The CoBA Connection

Phil Pfeffer: A Legacy of Leadership, Love, and Lifelong Learning 

More than six decades after first stepping onto the Southern Illinois University campus, Phil Pfeffer still remembers the exact classroom where his life changed forever — a physics course where he met his wife, Pam, the love of his. That meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership built on love, leadership, and learning. Sixty years later, the two celebrated both their diamond anniversary and Phil’s induction into the College of Business and Analytics Hall of Fame, honoring a lifetime of achievement, service, and Saluki pride.

A Saluki Foundation for a Global Career

Pfeffer earned his bachelor’s in mathematics with minors in Chemistry and English, and a master’s degree in economics from Southern Illinois University under the guidance of mentor Dr. Robert Layer, who later became the chancellor of the university. “He was someone I admired deeply,” Pfeffer said. “He taught me what it meant to apply mathematics and economics to real world problems, a lesson that has guided me throughout my career.”

That foundation carried Pfeffer from Carbondale to the national stage. After receiving a National Science Foundation fellowship to Vanderbilt University, he began a career that would transform multiple industries. As CEO of Ingram Distribution Group, he oversaw a vast network of companies spanning publication, entertainment, and microcomputer distribution, helping to grow Ingram into a multibillion-dollar global enterprise. Later, as President and CEO of Random House, Pfeffer led one of the world’s most iconic publishing houses through one of the most successful sales in U.S. publishing history.

Today, he serves as Chairman and CEO of Tremont Capital, Inc., and remains a respected leader in both business and academia. His name graces the Pfeffer Graduate School of Business at Lipscomb University, where he continues to teach, mentor and take students around the world for International learning experiences.

A Visionary and a Servant Leader

Pfeffer’s business achievements are matched only by his service to others. A Distinguished Eagle Scout, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at Southern Illinois University, and philanthropist, he believes that true success is measured not by wealth, but by impact. “You can’t just wait for the perfect opportunity,” he shared during his Hall of Fame ceremony. “You have to get in the game, that’s how you grow, how you learn, and how you build a life of purpose.”

He has also been a tireless advocate for transparency and family preparedness, values reflected in his wife Pam’s influential work as a banker and author. Together, they were inducted into the Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s Hall of Fame for their shared contributions to business and community building.

A Lifelong Love Story Rooted in SIU

When Pfeffer speaks about his success, he never does so without mentioning Pam. “We met here at Southern Illinois University,” he smiled. “We were just 20 years old when we got married, and this August we celebrated 60 years together.”

Their partnership in business, in family, and in life remains his proudest accomplishment. “We have built companies together, raised a family together, and worked side by side in everything we do. That’s the true measure of wealth.”

Investing in the Future

Even after a lifetime of global success, Pfeffer remains deeply connected to his alma mater. As a member of the College of Business and Analytics External Advisory Board, he continues to mentor students and champion opportunities for future Saluki leaders. “Every time I meet CoBA students,” he said, “I am amazed by their drive and intelligence. Southern Illinois University gave me my start, it’s only right that I help others find theirs.”

A Legacy of Hope and Humility

A former CEO of Ingram Distribution Group and Random House, Pfeffer continues to mentor and uplift CoBA students with wisdom and passion. For the students walking the same campus paths he once did, Pfeffer’s advice is simple and profound: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment, rather start where you are, and let the journey shape you.”

At 80 years old, Pfeffer delivered an energetic, hour long lecture in Professor Danny Tu’s finance class on business success and leadership. When the talk ended, instead of leaving, he quietly stayed to listen to the rest of the class on Credit Analysis, a true sign of a lifelong student, the hallmark of enduring success.

Reflecting on his 60-year journey from Southern Illinois University graduate to business icon, Pfeffer’s voice carries both gratitude and humility. “This university gave me everything: an education, a career, and the love of my life,” he said. “Being honored by the College of Business and Analytics feels like coming full circle.”

Oyd Craddock: Great People Doing the Right Thing for People 

For Oyd Craddock, success has never been about titles or technology, it’s always been about people. After an extraordinary 31-year career with IBM, Craddock returned to Southern Illinois University to be inducted into the College of Business and Analytics Hall of Fame, celebrating a life and career built on integrity, mentorship, and service to others.

A Saluki Start That Shaped a Lifetime

Craddock’s journey began at SIU, where both the football field and the classroom shaped his foundation. “It was through SIU that my career with IBM was launched,” he said. “My football coach, Ray Dempsey, took an interest in me beyond the game. He connected me with the university’s placement director, who sent my resume to IBM and that changed my life.”

That opportunity led to a distinguished three-decade career with IBM, beginning in New Orleans in 1980. Craddock joined IBM as a sales professional and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a respected global leader. His work spanned operations management, distribution strategy, and business transformation, taking him across Canada, France, and Ireland to share best practices and help IBM expand into new markets.

From the Gridiron to Global Leadership

Craddock credits his SIU experience in both business and football for teaching him the principles that guided his corporate success. “On the football field, I learned strategy, performance metrics, evaluation, and teamwork,” he said. “Those same lessons translated directly into IBM’s high-performance culture.”

He describes the College of Business and Analytics as “rigorous and real,” a place that challenged him intellectually and personally. “It was tough,” he recalled. “But it prepared me for the real world, how to compete, how to lead, and how to stay grounded in character. And character still matters today.”

A Leader Who Gives Back

Now retired after a successful 31-year career, Craddock remains passionate about helping the next generation of Salukis succeed. He continues to mentor young professionals, sharing the same advice that guided his own journey: talk to people who’ve walked the path before you.

“Find people who have succeeded in what you want to do,” he said. “Ask questions, learn from them, and act on their advice. People are willing to help but you have to show that you are willing to do the work.”

His approach to mentorship reflects his core philosophy, one that has guided every phase of his life: “Great people doing the right thing for people.”

That phrase, he says, perfectly captures his experience at SIU and the spirit of the community that shaped him.

 The Hall of Fame Spirit

During his Hall of Fame induction, Craddock reflected on the unique blend of academic and athletic rigor that defined his student years. “There were no coaching time limits back then,” he laughed. “Sometimes I would get back from practice around 9 p.m. and then have to start my homework. But it taught me discipline and how to perform under pressure. I also learned to do intellectual work while being physically tired. Those are skills that carried me through every challenge in my career.”

For today’s CoBA students, Oyd Craddock stands as proof that hard work, character, and community can take you anywhere. His humility, gratitude, and commitment to helping others ensure that his Saluki legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Ryan Hammer: From the Hardwood to the Boardroom — A Winning Streak That Never Ended

For Ryan Hammer, success has always been about grit, strategy, and staying true to his roots. A 1999 Finance graduate and former Saluki basketball player, Hammer has built an extraordinary career in the gaming and hospitality industry, blending the discipline of an athlete with the vision of a corporate leader. This year, the College of Business and Analytics proudly welcomed him into its Hall of Fame, recognizing not just his business achievements, but also his deep commitment to giving back to Southern Illinois University and its students.

From the Hardwood to the High Stakes

Hammer’s path to success began in Carbondale though it almost didn’t. Originally bound for West Point, a last-minute change of plans led him to SIU, a twist of fate that he now calls “life-changing”… or perhaps game changing. “I can trace everything I have accomplished back to what happened here in Carbondale in the late 1990s,” Hammer said. “Southern taught me fundamentals, but more importantly, it taught me the Saluki way, that sense of grit and determination that defines success.”

That mindset carried him through an impressive two-decade career that includes leadership roles at Caesars Entertainment and Accel Entertainment, where he managed operations across five U.S. markets and oversaw flagship resorts along the Las Vegas Strip. Today, Hammer is an entrepreneur, having cofounded a hospitality company in St. Louis specializing in food, beverage, and gaming, a move that brings him full circle back to his Illinois roots.

Leadership with Heart and Grit

Beyond his professional milestones, Hammer has remained a driving force for the College of Business and Analytics, serving as Chair of the Dean’s External Advisory Board. His leadership philosophy reflects both humility and heart: “Yes, you need to know finance and spreadsheets,” he said with a grin, “but that only gets you in the door, it won’t keep it open. What keeps it open are the people skills, the resilience, and the relationships you build.”

Hammer credits much of his success to those “softer skills” honed during his time at SIU such as teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance, that shaped both his career and his character.

Coming Home to Give Back

Now deeply reconnected with the Illinois gaming scene and the SIU community, Hammer continues to invest his time, experience, and vision into helping the next generation of business leaders succeed. “Under Dean Marc Morris’s leadership, CoBA is on a fabulous trajectory,” he said. “I am honored to be a part of that growth and to help ensure that today’s students have even more opportunities than we did.”

Hammer’s Hall of Fame recognition is not only a celebration of his professional achievements but also a tribute to his enduring connection to Southern Illinois, a place that taught him how to win, on and off the court. “Southern gave me the foundation for everything,” he said. “It’s a great time to be a Saluki. Don’t worry about what you can’t do, focus on what you can. That’s how you build a life of purpose.”

Dr. Lane Hudgins: A Legacy of Leadership, Learning, and Saluki Pride 

When Dr. Lane Hudgins walked across the stage at Southern Illinois University in 2003, she could not have imagined that one day she would return not as a student, but as a CoBA Hall of Fame inductee. This year, the College of Business and Analytics proudly recognized Dr. Hudgins for her extraordinary contributions to the field of forensic economics, her leadership in national professional organizations, and her unwavering commitment to SIU and the Southern Illinois community she still calls home.

A Career Defined by Clarity and Credibility

After earning her Ph.D. in Economics from SIU, Dr. Hudgins built a career that blended academic rigor with real world impact. She founded her own forensic economics consulting firm in Southern Illinois, providing expert analysis and testimony in complex legal cases across the nation. Her ability to apply sound economic theory to questions of justice has made her one of the most respected voices in her field.

Beyond her practice, Dr. Hudgins has served as President of the National Association of Forensic Economics, is an Executive Editor of the Journal of Forensic Economics, and has been a leader on numerous professional boards. “Being elected president of the association and serving as an editor are defining moments in my career,” she reflected. “It is an honor to help advance the profession and to mentor the next generation of economists.”

Pride in Her Roots

Despite her national prominence, Dr. Hudgins has never drifted far from her SIU roots. She continues to serve on the Economics External Advisory Board and remains a dedicated supporter of both the College of Business and Analytics and the regional arts community.

Returning to campus for the induction stirred deep emotion. “Coming back to Morris Library brings back so many memories, long study nights, leaky ceilings, drafty windows, and all,” she joked during her acceptance speech. “It’s incredible to see the renovations and to witness how the university continues to evolve and thrive.”

She also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Dean Marc Morris and faculty members Dr. Kevin Sylwester and Dr. Scott Gilbert, friends and mentors who have been part of her journey since her graduate school. “It makes me proud to see how SIU continues to shape leaders and strengthen its programs,” she said.

A Philosophy Built on Mentorship and Balance

Throughout her remarks, Dr. Hudgins credited her success to mentorship, perseverance, and family. “I was lucky to have the best mentor right at home, my husband,” she said with a smile. “He modeled what a balanced and professional life could look like, and he supported me through every challenge.”

Her advice to current students and young professionals is simple yet profound: start building your network early. “Ask questions. Go to conferences. Reach out. People are always willing to help, you just have to take the first step.”

Pride in Tradition, Hope for the Future

When asked to describe her SIU experience in one phrase, Dr. Hudgins paused before answering: “Pride in tradition.”

That sentiment perfectly captures her connection to the university, a blend of gratitude for the foundation it gave her and optimism for its future. “SIU has given so much to me, an education, friendships, confidence, and a community,” she said. “I am proud to still call Southern Illinois home.”

From the classroom to the courtroom, Dr. Lane Hudgins exemplifies what it means to be a Saluki for life: a scholar, leader, and mentor whose influence extends far beyond campus walls.

When Dr. Omid Kamran Disfani, joined the College of Business and Analytics in 2019, he brought more than academic rigor, he brought empathy, curiosity, and a deep understanding of what it means to serve on the frontlines. This year, his passion and perseverance came full circle as he celebrated a rare “triple win” earning Researcher of the Year, the Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award, and securing the Dean’s Summer Faculty Research Grant (SFRG) to advance his groundbreaking research. “I have always believed that great research and great teaching go hand in hand,” Dr. Disfani  shared. “At CoBA, I am able to bring both into balance creating value for students in the classroom and for organizations through research.”

From Frontline Experience to Research Excellence
Before becoming a scholar, Dr. Disfani  spent few years as a frontline service employee, an experience that now drives his research on service marketing, retailing, and employee well-being. He studies how companies can empower the people who are the face of every brand and interact directly with customers (such as the cashiers, tellers, and service agents) to build fair, sustainable, and profitable businesses. “It’s about creating value for everyone involved,” he said. “When employees thrive, customers and companies do too.”

Fueling Innovation Through CoBA’s Support
The Dean’s Summer Faculty Research Grant allowed Dr. Disfani  to advance his current project on how human-resource systems influence ethical behavior in service organizations. “The funding helped turn my ideas into data, and data into discovery,” he noted. “It’s one thing to imagine a project but it’s another to see it take shape.”

Teaching with Heart and Purpose
In addition to his research, Dr. Disfani  continues to inspire students across undergraduate and graduate Marketing programs. Known for his clarity, empathy, and energy in the classroom, he sees teaching as more than instruction, it’s transformation. “Every semester, I remind my students that learning is a partnership. They teach me as much as I teach them.”

A Legacy of Growth and Gratitude
Earning three major recognitions in one year is a rare achievement, yet Dr. Disfani remains focused on what truly matters: impact. “I am grateful to CoBA for fostering an environment where research and teaching are both valued,” he reflected. “My goal is simple which is to help others succeed, whether they are my students, colleagues, or the frontline employees who keep our economy running.”

Recently, a small moment captured that spirit perfectly. A colleague spotted him carrying a tiny laptop case and joked, “That’s too cute for laptop.” Smiling, he opened it to reveal neatly organized supplies: flash drives, sticky notes, and folders of every size.  “I want to be prepared for any student’s needs,” he said. “This comes in handy both figuratively and literally.”

That small gesture says everything about who he is, always thoughtful, and always putting students first. 

All eyes on Marketing: When Students lead, CoBA Wins

It was a week when marketing truly took center stage at the College of Business and Analytics and this time, students ran the show. From an inspiring keynote by alumnus Allen Shelton to trivia nights, entrepreneurship panels, and the lively “Carbondale Crawl,” Marketing Week 2025 was more than a celebration. It was marketing in action, designed and delivered by students.

What made this event extraordinary was not just the lineup of speakers or the packed attendance. Every single element was student planned and student led, and they were all members of SIU’s American Marketing Association (AMA).

Leadership in Motion

“Marketing Week was really about giving students the chance to lead,” said Paige Bisping, AMA President of SIU Chapter. “Our Vice President, Madison Cheney, spearheaded the planning, and the entire team came together to make it happen balancing classes, projects, and a full week of professional events. Everyone contributed. It was truly a team effort.”

Paige described the challenge of managing logistics while supporting members who were still fulltime students. “The hardest part was balance,” she said. “We were coordinating an entire week of events while staying on top of academics. But seeing it all come to life was worth it.”

Networking that Builds Futures

Former AMA president Jade McCullough reflected on how far the event has come.  “This was our second Marketing Week, and it was incredible to see how much we have grown,” she said. Her favorite highlight was the keynote session with Allen Shelton, SIU alumnus and advertising firm owner from Chicago.

“Students stayed for almost two and a half hours just to talk with him afterward,” Jade said. “That kind of engagement is rare especially among freshmen. It showed how much value students saw in connecting with professionals.”

For Jade, the week was about more than marketing. It was about building relationships that open doors. “Eighty-five percent of jobs are not even posted,” she noted. “Networking puts you in that elite group where opportunities find you.”

A Learning Experience Like No Other

Faculty advisor Christie Mitchell called the week a “massive team effort” that reflected the best of experiential learning. “Marketing Week began as a simple AMA competition project,” she explained. “Today, it’s a full-scale, student-produced series of events that rivals professional conferences. I encourage anyone interested in supporting our students to reach out to amasiuc@siu.edu.”

From faculty-student mixers and trivia nights to Marketing U, which revived an old CoBA tradition of bringing professionals to campus for panel discussions, the lineup was designed to blend fun with professional development. “Our students did everything,” Christie added proudly. “They raised funds, coordinated speakers, arranged travel, and handled promotions. They even reached out to local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce to make it inclusive. When people attended, they could not believe it was all organized by students.”

The Heart of CoBA’s Mission

Beyond the packed schedules and successful sessions, Marketing Week 2025 captured what CoBA stands for which is innovation, collaboration, and leadership in action. Students not only learned about marketing; they lived it. As Paige summed it up, “We soaked it all in. It was hectic, but it was an unforgettable experience. One that showed us how capable we really are.”