Nancy Merlino
Lecturer, Department of Agribusiness and Food Industry Management, Huntley College of Agriculture
Performance Profile
Results Oriented - Team Skills - High Energy - Positive - Problem Solver
- 20 years of administrative expertise in direction and oversight of educational programs/education policy and elsewhere.
- 25 years of experience in online, hybrid, face to face, and distance learning methods of instruction.
- 20 years of experience in curriculum planning, scheduling, and personnel to meet instructional needs.
- 15 years of extensive analytical and budgeting proficiency ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.
- 10 years of expertise in short and long-term planning and program development.
Career Summary Key Competencies Professional Experience
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Agribusiness and Food Industry Management - Faculty (16 Years) /Program Director (7 Years) 2001- Present
Tripled the size of the program with effective curriculum design, scheduling, industry advisory coordination and strategic planning. Conducted short and long term department strategic plans, education policies, annual reports, program review, analytical budgeting, liaison capacities within the university and with industry, and hired staff and faculty. Instrumental in new program initiatives, student orientations, scholarship committees, articulation agreements, and resource allocation to meet the educational needs of the department. Industry advisory board lead in establishing partnerships, external funding, and staying connected to industry needs in education in order to support the program activities.
Teaching commitment to excellence: Ratings Very Good and greater. (*) Currently teaching 2001- Present
Development of Leadership Skills* Personnel Management*
Ethics in Agriculture (Upper Div GE) * Marketing Application*
Sales and Advertising* Senior Feasibility*
Business Management Managing Organizations
Thesis Chair (Masters Students) Equine Science
Agriculture Water Resources Special Topics for Students
CLC (College Leadership Group) Member 2003-2009
Active leadership team member making weekly management and administration decisions for the betterment of the College of Agriculture. Extremely dedicated and instrumental to developing the articulation agreements, external funding, college marketing plan, and strategic planning for possible future budget cuts. Assisted in the WASC accreditation document, college retention plan, and 5 year review.
MBA Associate Director, College of Business 1995-1997
Designed and implemented a marketing plan that doubled gross income. Administration of MBA program policies, procedures, and program development. Oversight and management of five off campus sites located throughout the Los Angeles area interfacing effectively between faculty, staff, students, and industry. Additional responsibilities included budgeting, scheduling, hiring faculty, supervising staff, and recruiting students. Identified opportunities for improvement and made recommendations to the Director and Dean. This self supporting program was the first of its kind in the CSU Southern California area.
United States General Accounting Office
Program Evaluator/Analyst 1991-1995
Primary job responsibility entailed examining the budgets and effectiveness of federal programs. Designed, wrote, and marketed several high profile reports recommending changes in programs and operations to improve economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. Developed and presented numerous testimonies and briefings to United States Congressional Committees. Interacted with California Institute of Technology, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Department of Defense, and local companies.
Education
University of LaVerne
Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, Ed. D.
Dissertation- Key Pedagogical Strategies for Millennial Generation Students in University Business Courses
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Master of Business Administration, Agribusiness Emphasis
(Most Outstanding MBA Student Award)
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Bachelor of Science in Business - Agriculture Business Management
(Graduated Cum Laude)
Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Business Management (2 years)
Extended Professional Experience
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Academic Senator- 2017-2019
One of 39 senators acting as a consultative body and regular voting on educational and other university policies, academic personnel policies, selection of administrative officials of university and foundations, and university administrative regulations and practices.
Academic Affairs Committee- 2017- Present
Attend bi-monthly meetings to investigate and complete reports on issues affecting academic policies and procedures.
WSCUC CPP Accreditation Committee Member-Working Group One 2017- Present
Attend monthly meetings, develop pertinent information and generate needed documents for accreditation.
Semester Conversion Advising Subcommittee 2015-Present
Develop and oversee a comprehensive strategy for supporting and advising students for conversion from quarter to semester. Designed core and general education conversion worksheets for use in determining best possible curriculum for students to graduate. Created semester conversion worksheets and trained faculty and advisors for semester conversion.
Semester Conversion Agribusiness Lead on Curriculum 2015-Present
Organized and conducted agribusiness industry meetings for direct input for semester curriculum redesign. Assimilated and championed industry input and presented to department faculty for redesigning curriculum needed for student industry success in the global southern California business world. Designed and wrote extended course outlines, SLO’s, and activities needed for all major courses in the new semester curriculum. Developed and completed major and minor roadmaps, course offerings, and new curriculum sheets.
Grant, Sowing The Seeds For A Multicultural 21st Century Workforce In The U.S. Agricultural Sector 2015
Designed the project curriculum, expected outcomes, course outline, SLO’s, and instructional methods used for the grant. Hired, trained, monitored and evaluated the project team administrator.
Grant Co-Investigator, Focus on the Future: Cultivating a Multicultural 21st Century Workforce in the U.S. Agricultural Sector, Three Year $289,000 2011-2014
The focus of the grant is to recruit, retain, and prepare Hispanic/Latino students in the 21st century workforce skills they need to succeed in agriculture careers. Investigator duties included recruiting and training 40 Hispanic students over 3 years with the soft skills to succeed in the agricultural sector funded by the USDA. Developed curriculum, SLO’s, policies, and instructional methods for the entire educational three year plan.
Chair, Western Collegiate Food Marketing Competition 2005-2011
Coordinated and directed all activities for a western state collegiate competition for community colleges and universities. Spearheaded the initial development, educational planning, and program development of the student competition. Secured yearly extramural funding with community-based organizations and administrated the budget and forecasted expenditures and additional yearly monetary needs. The collegiate competition design is to prepare students for the rigors of full-time employment by having them complete and present a business/marketing project that simulates expectations and real world realities in the work force.
Grant Principal Investigator, CA Afghanistan Agriculture Army Development Training August‐2009
PI duties included: designing the four-day training, specialist breakout sessions, media coordination, and faculty recruitment.
Business Marketing Team Advisor-1st, 2nd, 3rd , and Semi Finalist Winning Teams 1997 & 2002-2010
Teams competed in nationally recognized competitions against other colleges and universities. The competitions consisted of developing a detailed business/marketing plan, props, and a 20 minimum presentation with visuals. Products included a vast array ranging from an Ice Cream Parlor and Plant to a Temecula Winery appealing to the California’s Hispanic market.
FFA Marketing Team
Coach -2nd Place Winner at FFA Nationals, Louisville, Ky. 2005 Summer
Mingus Union High School, Cornville, AZ- Marketing Plan Career Development Event
UC Blue Ash College
Cincinnati Ohio, Faculty-College of Business 1998-2001
Taught: Marketing Applications and Introduction to Business Management.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Faculty, Food Marketing and Agribusiness Management Department 1996-1997
Classes taught: Agriculture Business Management, Human Resource Management, Managing Agribusiness Organizations, and California Water Resources.
Faculty, College of Business MBA Department 1995-1994
Classes taught: Management Policies and Strategies Practicum and Master Thesis committee member on numerous committees.
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Team Member, Grant Proposal 1994
Team member of a successful Grant Program for the Center for Clean Technology at UCLA's School of Engineering and Applied Science. Provided valuable advice and counsel to help shape the overall design of the program.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Coordinator, International Agribusiness Trade & Investment Conference 1990
Marketed conference at export association meetings, designed program layout, and recruited speakers. The conference was in association with Export Managers Association of California, Agency for International Development, and the City of Los Angeles Export Office.
Agribusiness Marketing Team Advisor
The team competes each year in a nationally recognized competition against other colleges and universities. The competition consisted of a detailed business/marketing plan, props, and a 20 minute presentation with visuals.
2010 – Horsehill Vinyard Wine, WCFMC Third Place Western Division- The team designed a real marketing campaign for CPP Horsehill wine. They designed a new label, farm store display, neck tags, gift baskets, wine charms, and farm store display poster.
2007- Gold Eggs, WCFMC Top Five Winner International Division- Southern California eggs exported through the L. A. Port to Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
2006- Atomic Duo, WCFMC 1st place Winner and Best PowerPoint Presentation- The product consisted of Atomic Cannonballs (packaged grapes and oranges) and the Atomic Splash (a sports drink) targeted to the youth sports team snack market.
2006- Cascade Onions, WCFMC 2nd place Winner International Division- Dried onions exported to Sweden.
2005- The Giddy Up Ice Cream Parlor and Ice Cream Plant, WCFMC 2nd place Winner- Best PowerPoint Presentation, Most innovative Marketing Idea, and 2nd Best Product- The team designed an ice cream plant with full production capabilities to be located adjacent to the farm store. The Giddy Up Ice Cream Parlor was designed to be located in the Student Union next to the Gymnasium. The parlor had a team spirit behind the flavors and was designed to feature student teams and clubs.
2004- The Tres Hermanas Campaign, NAMA Semi Final Winner- A Hispanic owned Temecula winery designed three wines that would appeal to California’s 10.9 million Hispanic market. Rosalina, a Zinfandel Rose, Maria, a Muscat Cannelli, and Susana, a Petite Syrah, three varietals pleasing to the Hispanic palate. The Hispanic market is expected to double by 2025, with Hispanics becoming the ethnic majority by 2015.
2003- More Milk More Profit Campaign, NAMA Semi Final Winner- SuperCalf a bottle fed milk replacer for dairy heifers that is natural and not genetically modified. Fed for the first 7 weeks it allowed dairy producers the highest possible milk production potential, increasing milk production by as much as 13,230 pounds over the cow’s lifetime. The campaign was nationwide emphasizing the top five dairy producing states: California, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania and Minnesota.
2002- What’s Missing In Your Egg Campaign, NAMA Semi Final Winner- Eggsentials, the egg that contains 150mg of DHA and 6 IE of Vitamin E was marketed to California, Arizona, and Nevada. The research showed that DHA deficiencies are associated with attention deficit hyperactive disorder, cystic fibrosis, unipolar depression, aggressive hostility, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. The egg was carried by retail stores and International House of Pancake restaurants.
1997-Pop A Pepper Campaign, NAMA 2nd Place Winner- Snack packaged peppers with dipping sauce.
1996- Star Fruit Campaign, NAMA 3rd Place Winner- A Florida tropical fruit cooperative that marketed Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola) to Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. The area encompassed 10,118 supermarket retailers and 5,991 restaurants.
Equine Experience
Administrator-in-Charge (Alternate), W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center 2009-2010
Supervised the center staff and managed the day-to-day operations. Recognized and acted on unsafe horse practices and made safety adjustments for the well being of the students and staff.
L.A. County Fair Horse Show- Sponsor/General Manager, California Classic Event 1987 to 1992
Identified and implemented areas of reorganization that resulted in profitability. Managed budget constraints and analyzed cost cutting measures. Designed and implemented a very successful marketing campaign that increased exhibitors and spectators. Conducted informational meetings to advertise the event. Supervised a staff of fifteen people.
National Equine Titles
1991- International Arabian Horse Association, Top Ten Half Arab Trail Horse
1991- International Arabian Horse Association, Top Ten Stock Horse AOTR
1988- Canadian Arabian National Horse Association, Top Ten Trail Horse
1988- Canadian Arabian National Horse Association, Top Ten Half Arab Hunter Pleasure
1985- Canadian Arabian National Horse Association, Reserve National Champion Stock Horse
1985- Canadian Arabian National Horse Association, Top Ten Open Western Pleasure
1985- International Arabian Horse Association, Top Ten A/O Western Pleasure 18 & over
1984- Canadian Arabian National Horse Association, Top Ten Western Pleasure 18 & over
1984- Canadian Arabian National Horse Association, Top Ten Open Western Pleasure
1983- International Arabian Horse Association, Top Ten A/O Western Pleasure 18 & over
1982- Canadian Arabian National Horse Association, Stock Horse Top Ten
1979- International Arabian Horse Association, Top Ten Stock Horse Open
1979- International Arabian Horse Association, Top Ten A/O Western Pleasure 18 & over
1976- International Arabian Horse Association, United States Stock Seat Equitation Champion
Additional Equine Titles
Numerous Scottsdale Championships
Numerous Regional Championships
Trained with Gene LaCroix and Al Dunning
Professional Activities and Awards
Academic Senator, Cal Poly Pomona 2017-2019
WSCUC Committee Member, Cal Poly Pomona 2017-2018
La Habra FFA Advisory Committee, 2017-Present
Vice President Philanthropic Education Organization, Anaheim Chapter 2017-2018
University Semester Conversion Advising Subcommittee, Cal Poly Pomona 2016-Present
Merced CTE Alignment, Framework and Syllabi for Merced Union High School District, April-2017
Manuscript Review, Equine Science 5E Parker, Cengage Learning Clifton Park NY, April-2017
Student Success Committee, College of Agriculture/Cal Poly Pomona, 2016-Present
College of Agriculture Semester Conversion Advising Committee, Cal Poly Pomona 2015-Present
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona- Outstanding College of Agriculture Advisor 2012
Merlino, N., & Rhodes, R., (2010, April). Key pedagogical strategies for millennial generation students in university business courses. Paper presented at the meeting of the 39th Annual Western Decision Science Institute Conference., Lake Tahoe, CA. – Awarded Best Paper
Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society- President 2011-2012, Treasurer 2009 – 2011
Strategic Planning Committee for the College of Agriculture, Cal Poly Pomona 2008-2009
Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP)-Recipient 2006
Community College Articulation Agribusiness Lead, Cal Poly Pomona 2006—2009
Cal Poly Pomona- Letter of Thanks for Participation in “Achieving Our Mission: Stories of Successful Learning”, from Claudia Pinter-Lucke, Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Studies 2008
College of Agriculture Graduate Committee, Cal Poly Pomona 2006-2004
Cal Poly Pomona- Letter of Recognition for dedication and devotion to the 1st Annual Western Collegiate Food Marketing Competition and congratulations to the student marketing team on their exemplary performance during the competition, from J. Michael Ortiz, Cal Poly Pomona President 2005
Invite Your Favorite Professor to Lunch Award- Acknowledging faculty members that have demonstrated fairness, sensitivity, respect, and encouragement toward international students not only to succeed in class but in their overall studies as well, Cal Poly Pomona 2004
Presidents Travel Fund Committee, College of Agriculture, Cal Poly Pomona 2004
College of Agriculture Honors Committee, Cal Poly Pomona 2003-2004
Thinking Out Of the Box Award- Food Marketing and Management Banquet, Cal Poly Pomona 2002
Commencement 1996 applauds your dedicated service award, College of Business Administration, Cal Poly Pomona 1996
UCLA D.E.E.P.- Letter of Recognition from David Allen, Professor and Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering and Director 1995
1995- Los Angeles United States General Accounting Office- Letter of Recognition for contributions toward the report and testimony on Base Closing and Cleanup Costs, from Victor Ell, Regional Manager
1995- United States General Accounting Office- Letter of Commendation for review of the environmental impact at closed military installations and subsequent testimony before the Subcommittee on Military Installations and Facilities, House Committee on National Security, from David R. Warren, Director, Defense Management and NASA Issues
1994- Kansas City United States General Accounting Office- Letter of Recognition for participation and contributions to GAO’s DOD Environmental Issues strategic planning conference, from Virgil Schroeder, Issue Area Coordinator
Congress of the United States- Letter of Commendation for excellent support at the hearing held by the Legislation and National Security Subcommittee on March 18, 1993, from John Conyers, Jr., chairman, Legislation and National Security Subcommittee 1993
1993- U.S. House of Representatives- Letter of Commendation for efforts and contribution on the current status of the C-17 Aircraft Program, from Ronald V. Dellums, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services
1993- Letter of Commendation for analyzing technical issues and monitoring the extensive Flight Test Program for the C-17 program, from Bob G. Zimmerman, Director, C-17 Structural Design/Ground Test, McDonnell Douglas Corporation
1993- United States General Accounting Office- Letter of Commendation for her assistance in preparing testimony on the C-17 Airlifter and the McDonnell Douglas Corporation, from C.H. Bowsher, Comptroller General
1993- United States General Accounting Office- Letter of Commendation for her unselfish commitment of her time and their extraordinary expertise on C-17 aircraft acquisition matters, from Louis J. Rodrigues Director, SDP Issues
1993- Los Angeles United States General Accounting Office- Letter of Commendation for her direct contributions to the testimony regarding the status of the C-17 flight test program and the aircraft technical problems, from Victor Ell, Regional Manager
1993- USAF- Letter of Commendation for C-17 contributions, from Brigadier Gen. Ken Miller
1991- Los Angeles United States General Accounting Office- Special Commendation Award for outstanding efforts on the C-17 Assignment, from Victor Ell, Regional Manager
1991- Los Angeles United States General Accounting Office- Special Commendation Award for identifying, researching, analyzing and communicating many of the program’s technical/engineering problems has been exemplary, from Victor Ell, Regional Manager
Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society Member for Collegiate Schools of Business
Publications and Presentations
Rhodes, R., Merlino, N., Darbandi, K. (2012 April). Key pedagogical strategies for the millennial generation as ranked by millennials. Paper accepted for proceedings and presentation at the meeting of the 41th Annual Western Decision Science Institute Conference, Kona, HI.
Merlino, N., & Rhodes, R. (2012 Feb). Technology in the 21st century classroom: Key Pedagogical strategies for millennial students in university business courses. Journal of Supply Chain and Operations Management. 10(1), 110-127.
Merlino, N., & Rhodes, R. (2012 Feb). Technology in the 21st century classroom: Key Pedagogical strategies for millennial students in university business courses. Accepted for presentation at the CSU-POM 2012 Conference, San Jose State University.
Rhodes, R., Merlino, N., & Darbandi, K. (2011, April). Can university business students identify plagiarism.
Paper accepted for proceedings and presentation at the meeting of the 40th Annual Western Decision Science Institute Conference, Portland, OR.
Merlino, N., Assemian, T., Walters, A., Ostrowski, A., O’Connor, F., Buswell, L., & Carrera, L., (2011, February). Horsehill wine student project. Poster session accepted for presented at the Annual Stories of Successful Learning, Pomona, CA.
Merlino, N., O’Connor, F., & Ostrowski, A. (2011, February). Cash ‘n carry business development plan. Poster session accepted for presentation at the Annual Stories of Successful Learning., Pomona, CA.
Merlino, N., & Rhodes, R., (2010, April). Key pedagogical strategies for millennial generation students in university business courses. Paper presented at the meeting of the 39th Annual Western Decision Science Institute Conference., Lake Tahoe, CA.
Merlino, N., Lopez, E. (2009). Poster Presentation: Western Collegiate Food Marketing Competition: Achieving Our Mission: Stories of Successful Learning
L. Hyatt, C. Collins, D. Davis, G. DeGuzman, C. Giaimo-Ballard, N. Merlino, C. Saunders (2008). Poster Presentation ILA Conference. Intellectual Communities: Breakfast of Champion Doctoral Students, Los Angeles, CA
Merlino, N., Lopez, E. (2008). Poster Presentation: Western Collegiate Food Marketing Competition: Creating Real World Learning Challenges. WASC Team Visit October 8-10.
Merlino, N., Lopez, E. (2008). Poster Presentation: Western Collegiate Food Marketing Competition: Creating Real World Learning Challenges. Achieving Our Mission : Stories of Successful Learning. February 19 & 20, Cal Poly Pomona.
Southern California Institute of Food Technologists- Guest Speaker, April, 2005
Hinnen, P., Tumler, P., Kunkle, G., Merlino, N., Hammons, R., Nelson, G., Markes, D., Erdman, E., Environmental Cleanup at DOD Better Cost-Sharing Guidance Needed at Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated Sites, United States General Accounting Office, Report to the Subcommittee on National Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice, Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, House of Representatives, March 1997
Merlino, N., Women Working on Defense Issues, Panel Speaker, San Francisco DOD Conference, 1995
Merlino, N., California Water Issues, Presenter, LA U. S. General Accounting Office, 1995
Cooper, L., Rytel, T., Kunkle, G., Merlino, N., Harlow, C., Strong, J., Military Bases Environmental Impact at Closing Installations, United States General Accounting Office, Report to Congressional Requesters, 1995
Harlow, C., Viola, J., Van Wagner, S., Kunkle, G., Merlino, N., Environmental Cleanup Better Data Needed for Radioactively Contaminated Defense Sites, United States General Accounting Office, Report to the Chairman, Committee on Governmental Affairs, U. S. Senate, August 1994
Merlino, N., Groundwater Contamination, Los Angeles United States General Accounting Office Newsletter, 1994
VanWagner, S., Lance, N., Parker, J., Merlino, N., Bancroft, J., Military Airlift Status of C-17 Aircraft Development Program, April 1992
Van Wagner, S., Merlino, N., Military Aircraft C-17 Wing Flap Requires Additional Testing, United States General Accounting Office Report to the Secretary of the Air Force, July 1992