Since 2010, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday sits “Small Business Saturday”, a day dedicated to helping small businesses and their communities. Small Business Saturday will take place all day on November 25th in downtown Bozeman.
 
It’s a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and the community by helping boost the local economy. Downtown Bozeman and over 250 small businesses are proud to take part in Small Business Saturday, and we encourage everyone to “Shop Small” in downtown Bozeman and across the country on November 25th.

 
According to the Small Business Administration, Montana is home to 123,419 small businesses, employing 65% of the private workforce. While many businesses continue to recover from challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, our local businesses are relying on shoppers more than ever to “Shop Small” and shop local.

 
Why Shop Small?
 
• In 2021, 51 million shoppers participated in Small Business Saturday. (National Retail Federation)
• Nearly 6 in 10 (59% holiday shoppers plan to participate in Small Business Saturday 2022—more than Black Friday (56%). (Bankrate)
• 33.2 million small businesses currently operate in the U.S. (Small Business Administration)
• Small businesses generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the economy. (SBA)
 
How to Shop Small?
 
• In addition to heading downtown on Saturday, November 25th, consider leaving a positive online review for your favorite downtown business!
• Shout it from the top of a mountain (or the M!). Word of mouth is an excellent way to alert friends and family about great places in downtown Bozeman – and while you’re at it, carpool and bring them with you on Saturday, November 25th.
• Order takeout directly from our fabulous downtown restaurants! Third party apps take a significant cut from a restaurant or café; instead, order directly from the website or over the phone.
• Visit your favorite retailer’s website to order online directly. Tons of downtown businesses have the option to order online and pick-up in person, saving you tons of time!
 
When we all shop small, it will be HUGE!
 
For more information, please visit www.downtownbozeman.org/SBS.

BOZEMAN — As a graduate student at Montana State University, Chidimma Ifeh has helped smallholder women farmers in Senegal develop Indigenous fermented beverages. She also previously collaborated with rural West African farmers to address post-harvest crop losses through actions such as developing biscuits made with high-quality cassava flour.

This summer, Ifeh continued to build on her efforts related to food product development and economic stability through a grant-funded project to research how Indigenous cocoa farmers in her home country of Nigeria have passed down wisdom from one generation to another. She is using the results of her interviews with farmers to create educational resources to share with the global food science community.

With the help of a $14,500 Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Research Grant, Ifeh traveled to Nigeria in June to interview cocoa farmers and chocolatiers. The award from the American Heritage Chocolate Society hosted by Mars Wrigley supports innovation in the areas of chocolate history research, cocoa science, scholarship and education. 

As part of her work, Ifeh interviewed four cocoa farmers in southwestern Nigeria’s Ondo State to learn about so-called “bean-to-bar” practices and innovations that have made the process of turning cocoa beans into chocolate more efficient. She also interviewed two chocolatiers in southwestern Nigeria and two in Montana to learn more about chocolate production, including where the chocolatiers source their cocoa beans.

Ifeh said one of her main goals was to learn how Indigenous wisdom might have interacted with modern science to shape the evolution of the cocoa industry in Nigeria, and she was especially interested in innovations that have made the industry more sustainable.

“I’m enjoying this work,” she said. “It’s bringing chocolate to life.”

With her field research concluded, Ifeh is now working with a team to write three instructional case studies about cocoa bean-to-bar practices.The online resource will be shared with food science faculty through a USDA-funded Higher Education Challenge grant, for which MSU is one of the collaborating awardees under the leadership of Wan-Yuan Kuo. Ifeh is also creating a short video about cocoa farming and the chocolate industry in Nigeria, and she will share her results at the Heritage Chocolate Society annual meeting and submit a poster for inclusion in an upcoming Institute of Food Technologists’ conference.

“The Indigenous storytelling in this project, to share how (corporations) and farmers can work synergistically to care for the land, will inspire food professionals to pursue a healthier value chain and foster trust between Indigenous communities, corporate and consumers for reciprocal sustainable development,” Ifeh wrote in her grant application.   

Ifeh also noted in her application that the work is important because Indigenous people make up a disproportionate percentage of the world’s extreme poor, yet their lands retain a majority of the world’s remaining biodiversity.

“Such disproportionality underlines the urgent need to include Indigenous voices in the agricultural value chain, so decisions are made not just for consumers but for the greater society and ecosystems,” Ifeh wrote.

Ifeh has a bachelor’s degree in food science and technology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria. She came to MSU in the fall of 2022 as a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in sustainable food systems in the College of Education, Health and Human Development. She said she was drawn to the university for its high regard as a research institution and to the work of Kuo, associate professor in the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition and Kinesiology, who is Ifeh’s adviser. Kuo directs the MSU Food Product Development Lab, of which Ifeh is a member.

Last fall, Ifeh decided to pursue a doctorate at MSU through its individual interdisciplinary Ph.D. program, which will allow her to combine the study of sustainable food systems, statistics and computer science.

As an MSU student, Ifeh has received recognition for her work in food product development and for communicating about her research in an engaging way.

She led a team that placed third in the Institute of Food Technologists' Developing Solutions for Developing Countries Competition with a presentation about “Frutta-Sorgho: An Instantly Nutritious Blend of Indigenous Knowledge and Western Technology Co-Developed with Senegal Women Farmers.” She also placed first earlier this year in both the College of Education, Health and Human Development’s and the university-wide 3-Minute Thesis competition, where graduate students distill their highly technical thesis projects into engaging, 180-second presentations as a way to promote effective research communication.

Also this year, Ifeh co-founded a team that was named a semifinalist in MSU’s $75K Venture Competition for its venture, “Agri-Productive Farmers Foundation.” Hosted by the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the MSU Blackstone LaunchPad, the competition enables students, faculty, staff and alumni of MSU and the University of Montana to pitch their business ventures to a panel of judges that provides feedback and distributes $75,000 among the winners.

In addition, last summer Ifeh completed an internship funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offered through the Montana Pollution Prevention program, which partners with the Food Product Development Lab to match MSU students with Montana businesses to develop industry-tailored solutions that reduce energy and water consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The 11-week internship includes one week of training with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center. Ifeh was paired with Bozeman-based Front Porch Chocolate.

Ifeh credits her adviser and other faculty and staff at MSU with helping her to identify opportunities and feel empowered to go after them.

“Lots of grad students think grant writing is for professors,” she said. “I would like students to know that they can – with good mentorship – write grants and get awarded, too.”

Ifeh said her own mentors, such as Kuo, helped push her out of her comfort zone to pursue opportunities that have broadened her outlook. She said her other mentors include Mary Miles, associate dean of research in the College of Education, Health and Human Development; Elizabeth Bird, project development and grants specialist in the College of Education, Health and Human Development; Jim Kamman, consultant to the food and consumer products industries; Alison Harmon, vice president for research and economic development; Nika Stoop, assistant director of the Center for Faculty Excellence; Gilbert Kalonde, program leader in curriculum and instruction; and Tricia Seifert, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Development.

“A lot of these competitions I never would have done without their support,” Ifeh said.

For her part, Kuo described Ifeh as a go-getter.

“She is always up for new challenges and wants to learn but also sticks with her committed tasks with persistence and exemplary work ethic,” Kuo said. “With her remarkable initiative and public speaking talent, she is also very humble and mature.”

In the future, Ifeh hopes to continue to look for ways that technology can help the food industry.

“It’s not just about food production or food product development, but it’s leveraging the modern (artificial intelligence) technology to unlock the nutritional potential of indigenous foods, to support food security,” Ifeh said.

Kuo noted that Ifeh has the potential to make great impacts with her work.

“What she studies can be a game changer, bridging modern technology with Indigenous wisdom and sharing the outcomes with students globally, especially from Indigenous cultures,” Kuo said.

Ifeh said that a long-term career goal would be to work as a researcher in food product development, ideally in a position that finds ways for researchers and industry members to collaborate.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting applications for the Trail Stewardship Grant Program from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15.

TSP grants can fund the development, renovation, and maintenance of motorized and nonmotorized recreational trails and trailside facilities. This state-funded program will award approximately $2 million during the 2024 funding cycle.

Applicants may request up to $100,000 with a 10 percent required match. Grant applicants may include tribal, state, county, municipal or federal agencies, school districts, and nonprofit recreational organizations and clubs. An organization can submit only one grant application per grant cycle.

A webinar training and a question-and-answer session will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 2:30 p.m. This session is highly recommended for new and returning applicants. The training will provide helpful information on program requirements and tips on writing a competitive application and using the grant management software. The training will be held via Zoom. For login information, visit fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/trail-stewardship

For more information about the program, visit the TSP webpage at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/tr

BIG SKY, MT— Excitement is building in Big Sky, Montana, as the biggest on-mountain infrastructure project in Big Sky history, the Lone Peak Tram, will open on December 19, 2023.



To celebrate this momentous occasion, Big Sky Resort will offer the first public tram cabin with 45 guest spots to be auctioned off, with all proceeds to benefit three non-profit organizations in the community: Big Sky Community Organization (BSCO), Gallatin River Task Force, and Morningstar Learning Center. 



"Opening the tram is a transformational moment in Big Sky’s history,” said Troy Nedved, the resort’s general manager. “What makes this event even more special is that the funds raised through this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be donated to three vital organizations in the Big Sky community.”   



The auction, currently open for bidding, offers ski enthusiasts the opportunity to secure their place in Big Sky and ski history. Interested guests can vie for a chance to be one of the first passengers in the inaugural public tram ride, which includes a professional photographer to capture every moment of the journey, a champagne toast at the summit of Lone Mountain, and a special memento to commemorate this historic occasion.  



Hosted jointly by all three nonprofits, the auction will close on November 15 at midnight, and winners will be notified upon closing of the auction. Proceeds will be split evenly among BSCO, Gallatin River Task Force, and Morningstar Learning Center. 

Don't miss the incredible opportunity to be a part of Big Sky's history while supporting community organizations that are stewards of Big Sky’s recreation and trails, healthy rivers, and early childhood education. 



For more information about the auction and to place your bids, please visit: First Tram: A Big Sky Community Fundraiser.

HELENA – Those interested in entering a lottery for a guided trophy bison hunt on the Blackfeet Reservation will have five opportunities to enter the drawing.

1. Chances sold from Oct. 28 to Nov. 16, drawing Nov. 17
2. Chances sold from Nov. 18 to Dec. 14, drawing Dec. 15
3. Chances sold from Dec. 16 to Jan. 4, drawing Jan. 5
4. Chances sold from Jan. 6 to Feb. 1, drawing Feb. 2
5. Chances sold Feb. 3 to Feb. 28, drawing Feb. 29

Chances are $10 each, and hunters can purchase up to 20 chances. The lottery is open to all hunters – tribal members, nonmembers, Montana residents and nonresidents. Winners must pay the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department $2,500 within one week of successful draw to secure the hunt. If more than 250 chances are sold through the lottery, the license will be free to the winning hunter. Successful hunters can keep the bison’s head, hide and meat.

To enter the drawing, go to: fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply.

For more information, contact the Blackfeet Fish and Game Department at 406-338-7207 or visit blackfeetfishandwildlife.net/. 

Tuesday at 1:17 P.M. Gallatin County Deputies were dispatched to the Lexley Acres Trailer Court just north of Belgrade on Jackrabbit Lane.  The reporting party stated an unknown woman had approached him and there was a man needing help somewhere behind Goodwill.  With assistance from the Belgrade Police, deputies located the residence in the trailer park where a deceased male was located inside a residence from apparent gun shot wounds.

Detectives are working the crime scene and conducting interviews at the Law and Justice Center.  There are no outstanding threats to the community.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Coroner will identify the deceased man after next of kin has been contacted.  Expect to see law enforcement in the area while the scene is investigated.

****

On Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office investigated a death occurring in the Lexley Acres mobile home park located in Belgrade. The decedent was identified as 76-year-old George Keyser Sobrepena of Belgrade. Following an autopsy, it was determined Mr. Sobrepena died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the Sobrepena family during this time. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office’s detective division is actively investigating.

The biggest challenge most students face when writing their college assignments or coursework is choosing the right research topic. This process can be tougher than actually starting to write – not only is it time-consuming, but sometimes, you may experience writer’s block, says Maggie Parker, Senior Content Strategist of Studybay.
“Fortunately, an online service coursework helper, such as Studybay com or Essay Pro, can offer coursework assignment help to reduce your college workload, especially when you need help choosing a research topic,” adds Maggie.

On the other hand, if you are a student at Bozeman Montana, then you are lucky. Bozeman, Montana, is a fast-growing town in America that offers various outdoor adventures and natural landscapes. So, whether you are looking for compelling environmental or socio-economic college research topics to investigate, Bozeman has a wide range of exciting local issues to explore. Here are a few interesting ones to consider, depending on your field of study and interests:

1. Environmental Sciences and Ecology

While Bozeman is not the largest city in the United States, the micropolitan city has a population rate that increases by 2.67% annually. More than this, the small town has a diverse ecosystem.

While the city itself lies in the Gallatin Valley, which is surrounded by grasslands and mountains, you will also find extensive forests, wetlands, and rivers within a relatively short distance of the city. This diversity of landscapes makes Bozeman an attractive location for students interested in studying and experiencing diverse natural environments. Hence, students interested in environmental science and ecology can explore topics like:

• Wildlife conservation
• Climate change
• Water quality and watershed management

Coursework on local wildlife ensures students can learn how to maintain biodiversity and protect endangered species, while water quality and watershed management can also emphasize the impact of urbanization on the city's pristine rivers and lakes to maintain clean water sources and aquatic ecosystems.

Like most cities in the US, Bozeman has also experienced some effects of climate change. Students can investigate how the city adapts to these changes, from the increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent wildfires. 

Sustainability 

If sustainable development is a field that interests you, then you may want to consider these ready-made research topics depending on your interest: 

• Sustainable agriculture
•Renewable energy
•Sustainable transportation
• Recycling and waste management
• Sustainable architecture and building practices

Bozeman's surrounding farmlands and local food movements provide an excellent opportunity to study sustainable farming practices, organic food production, and the impact of agriculture on the environment. Students can explore how the community supports local agriculture and the benefits of sustainable farming for both the environment and the local economy. The city also employs renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and sustainable transportation, like bikes. Hence, students can investigate the effectiveness of these technologies and how they help reduce carbon emissions.

Sustainable waste management practices and recycling is also an interesting topic where students can learn about the effectiveness of recycling and the community's attitudes toward recycling and waste reduction. As small as the town may seem, Bozeman is a city committed to green building practices. Students can explore environmentally friendly building techniques and energy-efficient designs to improve their architectural skills. 

Urban Planning, Economics and Sociology

As mentioned earlier, Bozeman has experienced significant urban growth in recent years. In fact, research shows that Bozeman's popularity as a college town and a destination for outdoor enthusiasts has led to a surge in housing prices. Hence, many students and residents struggle to find affordable places to live. Students studying urban planning, economics, or sociology can delve into the challenges of affordable housing in Bozeman and potential solutions, such as affordable housing developments and community initiatives. They can also consider local issues like:

• Sustainable development
•Urban design Rural-urban interactions
• Rural-urban migration
• Rental market dynamics
• Housing development policies
• Gentrification

Business and Hospitality

Besides the other fields, students interested in business and hospitality also have a range of exciting topics to explore in a city like Bozeman, Montana, due to its unique blend of natural beauty, tourism, and a growing local economy. For instance, they can investigate the rise of farm-to-table restaurants, the local food supply chain, or the challenges and benefits of sustainable food practices. They can also research sustainable tourism practices and their impact on the local environment and economy. With the city's increasing popularity, understanding how to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation is crucial.

As technology continues to shape the way business and hospitality operate, students can research how businesses in Bozeman are adopting and adapting to technological advancements. This can include topics like online booking systems, contactless payments, and digital marketing. Other local issues students can consider include: 

• Event management
• Impact of technology
• Eco-friendly practices
• Booming tourism industry
• Hospitality workforce challenges
• Local food culture

Medicine and Healthcare

If medicine and healthcare is a field that interests you, then you can consider investigating healthcare services available in Bozeman, including local hospitals, clinics, and wellness programs. This investigation can also focus on healthcare accessibility and affordability, the shortage of medical professionals, as well as initiatives to improve the overall well-being of the community.

Other common topics to consider under medicine and healthcare include:

• Rural healthcare challenges
• Mental health services
• Alternative and holistic medicine
• Telemedicine advancements
• Healthcare disparities
• Geriatric care
• Healthcare sustainability

Bozeman's Education System

One of the best ways to advance growth, especially educational growth, is to examine the curriculum and educational policies and carry out standardized testing to learn how the state approaches education compared to national standards and identify areas for improvement. For students interested in education, delving into the challenges that local schools face, such as funding and overcrowding, and highlighting initiatives to improve education in the community may be some good local issues to consider.

Students can engage in coursework centered on improving local education, fostering youth empowerment, or addressing educational disparities. This allows students to directly impact the lives of the younger generation in the community. That’s not all! Other potential topics students taking education coursework can consider include:

• Challenges of rural education
• Bozeman’s education system
• Education technology integration
• Diversity and inclusion in Bozeman schools
• Teacher development and training
• Parental involvement Alternative education models
(i.e., Montessori schools or homeschooling co-ops)
• Educational policy analysis
• Education and economic development

With these topics, students in education can examine unique local issues to provide innovative solutions and contribute to a broader understanding of educational practices and policies in diverse settings.

Final Thoughts

Bozeman is a fast-growing city and is expected to experience further growth in the next 50 years. Fortunately, students can also take part in the growth surge, whether it is addressing environmental concerns, exploring the educational and healthcare sector, or solving pressing social challenges. Just consider which one of these topics and fields suits your interest, and if none does, observe your environment and see what local issue you can incorporate into your coursework. 

References

Bozeman, MT. (n.d.). Niche. https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/bozeman-gallatin-mt/Bozeman Real Estate Group. (n.d.). Why Are So Many People Moving to Bozeman? https://bozemanrealestate.group/blog/why-are-so-many-people-moving-to-bozemanNew scientific assessment to aid Montanans in dealing with future impacts of climate change. (n.d.). Montana State University. https://www.montana.edu/news/17130/new-scientific-assessment-to-aid-montanans-in-dealing-with-future-impacts-of-climate-change

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on the 2023 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and several environmental assessments (EAs). For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the links provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.


Draft Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan
The draft 2023 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan incorporates updates in wolf-related research, more than 20 years of management experience, evolution in conflict management, new laws, social perspectives, and public input. The draft plan also references the transition to using the number of individual wolves as the population metric, rather than breeding pairs.

Comments due Dec. 19.


McGillivray Private Pond-Checklist EA
McGillivray has applied for a private fish pond license authorizing stocking of rainbow trout in an existing artificial, self-contained pond that is not connected to a perennial stream via surface waters or within the 100-year floodplain of Lolo Creek. The pond was constructed (excavated) for the purpose of private recreation, including fishing. The applicant has indicated (with documentation) that the pond water source (groundwater) is maintained through a valid water right. The pond has no defined inlet or outlet. 

Comments due Nov. 1.


Home Run Pond Drawdown and Fish Removal Draft EA
The purpose of the proposed project is to drawdown Home Run Pond in November 2023 to minimum pool levels to ensure the existing fish assemblage (undesirable species and illegally introduced species) will not overwinter. FWP will restock the pond with rainbow trout in the pond in spring 2024 following refill using the existing well (or alternate water sources). 

Removal of undesirable and illegally introduced species should improve survival and growth of hatchery stocked rainbow trout. Additionally, improved water quality, removal of undesirable species and the slight increase in water depth (removal of trash and sediment) will enhance fish survival overwinter.  

Comments due Nov. 2.


Eagles Roost Conservation Easement Scoping
The proposed Eagle’s Roost CE consists of approximately 438 deeded acres consisting of approximately 70 acres of cropland, 60 acres of riparian and 308 acres of native rangeland habitat. The property lies in Cascade County approximately 5 miles northeast of Cascade. The land lies in the Hunting Districts 445 and 440. The property is adjacent to the Missouri River, an FWP fishing access site and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation School Trust Lands (DNRC) property. The property is currently a working farm/ranch with a small cow/calf operation. The property is currently enrolled in FWP’s Block Management Program as a Type 2 property (access via reservation).

The primary objectives of this CE are to provide perpetual conservation and enhancement of high-quality native riparian habitats, maintaining traditional land uses, and to provide public recreational opportunities. The owners wish to protect the property in perpetuity to preserve habitat and maintain open space. The landowners are committed to maintaining a viable agricultural operation. This project would be the fifth FWP conservation easement between Ulm and Cascade, further protecting lands along the Missouri River from subdivision and development and ensuring the protection of fish and wildlife habitat.

Comments due Nov. 2.


Lellhame Private Pond Draft Environmental Checklist EA
A private landowner is applying for a private pond license and is proposing to stock an existing pond on his property located at 980 Jensen Road in Columbia Falls. The pond is approximately a half-acre and drains to terminal wetland that was dry at the time of viewing and is said to dry annually. There is also a shallow pond upstream of this wetland that is unlikely to support fish year-round. The outlet of the pond is a screened headgate structure. If necessary, removal of fish from this pond could be accomplished with rotenone.

Comments due Nov. 8.


Flathead Lake State Park -Yellow Bay Road and Tent Camping Improvements Draft EA
The proposed project would reconfigure and pave Flathead Lake State Park-Yellow Bay’s (FHLSP-YB) entrance and internal road system and would create five to seven additional parking spaces designed to accommodate vehicle-boat trailer combinations. A cul-de-sac would be incorporated near the entrance to FHLSP-YB to provide a space for park visitors to turn around and to control traffic flow during peak use periods. The cul-de-sac would also function as a location for a small visitor contact station providing information about FHLSP-YB and for fee collection. To accommodate the proposed project, one of the two existing park host sites and five existing tent campsites would be relocated. An existing non-functional shower-house would be removed, and the existing wooden vault latrine would be replaced with a new concrete vault latrine. Further, six passenger vehicle parking spaces would be added at this location. Finally, FWP proposes to refurbish the existing flush toilet restroom and a small maintenance shed would be added in proximity to the refurbished restroom.

Comments due Nov. 25.

BOZEMAN — Brian Gillespie, associate professor and associate dean of the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Montana State University, has been selected as the new dean of the college. He will begin his new position on Jan. 1, 2024.

The Jabs business college is the third largest college at MSU, with an enrollment of nearly 2,200 students. The business school offers four undergraduate degrees — accounting, finance, management and marketing — and two graduate programs, a master of professional accountancy and a master of science in innovation and management. Gillespie has been with the college since 2022.

“I’m honored to serve Montana State and the Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship in this capacity,” Gillespie said. “I look forward to working with our students, faculty, staff and community partners as we continue our mission to serve as the leader in business education for our state.”

Robert Mokwa, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, described Gillespie as an excellent leader and communicator.

“Brian understands the many challenges and opportunities of leading a premiere business college at a research land-grant university, and he has the intelligence, communication skills and experience leading collaborative, forward-looking team that will position him as a strong leader of the business college,” Mokwa said.

Gillespie was one of two finalists interviewed last week after a national search. The interview process included meetings with faculty, administrators and students. Members of the public were also invited to participate in open forums and submit comments online.

“We had a strong pool of applicants and great finalists who each participated in a full day of interviews that were attended by more than 100 faculty, students and staff members. This is a testament to the vibrancy and sense of community in the business college,” Mokwa said. “The college’s faculty and staff have been key contributors to MSU’s success, and I am confident that under Brian’s leadership, the college will continue on an even stronger trajectory in achieving excellence in teaching, research and outreach.”

Gillespie will replace Dan Miller, who has been interim dean of the business college since 2021.

Since coming to MSU, Gillespie has taught classes, overseen the college’s Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation process, managed faculty resources and orchestrated a faculty-led study abroad program in Germany.

Before MSU, Gillespie was the associate dean for student success at the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico. He received his undergraduate degree in engineering from Northern Arizona University and his Master of Business Administration from Washington State University, where he also earned a doctorate in marketing.

“With our record enrollment growths, our successful reaccreditation efforts and the launch of our global programs, this is an exciting time for the college and our stakeholders,” Gillespie said. “Jabs has positioned itself as a resource for the broader community and corporate partners. I am excited to continue to develop and grow these relationships as we work to prepare the next generation of students for successful careers in business and entrepreneurship.”

Photography encompasses diverse genres, each capturing unique facets of life. Landscape photography immortalizes nature's grandeur, portrait photography reveals individual essence, and event photography chronicles social dynamics.

Despite their distinct focuses, they share core principles and techniques. This article delves into their differences and similarities.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography captures the grandeur of natural and urban settings, from calm nature scenes to bustling cityscapes. It evokes emotions and tells a story about a place.

Technically, it relies on tools like wide-angle lenses for broad views and tripods for stability during long exposures. Composition techniques, such as the rule of thirds, guide viewers' attention. However, landscape photographers face challenges, including unpredictable lighting conditions.

The "golden hour" is highly sought after for its flattering light, and changing weather can both enhance and hinder a shot. Whether it's unexpected fog or rain, these elements can either enhance the ambiance or disrupt the intended image.

Portrait Photography

Portrait photography delves deep into capturing the essence of individuals or groups, emphasizing human emotions, expressions, and features. Technically, it leans on specific tools like prime or zoom lenses with wide apertures to blur backgrounds and emphasize the subject. 

Effective lighting, whether natural or studio-controlled, is vital to highlight facial features and emotions. Different angles and perspectives add depth to the images. However, portrait photography presents challenges. 

Building a connection with the subject to elicit genuine emotions is essential, and selecting the right backdrop is crucial to ensure it complements rather than overshadows the subject.

Event Photography

Event photography focuses on capturing the essence of various occasions, from weddings and corporate gatherings to lively parties. Its goal extends beyond simple image-taking, aiming to depict an event's overall ambiance, attendee interactions, and pivotal moments. 

As an event photographer, zoom lenses are essential for their adaptability in capturing both close-ups and broader views. Proficiency in low-light photography is key, especially for events in the evening or indoors. While flash is useful, its careful application ensures subjects aren't overly illuminated. Despite the tools at their disposal, event photographers face challenges. 

The ever-evolving nature of events requires constant vigilance to capture fleeting moments. Moreover, navigating crowds, adjusting to varied lighting, and sometimes contending with unpredictable weather conditions introduce added intricacies to this vibrant field of photography.

Similarities

First, all types of photography need good lighting. It's like having the perfect amount of sunshine on a beach day. Landscape photographers often chase the "golden hour" to get warm, soft light. In portraits, the right lighting can make facial features pop and look amazing.

Next, choosing the right lens is key. Think of it as picking the right tool for the job. Landscapes often use wide-angle lenses to capture grand scenes. Portraits and events may use lenses that blur the background, focusing attention on people.

Finally, composition matters a lot. It's about arranging the elements in your photo well. In landscapes, you might use the rule of thirds to frame a mountain or lake. For portraits, how you frame a face can show emotion. At events, capturing the crowd and the setting tells the story of what's happening.

Differences

In timing, landscapes give you more leeway. You can wait for the sky to turn the perfect shade of orange. Portraits and events are more like sports, where you need fast reflexes to catch great moments.

Equipment varies, too. Tripods are common in landscapes to get super-steady shots. In portrait and event photography, you're often on the move, so tripods aren't as useful.

Subjects also differ. Landscapes focus on beautiful scenes. Portraits zero in on people and emotions. Events are a mix, capturing both the setting and the people in it.

Lastly, control over your environment changes. In portrait photography, you can set up the lighting and backdrop. In landscapes, you have to work with the weather you get. And in event photography, you're mostly adapting to the scene, capturing it as it unfolds.