Lois M. Shelton

Lois M. Shelton is Professor of Management at California State University, Northridge's Nazarian College of Business and Economics, teaching entrepreneurship, strategic management, and international business across undergraduate, MBA, doctoral, and executive programs.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Business Economics, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (1985)
• M.B.A., Harvard Business School (1983)
• B.A. in Economics, Radcliffe College (1979)

Her research specializes in women's, minority, and immigrant entrepreneurship dynamics with emphasis on firm growth patterns. This work bridges strategic management theory and practical venture development within diverse demographic contexts, highlighting systemic barriers and growth catalysts for underrepresented founders.

Scientific Awards:

• Best Paper Award from Academy of Management (Entrepreneurship Division)
• Best Paper Award from Diana International Research Conference
• Best Paper Award from United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE)
• Justin G. Longenecker Fellow by USASBE

With nearly a decade of corporate executive experience, Professor Shelton launched CSUN's entrepreneurship program and maintains active industry engagement. She serves as Co-Editor of the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research and Review Board member for Journal of Business Venturing, while contributing to public discourse through CBSN Los Angeles interviews and Los Angeles Business Journal Diversity Summit panels focused on women's empowerment initiatives.