From the Chair of the Marketing Department

Dear alumni and friends,

I’m pleased to share this annual newsletter as a celebration of our collective achievements and a glimpse into the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Reflecting on the past two years since I became the department chair, I am deeply appreciative of the progress our Marketing Department has made. Our unwavering commitment to excellence not only enriches the educational experience for our students but also empowers them to make meaningful contributions in their professional careers. I’m proud to highlight that one of our recent Ph.D. graduates has secured a position at the University of Delaware.

Looking ahead, we are excited to launch new initiatives designed to enhance our programs and better support our students' career readiness.

Our faculty continues to demonstrate remarkable research productivity, publishing in top-tier marketing journals such as the Journal of Consumer Psychology, Journal of Retailing, Journal of Advertising, Journal of Personal Selling and Sales Management, International Journal of Advertising, Journal of Business Research, as well as in prestigious outlets like the Harvard Business Review.

MIMA, our student marketing organization, offers valuable opportunities for students to connect with Ilitch School alumni and faculty, tapping into their extensive expertise. Industry executives actively participate by reviewing resumes, providing interview coaching and engaging in panel discussions that shed light on current marketing trends. These initiatives not only enrich our students' educational experience but also foster meaningful connections within the broader marketing community.

On a bittersweet note, I must share that one of our most esteemed faculty members, Dr. Attila Yaprak, will retire at the end of this year after an incredible 46 years of dedicated service to our department, the Ilitch School and Wayne State University. We wish Dr. Yaprak a joyful and fulfilling retirement.

Additionally, we mourn the loss of two cherished emeritus faculty members, Dr. Edward Riordan and Dr. Fred Morgan, who dedicated many years to our department. Their contributions will be remembered fondly.

Thank you for your continued support of the Marketing Department. Together, we are shaping the future of marketing education, and I eagerly anticipate what we will accomplish in the coming year.

Warm regards,

Abhijit Biswas
Distinguished Professor
Chair, Marketing Department
Mike Ilitch School of Business

View all news stories