Reflections from the AACSB Associate Deans Conference

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the AACSB Associate Deans Conference in Chicago. This annual gathering brings together associate deans from across the country to share ideas, compare challenges, and consider the future of business education. Every time I attend, I walk away with new insights and renewed gratitude for the direction we’ve charted in the School of Business. It always strikes me that while we face our fair share of challenges, I would much rather be addressing our set of issues than those confronting many of our peer institutions.

This year’s conference also carried additional personal significance for me: I was named as a member of the Associate Deans Advisory Group (ADAG) for AACSB. This group serves as a sounding board and partner for AACSB leadership, helping to shape programming and resources that serve associate deans worldwide. I am honored to be part of this year’s ADAG cohort (the cohort is shown in the image above). It’s exciting to contribute to the broader conversation about the future of business education while also ensuring that the voice of our institution is represented at the national level.

Among the many topics discussed in Chicago, one area that stood out for me was the ongoing evolution of artificial intelligence in higher education. In conversations with other associate deans, it became clear that our School of Business is among the institutions leading the way in this space. We have engaged in open discussions across our campus about what AI means for higher education, the workforce, and society at large. We’ve not shied away from asking tough questions about how this technology should change the way we teach, research, and serve our students. At the same time, we’ve taken proactive steps to build plans that ensure our students graduate with the skills needed to navigate and leverage AI. Importantly, our approach is decentralized, realistic, and democratic—ensuring that the integration of AI is happening in ways that align with our culture and values. Over the next few years, I hope to see us continue embracing technology—AI and beyond—not simply to work harder, but to work smarter.

Conferences like these remind me of the importance of stepping away from the day-to-day rhythm of our own institution to see the broader landscape of business education. It is easy to get caught up in the details of course schedules, accreditation, or budgets, but spending time with colleagues from around the country offers perspective. The themes are remarkably consistent: how to prepare students for a rapidly changing workplace, how to use technology responsibly, how to attract and retain outstanding faculty, and how to deliver real value to our communities. Each institution is navigating these challenges differently, but for me, the trip reaffirmed that our school is on a promising path.