Leading with Vision at Business and Innovation: Dr. Chakravarti’s Approach

Dr. Dipankar Chakravarti, Eminent Scholar and Professor of Marketing at Virginia Tech, brings more than 45 years of experience in research, teaching, and leadership to Pamplin College of Business. With a background that spans from physics in India to business education in the U.S., his career reflects curiosity, ambition, and openness to growth. At Virginia Tech, he helped launch the Executive Ph.D. in Business Research program and continues to mentor students with a “tough love” approach, encouraging them to aim higher while embracing new tools like AI in the classroom. Based at the Innovation Campus, he values the flexibility and collaborative opportunities it provides. For Dr. Chakravarti, the highlight of his career remains working with students and inspiring them to pursue their own ambitions. Read more here.

Sales Technology: Building Sales Leaders Through CRM and AI

MKTG 4054 – Sales Technology, taught by Professor Mark Michalisin, is a 3-credit course focused on the integration of technology and data analytics to advance sales with an emphasis given to Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategies, benefits, operations, and application across the customer life cycle. To evolve, previous semester feedback is invaluable where this semester the course has integrated the use of AI based on student recommendations. This feedback and ideology align perfectly with the Pamplin Plus curriculums push for more experiential learning and AI in classrooms. Students practice experiential learning by earning sales certificates in Salesforce and HubSpot which also gives them added value as they enter today’s business environment because industry professionals look for individuals with experience in any CRM. Read more here.

Empowering Voices: MAB Member, Maurisa Potts earns National Recognition

Maurisa Potts, Hokie alum and member of Virginia Tech’s College of Business Marketing Advisory Board, recently earned national recognition as her firm, Spotted MP (Marketing + Public Relations), was named to The PR Net 100 – 2025. The annual list recognizes the most innovative, impactful, and influential agencies redefining the communications industry today. Selected from a record number of submissions, honorees represent excellence across creativity, strategic results, and cultural influence. This recognition celebrates Spotted MP’s “small yet mighty” approach as a women- and minority-owned boutique agency with national impact and deep regional roots. In 2024, the team delivered bold storytelling and high-profile PR campaigns spanning hospitality, culinary, placemaking, and nonprofit sectors — from launching Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Afro-Caribbean fine dining restaurant Dogon, to representing The Watergate Hotel, to amplifying equity-driven nonprofits across a number of sectors.

Bright Beginnings: Welcoming our New Members of Marketing

This semester, the Marketing Department welcomes Jackie Mitchell, Yiyuan Yin, and Dr. Lecheng Zheng. Three scholars bring fresh perspectives to Pamplin. Mitchell is a Communications graduate student, merging journalism with marketing through departmental outreach, with the potential to make a real-world impact. Yin, a PHD student, transitioned from economics to marketing to explore consumer behavior and market microstructures, offering insights that could shape future market strategies. Dr. Zheng, a postdoctoral fellow in computer science, applies machine learning to marketing challenges, paving the way for innovative solutions. Together, they embody our commitment to interdisciplinary research, experimental learning, and real-world impact. We are glad to have them as part of our team! Read more here.