James B. Nicholson named Michigan Executive of the Year; Anthony P. Frabotta named Distinguished Alumnus

DETROIT-Wayne State University's School of Business Administration has selected James B. Nicholson, president and chief executive officer of Detroit-based PVS Chemicals, Inc., as 2009 Michigan Executive of the Year.

James B. Nicholson

Anthony P. Frabotta

The school confers this award annually to recognize a distinguished business leader who contributes to the advancement of the State of Michigan and its citizenry. The award will be presented this year on April 1st at the business school's Annual Recognition and Awards Program, held at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Also being honored is Anthony P. Frabotta, chief executive officer and chairman of UHY Advisors MI and co-chief executive officer of UHY Advisors Inc., the 15th largest services firm in the US, as 2009 Distinguished Alumnus. This award is bestowed annually to recognize an alumnus for outstanding personal and professional accomplishments and service to Wayne State University and the community.

In addition to these honors, nearly $500,000 in scholarship funds will be awarded to more than 100 students enrolled in the School of Business Administration at Wayne State. Natalie Dean of Woodhaven, Mich., will receive the Outstanding Student of the Year award. Only one student of the approximately 3,600 enrolled in Wayne State's business school receives this award each year. The School of Business Student Senate will receive the Student Community Service award.

Faculty awards include the Distinguished Research, Distinguished Teacher and Board of Visitors Faculty Fellow awards. The awards will be presented to Alan Reinstein, George R. Husband Professor of Accounting (Research award); Mbodja Mougoue, associate professor of finance (Teacher award); and Mai Iskandar-Datta, professor of finance (Fellow award).

Wayne State University is a premier research institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic degree programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students.

The School of Business Administration at Wayne State University has graduated more than 30,000 business and community professionals since its founding in 1946 and continues to provide quality business education through AACSB accredited business degree programs.