A Message From the Dean

     Along with the Leadership Team, I have been working on our annual report to the Provost, which for the first time in several years can include some budget requests for temporary funds.  This process each year helps us realize the progress we are making on our goals, and provides a time to work on the focus and priorities for the following year. Our budget requests will primarily attempt to restore some of the resources we lost during the budget reductions, such as graduate assistantship and nontenure-track faculty positions.

      Recently I attended the annual AACSB deans’ conference, and the panels and keynotes were interesting.  Some focused on accreditation standards and how visit teams are interpreting the new guidelines, which we will need to continue discussing as we refine our measures.  I was on a panel where I mentioned our team governing structure, and several colleagues asked for more details to take back for discussions with their faculty.

      We all had considerable conversation about the shortage of business faculty, as well as the challenges business schools face in our efforts to be relevant and prepare our students appropriately for their future professions.  The successful business leaders who came to talk with us usually turned their attention to leadership preparation and their hope that those hired into their organizations will be prepared to step into leadership roles as well as being experts in their respective disciplines.  They agreed that planning for leadership succession was the greatest challenge facing most organizations. You have probably been reading about this, too, as the world watches the baby-boomer generation turn 60!

      On a personal note, I want to thank you for your many kindnesses after my father’s death. Your notes, flowers, memorials and personal comments have helped greatly. Many of you have taken the time to tell me about your own experiences and perspectives after the loss of a parent, and that has helped me reflect on my own. This experience has also reminded me once again that I am fortunate to work in a caring and collegial environment.  Thank you for helping to make this sad time also one of celebration and gratitude.

Dixie