Archive Posts
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Greater Minnesota to Outspend Twin Cities for Holidays, St. Thomas Finds
ResearchMinnesotans living outside the Twin Cities metro area plan to spend an average of $1,182 this holiday season, approximately 37% more than the $863 anticipated by metro residents, according to a new University of St. Thomas survey. The survey also found differences in where Minnesotans plan to shop. Walmart ranked first among Greater Minnesota respondents,…
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'Beyond the Buzzer' Showcases Depth of Tommie Athletes
People & CultureFor Tommie student-athlete Stefano Giovannelli, faith and family are central to his identity. In an episode of “Beyond the Buzzer,” the third-year wide receiver reflects on losing his mother to ALS when he was young, the influence she continues to have on his life and the role his faith in God plays in shaping who… -
The Art of Leading Through Influence
ResearchErnest Owens on people and project management. The new chair of the University of St. Thomas’ faculty has spent more than three decades teaching students at the Opus College of Business to lead – even when they aren’t necessarily in charge. “It's mainly about influence,” said Associate Professor Ernest Owens. “How do I influence people… -
In the News: Andy Babula on Slowing Twin Cities Home Sales
In the NewsAndy Babula, director of real estate program at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune about rising mortgage rates and slowing home sales across the Twin Cities. Babula explained how higher borrowing costs affect housing affordability, household spending and the broader economy as more prospective buyers reconsider purchasing homes. From the… -
In the News: Mike Porter on Customer Relationships and Business Growth
In the NewsMike Porter, a marketing professor at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, recently appeared on the “Homegrown Hustle” podcast hosted by Matt Ikeman. The two discussed the importance of understanding building long-distance relationships and customer loyalty. Porter explained how businesses can strengthen customer loyalty through creating meaningful experiences, establishing trust and demonstrating… -
Opus College of Business Faculty Member Delivers Keynotes From Twin Cities to Cameroon
Professional NotesChristopher Wong Michaelson, professor at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business and academic director of the Melrose and The Toro Company Center for Principled Leadership, recently delivered three keynote talks exploring meaningful work, responsible business and professional ethics across business, health care and public relations. In July, Michaelson traveled to Cameroon to… -
In the News: John Spry on St. Paul Park’s Proposed Tax Levy
In the NewsJohn Spry, a finance professor at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with KSTP about St. Paul Park’s proposed 1.8% tax levy increase, one of the lowest proposed increases in the Twin Cities metro. Spry explained how slower spending growth can help cities limit levy increases and how residents’ perceptions of local government services can… -
How an Executive MBA Prepared Claire Groh to Lead Organizational Change
Business & LawAbout a year into the Executive MBA program at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, Claire Groh ’26 MBA took on one of the biggest responsibilities of her career. Her employer, Medica, a nonprofit health plan headquartered in Minnesota, was undertaking a significant enterprise-wide strategic and transformation initiative. Groh, a senior director… -
In the News: Muer Yang on Private Equity’s Medical Device Push
In the NewsMuer Yang, a professor of operations and supply chain management at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with Twin Cities Business about KKR’s acquisition of medical device manufacturer Integer Holdings. Yang discussed how private equity ownership could accelerate acquisitions and consolidation in the medical device supply chain, potentially affecting competition and prices. From… -
What Seoul and Tokyo Taught MBA Students About Digital Transformation
University NewsStanding inside a Uniqlo store in Tokyo, Melissa Rose '27 MBA watched shoppers place baskets of clothing into a self-checkout station. Without scanning a single barcode, every item was instantly identified and totaled in seconds. "What struck me wasn't just the technology itself, but how thoughtfully it was designed around the user experience," said Rose,…