Businesses
Educators
Deans Conference
An event exclusively for business school leaders. Early registration ends December 20!
Date(s)
February 3 – 5
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Event Type
Conference
Make it a Bundle
Save up to $200
Deans Conference
Continuous Improvement Review Seminar (Las Vegas)
Monday: Disruption, Innovation & Complexity | Tuesday: Leadership & Organizational Strategy | Wednesday: Global Impact and Future Directions
Agenda is subject to change up until the start of the conference.
Agenda Timezone:
Agenda:
Agenda Timezone:
PT
Pacific Time
Sunday
February 2
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM PT
Early Conference Check-In and Information
Check-in early and avoid the morning rush! This is your chance to receive your badge, explore the venue, and settle in before the sessions begin tomorrow. Start your conference journey with ease and connect with your peers in a relaxed setting.
Sponsored by
Monday
February 3
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM PT
Connect & Learn: Your Success Story
Join us for an interactive networking experience where participants will engage in best practice discussions around three topics. Every 10 minutes, participants will switch topics (and tables!) to ensure a dynamic flow of new ideas and fresh perspectives. This content-based networking session offers a supportive, collaborative environment to celebrate successes, foster connections, and discover practical strategies you can apply at your own institution.
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM PT
Navigating Deans Conference: A Guide for New Deans and First-Time Attendees
Join us for a session designed specifically for new deans and first-time conference attendees. This welcome session provides an excellent opportunity to network with peers, meet 51社区 leadership, and connect with fellow attendees. Gain valuable insights on how to navigate the conference, maximize your experience, and build meaningful relationships that will support your professional journey. Don't miss this chance to start your conference with a strong foundation and a network of supportive colleagues.
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM PT
Sponsor Showcase Open
This showcase offers an opportunity to explore the latest products and services from the conference sponsors, establish connections, and learn how their solutions can enhance your work.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM PT
Coffee & Networking
Begin your day by networking over coffee. This is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and discuss the sessions ahead.
Sponsored by
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM PT
Conference Welcome & Fireside Chat: Driving Change in Business Education
Join us for a welcome message from Lily Bi, President & CEO of 51社区 International, and Sherif H. Kamel, Chair of 51社区 International Board of Directors and Conference Chair. Following their welcome comments, Lily and Sherif will engage in a fireside chat on the urgency of driving change in business education. As the pace of change accelerates, with emerging technologies like AI and significant geopolitical shifts, the role of business school deans in leading their institutions through these changes has never been more critical. This session will set the tone for the conference, focusing on the disruptions affecting business schools and the imperative to think differently about solving problems.
Lily Bi
President and CEO
51社区 International
Sherif H. Kamel
Chair of 51社区 Board of Directors
Dean, Onsi Sawiris School of Business, The American University in Cairo
The American University in Cairo
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT
Keynote I: From Disruption to Opportunity: Embracing the AI Revolution
In this thought-provoking speech, Ethan Mollick dives into the highly discussed, transformative realm of AI. Discover how AI technologies are revolutionizing the way we work and live, creating disruptions that can significantly transform your business school. Ethan shifts the conversation towards a pivotal question: How can we thoughtfully and consciously embrace AI to propel innovation and shape our future? Through dynamic and interactive elements, Ethan sparks curiosity and takes the audience on an exploration of the boundless opportunities and incredible possibilities in this era of AI revolution. This session will inspire business school deans to seize the boundless opportunities presented by the AI revolution and position their institutions at the forefront of this transformative era.
Ethan Mollick
Innovation Expert & Artificial Intelligence Thought Leader; Professor of Entrepreneurship
The Wharton School
Sponsored by
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PT
(A1) Predictive Analytics: Forecasting for Strategic Decision-Making
AI Use Cases
This session will demonstrate how AI tools can be used to forecast enrollment trends, enhance financial planning, and optimize resource allocation. See firsthand how data-driven insights can transform your decision-making process, enabling you to make strategic choices that align with your institution鈥檚 goals. Perfect for those looking to quickly grasp the practical applications of predictive analytics.
Dave Johnson
Educational Strategist, Gies College of Business
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Tawnya S. Means
Assistant Dean, Educational Innovation, Chief Learning Officer, Gies College of Business
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PT
(A2) AI-Powered Admissions Tool
AI Use Cases
Dive into a live demo of an AI-powered admissions tool, showcasing how it answers high-volume inquiries with perfect consistency while freeing up staff to focus on engaging candidates at critical decision points. Gain practical insights and best practices for implementing similar tools at your institution to elevate your talent acquisition strategy and improve candidate experiences.
Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou
Dean, Tepper School of Business
Carnegie Mellon University
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PT
(A3) Supporting and Training Faculty for the AI Era
AI Use Cases
This session will explore effective strategies for getting faculty on board with AI initiatives, particularly those who may feel hesitant or lack experience in this area. Speakers will discuss practical approaches to supporting faculty through tailored training programs and continuous learning opportunities. Discover how to turn potential resistance into enthusiasm, ensuring that your faculty are well-prepared to educate the next generation of leaders in an AI-driven world.
Carrie Bauer
Chief Strategy Officer
Centreity
Delphine Manceau
Member of 51社区 Board of Directors
Dean & Director General
NEOMA Business School
Washika Haak-Saheem
Dean, Dubai Business School
University of Dubai
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PT
(A4) Navigating the Ethical Concerns of GenAI
AI Use Cases
The integration of GenAI in business education brings opportunities for innovation and efficiency. However, it also introduces complex ethical dilemmas that require careful navigation. This session will delve into the ethical challenges posed by GenAI, including issues such as data privacy.
Sanjay Sarma
Chief Executive Officer, President and Dean
Asia School of Business
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM PT
Networking Luncheon: Innovating for Change
Join fellow deans for an informal networking luncheon focused on exchanging best practices and fostering connections. Discuss how innovative initiatives at your school have driven positive change and explore new ideas. Use this time to share success stories, inspire others, and collaborate on future innovations.
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM PT
Enhancing Your 51社区 Accreditation Journey with AI
Discover how AI can streamline the accreditation process and enhance the quality of your reports. In this session, Stephanie Bryant, 51社区鈥檚 EVP & Chief Accreditation Officer, will demonstrate how AI-powered tools, including advanced prompt engineering, can be leveraged to efficiently gather data, generate insightful narratives, and ensure your institution meets the highest standards of excellence. Learn practical tips on using AI to make your accreditation journey more efficient and accurate while maintaining rigor and compliance.
Stephanie M. Bryant
Executive Vice President, Chief Accreditation Officer, and Managing Director, Americas
51社区 International
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM PT
The New Era of Work: Preparing for What鈥檚 Next
Join business education leaders as they discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of work and education. This session will focus on career readiness, shifting workplace trends, and the rise of competency-based hiring. Discuss what these changes mean for the future of business education, their impact on business, and how to build new forms of university-industry partnerships that engage faculty and practitioners and yield actionable insights. The session features roundtable discussions with peers to develop innovative ideas for building new partnerships that address pressing challenges.
Holly Raider
Dean, Quinnipiac School of Business
Quinnipiac University
Roy Mathew
National Practice Leader, Higher Education
Deloitte LLP
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM PT
Quick Learn: Innovating Faculty Development
Explore how a business school has reimagined faculty development programs to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. The speaker will share specific initiatives that enhance teaching effectiveness and faculty engagement.
Francisco P茅rez-Gonz谩lez
Dean
Instituto Tecnol贸gico Aut贸nomo de M茅xico (ITAM)
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM PT
Resource Session: Meeting the Needs of Adult Learners to Grow Online MBA Enrollments
Partner-Driven
This session鈥攁 case study-guided conversation鈥攅xamines the practical strategies a regional university implemented to effectively expand adult learner access to in-demand business programs, grow enrollment, and enhance brand impact. The discussion will center on the resources provided by a public-private partnership model and the steps taken to guide successful outcomes. Topics will include establishing need through marketplace research, aligning programs with adult online learner preferences, cultivating faculty and stakeholder support, and the institutional and community results of continuing online program and enrollment growth. Attendees will be invited to participate in a Q&A.
Joe Lynch
Senior Vice President, New University Partnerships
Risepoint (Formerly Academic Partnerships)
Somnath Bhattacharya
Dean, College of Business and Management Administration
University of Illinois at Springfield
Sponsored and Presented by
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM PT
Quick Learn: Interdisciplinary Collaboration
It is widely acknowledged that it is now impossible to navigate today鈥檚 complex challenges with knowledge from just one discipline; interdisciplinary collaboration has become an indispensable competence for individuals and organizations. Yet, as many business school deans can probably testify to from their own experience, making interdisciplinary collaboration work in practice is not always easy. This session builds on these lessons learned in practice and suggests practical steps that you as a dean can take to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration of and within your school.
Mari毛lle G. Heijltjes
Member of 51社区 Board of Directors
Dean, School of Business and Economics
Maastricht University
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM PT
Quick Learn: Mastering Work-Life Balance
This session explores strategies to prioritize wellness while managing the complexities of leadership roles. Participants will discuss how to integrate self-care and professional growth, even with time constraints, and share practical approaches to fostering a work-life balance that enhances both personal well-being and career advancement.
Sara Perry
Professor of Management, Hankamer School of Business
Baylor University
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM PT
Resource Session: Bold New Strategies for Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Career Management with AI
Partner-Driven
Experience firsthand how data-driven behavioral insights, powered by AI, can transform student self-development and career management. Marketplace Simulations鈩 generate extensive data on player behavior and performance, which is now analyzed through Marketplace Career Readiness Reports鈩 to reveal key skills and competencies. These measurable insights can enable students to create a personal development plan for their critical thinking, problem solving, and career management. However, many students struggle to identify their current abilities and future goals. By integrating their skill-based data with AI, students can create personalized growth plans, explore suitable career paths, research new product ideas, and investigate new business opportunities. In this session, you鈥檒l explore these possibilities using AI and Career Readiness Reports of two students who will help and share their experience.
Arden Jordan
Marketplace Simulations
Ernest Cadotte
Author of Marketplace Simulations
Marketplace Simulations
Maria Nakalanda
Marketplace Simulations
Sponsored and Presented by
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM PT
Strategic Planning & Complexity
Challenge traditional strategic planning methods and explore disruptive approaches to leadership in complex times. Learn how to lead strategic planning sessions that are innovative and responsive to the unpredictable challenges facing business schools today.
Scott Anthony
Clinical Professor, Tuck School of Business
Dartmouth College
Sponsored by
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM PT
Resource Session: AI in the Classroom: Revolutionizing Business Education
Partner-Driven
Artificial intelligence isn鈥檛 just a new way that students have found to cheat on their schoolwork. AI truly has the power to transform the way we educate our learners and improve the way we operate our programs. Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been on the leading edge of AI applications in higher education and is ready to share what they have learned. Dean Brooke Elliott will talk with Eduvantis President Tim Westerbeck about specific examples of how AI is being used in the classroom 鈥 both in-person and online 鈥 and Dean Elliott will share her expertise on what鈥檚 working, what鈥檚 not working, and where business education should go from here.
Brooke Elliott
Dean of Gies College of Business
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Tim Westerbeck
President
Eduvantis, LLC
Sponsored and Presented by
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM PT
Diversity and Inclusion Affinity Group Meeting
Member-Driven
Panelists will lead a discussion of policies and expectations regarding ethical conduct in the classroom to uphold a respectful and inclusive learning environment for all students. This session will address questions such as: How can the dean support the faculty so they feel knowledgeable and prepared for their responsibilities? What is the role of the faculty member and what is the classroom function when it comes to DEI? How can faculty talk about their identity when it makes sense? How does freedom of speech come into play?
Anthony C. Nelson
Dean
North Carolina Central University
Tomas Gomez-Arias
Dean, Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration
California State University, San Bernardino
Sponsored by
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM PT
Metropolitan Business Schools Affinity Group Meeting
Member-Driven
Networking while navigating a complex landscape: the Metropolitan Business School Dean
Our time together centers on key questions and current events. Meet a new colleague and another friend in the field.
Frederic Brunel
Dean, College of Business
The University of Michigan-Dearborn
Raj Devasagayam
Dean, Monmouth University
Monmouth University
Simon Sheather
Dean
University of Kentucky
Sponsored by
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM PT
New Deans Affinity Group Meeting
Member-Driven
Building Engagement Across Stakeholders: A series of facilitated round table conversations to explore best practices for building engagement in three segments: (a) building engagement with graduate students (online communities, in person, and with hybrid programs); (b) measuring faculty engagement and service equity; (c) engaging alumni and corporate partners in philanthropy. Specific ideas and initiatives will be shared to enable deans to leave with action plans. Open to all attendees!
Aarti Ivanic
Dean
University of Hartford
David Taylor
Dean
Sacred Heart University
Jennifer Percival
Dean
Bowling Green State University
Sponsored by
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM PT
Small Schools Affinity Group Meeting
Member-Driven
As small schools, we struggle with many things, including succession planning, team dynamics and productivity, and ensuring our curriculum is competitive with the 鈥渂ig鈥 schools. Bring your CliftonStrengths profile and explore how to apply this knowledge in small schools toward leadership development, heightened performance, and student success.
Lynne Richardson
Interim Dean
University of Montevallo
Shanan Gwaltney Gibson
Dean
David B. O'Maley College of Business, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Sponsored by
5:45 PM - 7:00 PM PT
Welcome Reception
Relax and enjoy the company of your colleagues. This reception is the perfect opportunity to unwind and continue the day鈥檚 discussions in a more informal setting.
Tuesday
February 4
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM PT
Breakfast & Networking
Start the day by reconnecting with your peers over breakfast. Discuss the key takeaways from Day 1 and prepare for another day of insightful sessions.
Sponsored by
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM PT
Connect & Learn: Mentor Meet-Up, PRT Volunteer Connections, and Regional Networking
Take advantage of this networking break to build new connections and engage in valuable peer-to-peer learning. Designated meeting areas will be available for specific interests:
鈥 Mentor Meet-Up: Deans participating in this mentor matching opportunity can use this time to meet with their paired dean and exchange insights and experiences.
鈥 PRT Volunteer Connections: Deans who are new to peer review teams can connect with experienced volunteers to gain guidance and learn best practices.
鈥 Regional Networking: Deans seeking to connect with peers facing similar regional challenges (EMEA, AP, Americas) can gather in designated areas for focused discussions.
鈥 Mentor Meet-Up: Deans participating in this mentor matching opportunity can use this time to meet with their paired dean and exchange insights and experiences.
鈥 PRT Volunteer Connections: Deans who are new to peer review teams can connect with experienced volunteers to gain guidance and learn best practices.
鈥 Regional Networking: Deans seeking to connect with peers facing similar regional challenges (EMEA, AP, Americas) can gather in designated areas for focused discussions.
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM PT
Accreditation Q&A: CIR
This session will be designed for those planning for a Continuous Improvement Review visit. Experienced Peer Review Team members will discuss visit preparation and planning, visit execution, and what to do when the unexpected happens.
Deborah Crown
Dean
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, Pepperdine University
Stephanie M. Bryant
Executive Vice President, Chief Accreditation Officer, and Managing Director, Americas
51社区 International
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM PT
Accreditation Q&A: Initial
If you have an upcoming Initial Accreditation visit or are considering accreditation, this session is for you! We invite you to bring questions related to the initial accreditation process as we discuss what is expected and how to thoroughly prepare.
Joseph M. Phillips
Dean
Seattle University
Suzanne Mintz
Vice President of Accreditation
51社区 International
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM PT
Sponsor Showcase Open
This showcase offers an opportunity to explore the latest products and services from the conference sponsors, establish connections, and learn how their solutions can enhance your work.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM PT
Keynote II: Purpose-Driven Leadership for Global Change
Join us for a session on driving global change and leading with purpose, featuring James Rhee鈥攖he bestselling author and acclaimed leader/CEO, TED Speaker, educator, and investor. James will share his remarkable journey and provide valuable insights into successful change management and innovative organizational models. Discover the principles from his new book, which integrates kindness with mathematical precision to create intuitive, human-centered change. Explore his future-forward framework for tackling current challenges in business and education. Learn about his venture, red helicopter, a pioneering global media-education platform that unites people and organizations around a new way of living, learning, and earning. Experience the immersive, agency-centered curriculum he teaches to his undergraduate, law, and business school students.
James Rhee
Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship & Professor of Entrepreneurship; Howard University; Duke Law School; Senior Lecturer; Sloan
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM PT
(B1) Navigating Conflicts as a Dean
Navigating Change
Conflicts among faculty, students, and other stakeholders can significantly impact the culture and operations of a business school. In this session, deans will learn practical strategies for identifying and addressing conflicts early, mediating difficult conversations, and fostering a collaborative environment. Join this session to gain insights into effectively managing tensions and maintaining a positive, productive atmosphere within your institution.
Catherine Nickerson
Dean, College of Business
Zayed University
Gina Grandy
Dean, Haskayne School of Business
University of Calgary
Sponsored by
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM PT
(B2) Responding to Crisis
Navigating Change
This interactive session addresses the crisis of work-related transitions for academic administrators. This session will equip deans with practical tools to manage well-being, burnout, and job satisfaction during times of crisis. Attendees will engage in problem-solving exercises to develop crisis management plans, enhance communication strategies, and implement action steps for supporting administrators through future disruptions, walking away with actionable solutions tailored to their institutions.
Michael Hobeck
Dean of Academics
University of Fredericton
Sponsored by
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM PT
(B3) Integrating Societal Impact into Career Progression
Navigating Change
Explore how innovative institutions have transformed their reward systems to prioritize societal impact as a key factor in career advancement. This session will provide insights from senior leadership on how to shift the focus beyond traditional research metrics to include collective contributions that drive meaningful societal change. Discover strategies to enable your organization to make sustained progress in aligning career development with broader social goals.
Himanshu Rai
Director
Indian Institute of Management Indore
Sponsored by
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM PT
(B4) Success Reimagined: Guiding Tomorrow鈥檚 Leaders
Navigating Change
In an era where students' motivations and expectations are evolving, business schools must play a crucial role in helping students discover their purpose and redefine what success means in today鈥檚 dynamic environment. This session will explore how understanding and nurturing students鈥 passions can lead to more fulfilling, impactful careers. Speakers will share perspectives on finding purpose and discuss how schools can support students in balancing immediate financial goals and long-term fulfillment.
Ana Carolina Buccini
Account Executive
Cragin & Pike
Casey Evans
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Student Services, Kogod School of Business
American University
Sponsored by
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM PT
Deans Share: What鈥檚 Keeping You Up at Night?
In this interactive session, deans will engage in discussions about the most pressing challenges they face. Facilitators will guide attendees through a series of small-group conversations, encouraging them to share experiences, brainstorm potential solutions, and explore strategies for overcoming common obstacles. This is an opportunity for deans to not only connect with one another but also gain practical insights and new perspectives on the critical issues keeping them up at night.
Hannah Holmes
Dean of Business School and Deputy Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Manchester Metropolitan University
Sharon Matusik
Dean, Ross School of Business
The University of Michigan
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM PT
Networking Luncheon: Building Connections for Collaborative Change
An informal networking luncheon with discussion prompts designed to foster connections and collaborations among deans. Use this time to discuss potential joint initiatives and share experiences.
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM PT
(C1) Alternative Revenue Streams
Financial Management
This session explores how business schools can develop new revenue streams by developing new, non-traditional programs and forming strategic partnerships. Attendees will gain insights into how to create additional revenue pathways that can enhance a school鈥檚 financial resilience and reduce reliance on student enrollment alone.
Somnath Bhattacharya
Dean, College of Business and Management Administration
University of Illinois at Springfield
Tim Vorley
Pro Vice-Chancellor & Dean
Oxford Brookes Business School
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM PT
(C2) Innovative Fundraising Strategies for Schools with Limited Resources
Financial Management
Designed for business schools operating with smaller budgets or limited resources, this session will explore how to tap into new funding opportunities through partnerships and community support. The session will also cover ways to build donor pipelines and maximize alumni engagement.
MaryAnne M. Hyland
Dean, Robert B. Willumstad School of Business
Adelphi University
Shanan Gwaltney Gibson
Dean
David B. O'Maley College of Business, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM PT
(C3) Strategic Enrollment Management
Financial Management
Discover how to drive enrollment growth and optimize retention while maintaining financial stability. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to increase enrollment, improve retention, and secure their institution鈥檚 financial health for the long term.
HAO LIU
Dean
Beijing Institute of Technology
Sam Giove
Director, Sheffield Business School
Sheffield Hallam University
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM PT
(C4) Cost Management and Operational Efficiency
Financial Management
This session focuses on strategies for reducing costs and optimizing operational efficiency in business schools. Explore how deans can leverage technology and process innovations to lower cost structures while maintaining quality.
Otgo Erhemjamts
Dean, School of Management
University of San Francisco
Ram Kumar Kakani
Director
Indian Institute of Management Raipur
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM PT
Navigating the Paradox Mindset: Balancing Opposites for Innovative Solutions
Explore how leaders can harness the power of paradox to tackle complex challenges. Leaders with a paradox mindset recognize that multiple perspectives and approaches can coexist, and they embrace these contradictions rather than rush to resolve them. Learn how to cultivate this mindset in your decision-making processes and how it can lead to more effective problem-solving in the context of business education.
Marianne W. Lewis
Dean and Professor of Management, Lindner College of Business
University of Cincinnati
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM PT
Quick Learn: Interdisciplinary Collaboration (REPEAT)
It is widely acknowledged that it is now impossible to navigate today鈥檚 complex challenges with knowledge from just one discipline; interdisciplinary collaboration has become an indispensable competence for individuals and organizations. Yet, as many business school deans can probably testify to from their own experience, making interdisciplinary collaboration work in practice is not always easy. This session builds on these lessons learned in practice and suggests practical steps that you as a dean can take to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration of and within your school.
Mari毛lle G. Heijltjes
Member of 51社区 Board of Directors
Dean, School of Business and Economics
Maastricht University
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM PT
Quick Learn: Data Informed Enrollment
Business schools are under pressure to maintain full enrollment across entire portfolios of graduate programs. To succeed, they need a strong tech system that connects all parts of their operations. Join this session to learn how you can leverage technology to make data-driven decisions and optimize your enrollment processes.
Douglas Reiner
Chief Solutions Officer
Everspring
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM PT
Quick Learn: Mastering Work-Life Balance (REPEAT)
This session explores strategies to prioritize wellness while managing the complexities of leadership roles. Participants will discuss how to integrate self-care and professional growth, even with time constraints, and share practical approaches to fostering a work-life balance that enhances both personal well-being and career advancement.
Sara Perry
Professor of Management, Hankamer School of Business
Baylor University
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM PT
Quick Learn: Fostering Impactful and Relevant Research
Business schools are under increasing pressure to produce research that is not only academically rigorous but also relevant and impactful to industry and society. This session will explore strategies for encouraging cross-disciplinary research and aligning research agendas with global challenges.
Anthony Brabazon
Dean, UCD College of Business
University College Dublin
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM PT
Resource Session: Charting the Future: How GenAI is Redefining Higher Education in 2025
Partner-Driven
Generative AI is rapidly evolving, reshaping how universities approach teaching, learning, and institutional strategy. This session explores the latest advancements in GenAI and what they mean for academic leadership in 2025 and beyond. Gain actionable insights to adapt and address the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of higher education.
Jes煤s Rosario
Account Executive
Coursera
Sponsored and Presented by
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM PT
Responsible Management Education Affinity Group
Member-Driven
Beyond Sustainability as Usual: Addressing the Global Polycrisis: With eight billion people placing unprecedented pressure on our planet, six of the nine planetary boundaries critical for Earth鈥檚 stability have now been breached. Meanwhile, environmental collapse, geopolitical conflict, fragmented governance, and rising social inequality add to the urgency for action. Given these intersecting crises, how might Business and Management Education play a pivotal role? What forms of collective impact and deeper collaboration within, across, and beyond the business school community are essential to effect real change? EY鈥檚 New Economy Unit is providing guidance on new ways forward, join this session with an introduction from Nadia Woodhouse followed by breakout sessions. Open to all attendees!
Cathy DuBois
The Bryan Dean
Ball State University
Dayle M. Smith
Dean
Loyola Marymount University
Nadia Woodhouse
Associate Director, EY Global Center for Board Matters, EYGS LLP
Ernst & Young Foundation LLP
Sponsored by
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM PT
Spiritually Rooted Business Schools Affinity Group
Member-Driven
Spiritually Rooted Business Schools : Aims, organization, and examples. Join this brand-new affinity group as they discuss the uniqueness of Spiritually-Driven Business Schools Share examples of how SRBS have made a difference in education, leadership and community engagement. Foster a holistic approach to education, business practices and leadership. All attendees welcome!
Isabelle Chaquiriand
Member of 51社区 Board of Directors
Decana de Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales
Universidad Cat贸lica del Uruguay
Varun Nagaraj
Dean
S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research
Sponsored by
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM PT
Women Advancing Management Education Affinity Group Meeting
Member-Driven
Maximizing Impact: Strategies for Building and Leading Effective Advisory Boards: Join this workshop discussion to learn strategies to engage, manage, and maximize the value of your advisory boards. Open to all attendees!
Monica Adya
Dean
Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey-Camden
Sponsored by
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM PT
Networking Reception
Cap off the day with a relaxed networking reception. Continue your conversations in a casual environment, solidifying connections made during the day.
Wednesday
February 5
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM PT
Breakfast & Networking
Begin the final day with networking over breakfast. Reflect on the insights gained and prepare for the final sessions.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM PT
Why Won't You Listen to Me? The Behavioral Science of Disagreeing Better
In today's dynamic environment, business school deans frequently encounter divergent viewpoints among faculty, students, and stakeholders. This session delves into strategies for transforming disagreements into constructive dialogues. Drawing from her extensive research on the psychology of disagreement, Dr. Minson will offer evidence-based techniques to enhance receptiveness to opposing views, foster collaborative decision-making, and cultivate a culture of open communication. Attendees will gain practical tools to navigate conflicts effectively, ensuring diverse perspectives contribute positively to their school's mission and goals.
Julia Minson
Associate Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Harvard University
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM PT
Navigating Complexity: Geopolitics and Leadership in Business Education
In today鈥檚 polarized world, business schools face unique challenges that require thoughtful and strategic responses. Building on the constructive dialogue strategies from the previous session, panelists will explore how global tensions and shifting alliances shape academic environments, daily operations, and decision-making processes. They will also discuss the impact on curricula and the formation of international partnerships, equipping leaders with the insights and tools necessary to guide their institutions through complex landscapes with inclusivity and strategic foresight.
Moderator
Sherif H. Kamel
Chair of 51社区 Board of Directors
Dean, Onsi Sawiris School of Business, The American University in Cairo
The American University in Cairo
David Bach
President and Nestl茅 Professor of Strategy and Political Economy
IMD
Haitao Li
Dean, CKGSB
Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business
Susan Christoffersen
Dean, Rotman School of Management
University of Toronto
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM PT
Collaborative Leadership for a Sustainable Future
In an increasingly interconnected world, the challenges we face鈥攕uch as climate change, growing inequality, and societal well-being 鈥 are too vast for any one institution to tackle alone. This session will explore the evolving role of business in society and how business schools must rethink and reshape their educational strategies to reflect this shift. Speakers will discuss how business schools can forge global collaborations across borders, sectors, and industries to address these pressing issues collectively. The session will emphasize the critical role that business schools play in shaping future leaders equipped to contribute to societal well-being and tackle global challenges. By working together, business schools can amplify their impact, create innovative solutions, and prepare their students to lead in a world that demands collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches. Join this session to explore strategies for fostering global networks, developing joint initiatives, and ensuring that business schools remain at the forefront of addressing the world's most urgent challenges.
Moderator
Dan LeClair
CEO
Global Business School Network
Brandon Morrison
Head of Sustainability
Resorts World Las Vegas
Rana Sobh
Dean, College of Business and Economics
Qatar University
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM PT
Conference Closing
The conference Chair, Sherif H. Kamel, will wrap up the event by reflecting on the key themes and takeaways.
Sherif H. Kamel
Chair of 51社区 Board of Directors
Dean, Onsi Sawiris School of Business, The American University in Cairo
The American University in Cairo