Stapleton to Receive University Educator of the Year Award

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., May 3, 2010 – Dr. James Stapleton, assistant professor of management at Southeast Missouri State University, has been named the 2010 Cape Girardeau Chamber Chamber of Commerce University Educator of the Year.

Stapleton will receive his award May 4 at the annual Educator of the Year banquet and awards presentation at The Plaza by Ray’s.

Four other educators will be honored May 4 along with Stapleton.  They include Crystal Cerny of Cape Central High School, Mark Cook of Jefferson Elementary, Tracy Haggerty of Cape Central Junior High and Virginia Sander of St. Vincent de Paul Parish School. 

“It is quite an honor to receive this award from the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, which contributes so much to the quality of our businesses and community,” Stapleton said. “I am humbled to join the terrific educators at the University that have received this award in the past and appreciate being recognized for the efforts I make.

“I truly enjoy the privilege of assisting students and individuals in the community who are pursuing their dreams and entrepreneurial ambitions,” he said. “I would like to recognize my colleagues in the College of Business and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, as well as University administration for providing a very positive and supportive environment. This is a great University and a great community.”

Dr. Gerald McDougall, dean of the Donald L. Harrison College of Business, said, “Dr. Stapleton has not only provided exception leadership in expanding our academic programming in the area of entrepreneurship, but he has also been instrumental in  promoting business start-ups and growth throughout our region during a period when the economic challenges facing our business community have been  significant.  This recognition by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce is especially meaningful because it speaks to our efforts to apply faculty expertise and knowledge to issues and problems that limit or hinder the growth and development of our business community.”

After joining Southeast faculty in 2006 as assistant professor in the Department of Accounting and MIS in the Donald L. Harrison College of Business, Stapleton then transferred to the Department of Management and Marketing in 2009 to continue his work in the entrepreneurship program.  He is also the Executive Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Southeast where he works to advance the teaching, practice and science of entrepreneurship so as to stimulate economic growth and development through new venture formation, technology commercialization and improved competitive performance of entrepreneurial enterprises.  

Stapleton received his bachelor of science degree in organizational leadership and management from Friends University and then earned his master’s degrees in business administration and business education from Southern New Hampshire University. 
He holds a doctoral degree in workforce education and development from Southern Illinois University.

Stapleton has 10 years of entrepreneurial and business development experience in a variety of market sectors, including retail, light manufacturing, and telecommunications and information technology services. His academic career includes more than seven years of secondary and postsecondary teaching experience.

Stapleton’s research interest includes group dynamics, entrepreneurship education and capacity building, and online education.  Stapleton has authored several articles for various publications including the Delta Pi Epsilon Journal, National Association of Business Teacher Educator’s Journal, and the Human Systems Management Journal. He also received the Best Research Paper award twice at the National Business Education Research Conference. He currently serves as the 2009-2010 editor of the National Association of Business Teacher Educator’s Journal.

Stapleton is also a member of the National Publications Committee of the National Business Education Association, the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, National Business Education Association and Delta Pi Epsilon.