MAK College hosts third annual Best in Business Banquet

June 9, 2026 – DENTON – The Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship celebrated its achievements from the 2025-26 school year with the third annual Best in Business Banquet on Wednesday, April 22. Students, staff, faculty alumni and community members were recognized for their outstanding achievements.

After a welcome from MAK College Dean Rama Yelkur, Associate Dean of Research & Innovation Lee Brown, PhD and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Pushkala Raman, PhD presented the awards. 

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Criteria: The selection of the Outstanding Undergraduate Student was decided on by members of the MAK College Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. The committee took into consideration GPA, involvement in the College, participation in student organizations, employment, and other volunteer/service activities. 

Romina Vargas Trujillo

Romina is a senior with a double major in accounting and finance. While at TWU, she has distinguished herself not only academically, but as a leader and mentor across campus. She has served as president of the Accounting and Finance Society and the IMA student chapter, while also giving back as a mentor in the Owl’s Nest Peer Mentoring Program. In addition, she is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and works as a Maroon Money Mentor, helping fellow students build financial confidence and knowledge.

Outstanding Graduate Student

Criteria: The selection of the Outstanding Graduate Student was decided on by members of the  MAK College Graduate Curriculum Committee. The committee took into consideration GPA, involvement in the MAK College, participation in student organizations, employment, and other volunteer/service activities.

Jacobe Beltran

Jacobe Beltran brings a unique blend of financial expertise, professional experience, and creative talent to Texas Woman’s University. He is currently a financial consultant and graduated with an MBA. At TWU, he serves as vice president of the Graduate Student Council, is active in the Investments Club and Toastmasters International, and is a dedicated supporter of Pioneer athletics.

Excellence in Teaching Award

Criteria: The selection for the Excellence in Teaching Awards is done by students in the MAK College through a survey conducted by the Community Engagement Committee of the MAK College Dean’s Student Advisory Board. The purpose of this award is to recognize and encourage excellence in the classroom. 

Jason Jordan, assistant professor of accounting

Jason Jordan joined Texas Woman’s University in 2023 as an assistant professor of accounting, bringing with him a strong background in both academia and industry.  Prior to his academic career, he gained valuable professional experience as an auditor with Deloitte and as a controller, experiences that continue to enrich his teaching and research.

In the classroom, Dr. Jordan is deeply committed to creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where students feel challenged and supported. His research focuses on behavioral topics such as ethics, audit judgment and decision-making, whistleblowing, and fraud—areas that are critical to shaping responsible and thoughtful business leaders.

Molly Koerner, Adjunct Faculty 

Molly Koerner has earned two degrees from TWU and has worked at Texas Woman's since 2012. In her role as senior academic advisor and retention specialist, and as coordinator of the Owl’s Nest Peer Mentoring Program, she has created an environment where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

What truly sets Molly apart is the empathy and care she brings to every interaction. She is deeply committed to ensuring that each student leaves her office with greater confidence and a stronger sense of direction. Through her work advising, mentoring, and teaching Business Communication, she encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, build meaningful connections, and embrace opportunities that shape their futures.

Outstanding Publication Award

Criteria: This award recognizes and encourages excellence in research by a MAK College faculty member. The recipient is a faculty member who exhibits excellence in academic research, scholarship, and mastery of subject matter that is impactful and exemplifies the characteristics of a scholar.  An ongoing record of research and scholarly productivity, a recent publication of particularly high quality, recent receipt of significant research funding, or other meritorious achievements consistent with the mission of the College is of particular interest. 

Lee Brown, Associate Dean of Research and Innovation

Lee Brown serves as associate professor of management and associate dean of research and innovation in the Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

His scholarship centers on business strategy and corporate political activity — exploring how firms navigate complex competitive and policy environments, how they lobby, and how they interact with government. It is rigorous, relevant work. Work that has earned him 23 peer-reviewed publications in premier journals along with 41 conference presentations and multiple prestigious recognitions 

Distinguished Alumnus

Criteria: This award recognizes an alum who has attained prominence in their profession, or through their accomplishments within their industries, communities, or through public service.

Michael R. Korpiel, DHA, FACHE

With over 36 years of leadership experience across five major healthcare systems in the United States, Dr. Michael Korpiel has built a distinguished career centered on improving clinical quality, advancing strategic growth, and prioritizing both patient experience and employee engagement. As a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, he has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to excellence in healthcare leadership. 

Outstanding Leader in Health Care

Criteria: This award highlights a person’s impact on the healthcare sector and the broader community. It recognizes an outstanding leader in healthcare who helps promote best practices and innovation within the industry. 

Steven Edgar - Chief Executive Officer, Medical City Denton

Steven has dedicated 35 years to HCA Healthcare, beginning his career as a physical therapist in the Kansas City market before advancing through progressive leadership roles, including participation in the HCA Executive Development Program. In 2016, he joined Medical City Denton, where he now serves as Chief Executive Officer.

Throughout his career, Steven has embraced opportunities to lead, serve, and give back. Most recently, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the HCA Hope Fund,

Outstanding Entrepreneur

Criteria:  This award was created to recognize the hard work, dedication, and innovation required to be an entrepreneur.

Shalini Kodial - Founder and Managing CPA

Three years ago, Shalini founded her CPA firm with a vision to build something more relationship-driven than transactional. Since then, she has served as Founder and Managing CPA, growing the firm from the ground up—personally handling every aspect of the business in its early stages, from tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll to client meetings and operations. Today, her role has evolved into strategic leadership, firm development, and mentorship, as she continues to guide both her team and her clients with purpose and vision.

Her dedication to excellence and ethical leadership was recently recognized when she was named a 2025 BBB Spark Award Winner, honoring her commitment to integrity and trust in business.

Outstanding Woman Owned Business

Criteria: This award recognizes the achievements of a woman-owned business. This award is presented in partnership with TWU’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership. 

Sara Miller, COO and Executive Producer of 1820 Productions

Sara serves as the COO and Executive Producer of 1820 Productions, a women-owned creative production company known for delivering ambitious, high-impact work for brands and agencies. Since the company’s founding, she has been there from the very beginning—taking on every role imaginable, from hands-on production to creative problem-solving. Today, she leads both operations and production, ensuring the work remains strong while the process runs with clarity, efficiency, and purpose.

Under her leadership, 1820 has built a reputation for award-winning, culturally relevant work and for earning something even more valuable—trust. Clients don’t just bring the team in to execute; they bring them in early to collaborate and help shape ideas, reflecting the company’s commitment to thoughtful, strategic creativity.