Paul College Recognizes Faculty and Staff

Paul College staff and faculty came together on May 19 to celebrate a successful 2023-2024 academic year.  

The following received excellence awards:

Dean’s Award of Excellence: Rachel Kim, assistant director of undergraduate programs

Kim’s impact on Paul College was immediate when she joined in February 2020 — just one month before the university transitioned to remote operations. Thrust into a paper-based office without standard training protocols, she immediately embraced the challenge, helping modernize processes while centering student well-being.  

A passionate advocate for first-generation and underrepresented students, Kim has led academic cohort programs, enhanced admissions strategies, and built inclusive advising practices that ensure every student feels empowered to succeed. Known for her collaborative spirit and leadership, she also plays a pivotal role in shaping the admitted student experience, contributing to a significant rise in visit day conversion rates. Her colleagues describe her as a pillar of the team — insightful, dedicated, and consistently going above and beyond.

“Rachel embodies Paul’s mission to excite, engage, empower, and excel,” said Tamara Scapicchio, director of undergraduate programs, who nominated Kim for the award.

Outstanding Researcher Award (Pre-Tenure): Scarlett Song, assistant professor of accounting and finance

In just a few short years, Song has established herself as a research powerhouse. Her work—spanning financial accounting, ad

vertising, and corporate governance — has earned publication in three A-star or A-level journals, including two on the prestigious Financial Times 50 list. One of those papers she authored solo, underscoring her exceptional capabilities.

Song’s research has already received Best Paper Awards, ranked in SSRN’s Top 10 downloads, and appeared on academic podcasts. With multiple revise-and-resubmit projects underway and continued success at elite conferences, her trajectory shows no signs of slowing. Beyond research, she’s a dedicated educator and colleague, leading one of the most technically demanding courses and serving on key committees across Paul College.

“Scarlett’s work embodies intellectual rigor, innovation, and real-world impact,” said Emily Xu, professor of accounting, who nominated Song for the award.

Outstanding Researcher Award (Mid-Senior Career): Cinthia Satornino, associate professor of marketing

Since joining Paul College in 2021, Satornino has made an extraordinary research impact. Promoted to associate professor with tenure in early 2024, she has produced an impressive eight peer-reviewed publications in just four years — including multiple articles in A-level and Financial Times 50 journals. Her academic influence is rapidly growing, with citations increasing by over 50% annually — a trajectory that stands out even among established scholars.  

While at Paul, she was named a Research Fellow, earned the UNH Sustainability Award and a UNH CoRE Grant, and co-chaired the American Marketing Association’s Summer Conference. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, she’s presented at over 18 academic gatherings, sharing her insights on marketing, inclusion, and sustainability.

“Cinthia’s research outputs and contributions are outstanding in the academic community and outstanding for someone at this stage in her career,” said Bruce Pfeiffer, associate professor of marketing, who nominated Satornino for the award.

Teaching Excellence Award (Lecturer) Peter Zaimes, lecturer of decision sciences

With a blend of industry insight and creative teaching, Zaimes has redefined the classroom experience at Paul College. Drawing on 25 years of entrepreneurship, Zaimes turns theory into practice — whether he's teaching MBA students or leading undergraduates through real-world business scenarios.  

His courses, including the now-thriving Sports Analytics Lab, have grown from a one-team independent study to a multi-client, experiential learning hub with partnerships reaching as far as the Montreal Canadiens. Known for making even spreadsheets feel like a competitive sport, Zaimes brings humor, empathy, and professionalism to subjects that students don’t always approach with enthusiasm. His innovative approach and unwavering support have helped students find career clarity and confidence in the analytics space.

“His MBA students, many of whom are professionals themselves, often say that his classes feel more like boardroom collaboration sessions than lectures. One student put it perfectly: he teaches in a way that makes you want to solve problems, not just pass tests,” said Jing Wang, associate professor of decision sciences, who nominated Zaimes for the award.

Teaching Excellence Award (Tenure-Track): Burch Eke Rubini, professor of decision sciences

Eke Rubini’s impact as a teacher goes far beyond the classroom. Known for her deep care for students’ academic and personal well-being, she’s inspired many to pursue careers in analytics and data science. Her consistently high evaluations are matched by heartfelt praise from current students and alumni, who speak of her influence on their career paths and personal growth.  

Even as a new assistant professor, Rubini went above and beyond — taking on four teaching assignments each year to meet department needs, while also helping develop the Master of Science in Business Analytics curriculum. Her dedication, compassion, and adaptability have made her an indispensable member of the Paul College community.

“As one student put it, Burcu wasn’t just a teacher — she was someone who cared about their well-being and helped shape their lives beyond the classroom,” says Tevfik Aktekin, professor of decision sciences, who nominated Eke Rubini for the award.

• Annie Nevells, director of graduate enrollment and advising, was recognized for earning UNH’s 2025 President’s Award for Staff Excellence.

   

The following retirees were also recognized:

Ahmad Etebari, professor of accounting and finance  

Since joining UNH in 1980, Etebari has been a steady, inspiring force through decades of change. A dedicated scholar and mentor, he helped shape Paul College from its Whittemore days to its modern form, building programs, guiding faculty, and supporting generations of students.  

Known for his calm demeanor, sharp intellect, and signature Wildcat ties, Etebari’s accolades include the Whittemore Teaching Excellence Award, the Reginald Atkins Chair in Investments, and multiple honors from UNH and beyond. He was a founding advisor of the Atkins Investment Group in 2004, helping it grow into a student-run fund managing over $500 million. Though retiring, he’ll remain connected as a strategic advisor emeritus.

“The real measure of a career isn’t awards or titles—it’s the lives impacted, the laughter shared, and the community built. Ahmad has done all this and more,” said Wenjuan Xie, associate professor of finance.

Diane Devine, senior lecturer of marketing

For 18 years, Devine has been a cornerstone of marketing education at Paul College, combining industry experience with a passion for teaching and student success. A former marketing professional with brands like Oreos, Jell-O, and CBS’s Survivor, she brought marketing to life in ways textbooks never could.  

Beyond the classroom, Devine founded the student chapter of the American Marketing Association, revived the Marketing and Advertising Club, and created MAC SMAC, a premier summit connecting students with industry leaders from companies like Google and Ocean Spray. Her efforts raised over $30,000 annually to fund student trips to national AMA competitions — where UNH teams consistently earned top-10 honors. She’s also served on critical college and university search committees and has remained one of the most influential faculty in students’ lives.

“Diane has left deep marks on students’ careers and lives. The success stories of many of the students that she has guided and championed is reflected in those long-lasting relationships,” says Ludwig Bstieler, professor of marketing.

Jeffrey Sohl, professor of entrepreneurship and decision sciences is also retiring and will be recognized later in the summer.