Archive Posts
-
In the News: John Spry on Rising Gas Prices and Household Costs
In the NewsJohn Spry, a finance professor at the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with KSTP about how rising gas prices are affecting household budgets. As fuel costs climb, Spry noted that certain goods, particularly those that rely on air transportation such as seafood and flowers, may see price increases first.…
-
In the News: Andy Babula on Minnesota Housing Market Trends
In the NewsAndy Babula, director of the real estate program and the Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with KSTP about shifting housing trends in Minnesota following a new Realtors report. Babula said a slight decline in home prices is tied to reduced buyer demand, influenced by factors such as interest… -
In the News: Seth Ketron on Target’s Sales Challenges
In the NewsSeth Ketron, associate professor of marketing at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with KARE 11 about Target’s latest earnings report, which showed another quarter of declining sales. Ketron explained recent economic uncertainty and persistent high prices are prompting many consumers to save rather than spend. From the article:University of St.… -
In the News: Christopher Wong Michaelson on Consumer Boycotts
In the NewsChristopher Wong Michaelson, professor of business ethics at the University of St. Thomas, joined MPR News to discuss the effectiveness of consumer boycotts. Michaelson said that while boycotts rarely have a large direct financial impact on major corporations, they can succeed by drawing attention to issues and encouraging changes in corporate practices. From the conversation:Catherine… -
In the News: Dave Vang on Global Oil Markets
In the NewsDave Vang, professor of finance at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with KSTP about the recent spike in Minnesota gas prices amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Vang said oil is priced on a global market, meaning international conflicts can affect prices in Minnesota, with drivers potentially seeing increases… -
In the News: Mike Porter on the Future of Shopping Malls
In the NewsMike Porter, professor of marketing at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, joined KCBS Radio to discuss the challenges and reinvention of American shopping malls. Porter explained that while e-commerce has significantly reshaped consumer habits, malls that focus on experience, community integration and mixed-use development are more likely to thrive. From residential… -
In the News: Mike Porter on the Strategic Role of Social Media
In the NewsMike Porter, clinical professor of marketing at the University of St. Thomas, joined the “Homegrown Hustle” podcast to unpack the strategic realities behind social media in modern marketing communications. Porter reframed social platforms as shared spaces within the PESO model, emphasizing that social media should serve as a conduit that drives audiences toward owned assets.… -
In the News: Dave Vang on the Cost of Trump’s Tariffs
In the NewsDave Vang, a finance professor in the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with KSTP about new Tax Foundation research estimating that President Trump’s tariffs added roughly $1,000 in costs for the average American household last year, outlining how the policy continues to affect consumer prices, trade negotiations and Minnesota… -
In the News: Erica Diehn and Monica Liu On Leading During Distress
In the NewsErica Diehn, associate professor of management, and Monica Liu, associate professor of American culture and difference at the University of St. Thomas, relayed to The Minnesota Star Tribune advice on leading through unrest. In their Work and Love course, they held space for students to express how they are feeling during the local immigration crackdown… -
In the News: Seth Ketron on AI-Driven Online Shopping Scams
In the NewsSeth Ketron, associate professor of marketing in the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas, was quoted by The Associated Press in an article examining how some online ads use artificial intelligence and fabricated backstories to pose as family-run small businesses. Ketron explained that increasingly realistic AI-generated images and emotional narratives make it easier…