Robert S. Sullivan, Dean of the Rady School of Management, Assumes Chair of AACSB International

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Robert S. Sullivan, dean of the Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego, has been named chair of the AACSB International (AACSB) board of directors effective July 1, 2013, for a one-year term. Sullivan succeeds Joseph A. DiAngelo, dean of the Erivan K. Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph's University.

“AACSB is very fortunate to have one of the world’s most experienced and accomplished management educators at its helm,” said John J. Fernandes, president and chief executive officer of AACSB International. “Dean Sullivan is the right person to lead AACSB, the world's largest and oldest business school association, through a critical decision-making period in its continued globalization.”

Dr. Sullivan’s volunteer work with AACSB has spanned nearly two decades. He was originally elected to the AACSB board in 2006 as a member, and as vice chair-chair elect in 2012. Over the years, Sullivan has provided great direction to the future of management education by serving as chair and/or member of numerous committees and task forces including, the Blue Ribbon Committee on Accreditation Quality, the Finance and Investment Committee, the Impact of Business Schools Task Force, and the Committee on Issues in Management Education (CIME).

In addition, Sullivan has played an active role in the AACSB Accreditation process by serving as chair and/or member of several peer review teams and accreditation committees. He is a prominent speaker, and has presented at many AACSB conferences around the world.

“As we transition to the new accreditation standards, business schools around the world are feeling new pressures and dynamics that involve competition for students, the use of technology in learning, cost of education and more,” said Rady School Dean Robert S. Sullivan. “It’s an important time for all AACSB member schools, where quality and continuous improvement remain paramount. I look forward to working alongside the board to carry out the redefined vision and ensure the future success of management education.”

Since 2003, Sullivan has served as the founding dean and Stanley and Pauline Foster Endowed Chair of the Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Sullivan holds a doctorate in operations management from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree in production management and quantitative methods from Cornell University, and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Boston College.

Prior to joining the University of California, San Diego, Dr. Sullivan was dean of the Kenan-Flagler Business School at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Sullivan has also served in a variety of posts at the University of Texas, Addis Ababa University, and Carnegie Mellon University.

For more information on AACSB International governance, visit: www.aacsb.edu/about.