students. Every detail was imagined, organized, and executed by members of SIU’s American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter. This wasn’t just a week of marketing but it was a masterclass in collaboration, creativity, and career-building.