Businesses
Educators
Deans Conference
An event exclusively for business school leaders. Early registration ends December 20!
Date(s)
February 3 – 5, 2025
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Event Type
Conference
Monday: Disruption and Innovation | Tuesday: Leadership and Strategy | Wednesday: Global Impact and Future Directions
Agenda is subject to change up until the start of the conference.
Agenda Timezone:
Agenda:
7:00 PM - 10:00 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
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PT
Connect & Learn
Engage in an interactive networking experience designed for sharing and learning best practices among peers. Participants will have 5 minutes to present a topic they are proud of accomplishing at their institution. To maximize learning and connections, attendees will switch tables every 15 minutes, allowing for a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. This session is a unique opportunity to foster content-based networking in a collaborative environment.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 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 ´óÏó´«Ã½ 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.
11:30 AM - 8:30 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.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM 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
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM PT
Conference Welcome & Fireside Chat: Driving Change in Business Education
Join us for a welcome message from Lily Bi, President & CEO of ´óÏó´«Ã½ International, and Sherif H. Kamel, Chair of ´óÏó´«Ã½ 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
´óÏó´«Ã½ International
Sherif H. Kamel
Chair of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Board of Directors
Dean, School of Business
The American University in Cairo
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 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
2:30 PM - 3:15 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’s goals. Perfect for those looking to quickly grasp the practical applications of predictive analytics.
2:30 PM - 3:15 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 Gisele Bajeux-Besnainou
Dean, Tepper School of Business
Carnegie Mellon University
2:30 PM - 3:15 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.
Washika Haak-Saheem
Dean, Dubai Business School
University of Dubai
2:30 PM - 3:15 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
3:15 PM - 4:15 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.
4:30 PM - 5:15 PM PT
Enhancing Your ´óÏó´«Ã½ Accreditation Journey with AI
Discover how AI can streamline the accreditation process and enhance the quality of your reports. In this session, Stephanie Bryant, ´óÏó´«Ã½â€™s EVP & Chief Accreditation Officer, will summarize the white paper on AI and accreditation, and 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
´óÏó´«Ã½ International
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM PT
The New Era of Work: Preparing for What’s 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
5:30 PM - 6:00 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 Pérez-González
Dean
Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM)
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM PT
Quick Learn: Fostering Research 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.
6:15 PM - 6:45 PM PT
Quick Learn: Interdisciplinary Collaboration
It is widely acknowledged that it is now impossible to navigate today’s 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.
Mariëlle G. Heijltjes
Member of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Board of Directors
Dean, School of Business and Economics
Maastricht University
6:15 PM - 6:45 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.
7:00 PM - 8:00 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
8:00 PM - 8:45 PM PT
Diversity and Inclusion Affinity Group Meeting
Member-Driven
Session Details Coming Soon!
8:00 PM - 8:45 PM PT
Metropolitan Business Schools Affinity Group Meeting
Member-Driven
Session Details Coming Soon!
8:00 PM - 8:45 PM PT
New Deans Affinity Group Meeting
Member-Driven
Session Details Coming Soon!
8:00 PM - 8:45 PM PT
Small Schools Affinity Group Meeting
Member-Driven
"Exploring your CliftonStrengths for Leadership Development"
Participants will complete the CliftonStrengths assessment prior to the conference and bring their Top 5 results. A facilitator will help each person interpret their strengths and how they relate to the workplace. Participants will also interact in small groups and learn how understanding one another's strengths helps you work more effectively with them.
Lynne Richardson
Interim Dean
University of Montevallo
Shanan Gwaltney Gibson
Dean
David B. O'Maley College of Business, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
8:45 PM - 10:00 PM PT
Welcome Reception
Relax and enjoy the company of your colleagues. This reception is the perfect opportunity to unwind and continue the day’s discussions in a more informal setting.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM 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.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PT
Connect & Learn
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:
• Mentor Program: Deans participating in the mentor program can use this time to meet with their mentors and exchange insights and advice.
• Peer Review Teams: Deans who are new to peer review teams can connect with experienced members to gain guidance and learn best practices.
• Regional Networking: Deans seeking to connect with peers facing similar regional challenges (EMEA, AP, Americas) can gather in designated areas for focused discussions.
• Mentor Program: Deans participating in the mentor program can use this time to meet with their mentors and exchange insights and advice.
• Peer Review Teams: Deans who are new to peer review teams can connect with experienced members to gain guidance and learn best practices.
• Regional Networking: Deans seeking to connect with peers facing similar regional challenges (EMEA, AP, Americas) can gather in designated areas for focused discussions.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 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.
Stephanie M. Bryant
Executive Vice President, Chief Accreditation Officer, and Managing Director, Americas
´óÏó´«Ã½ International
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 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.
Geoff Perry
EVP, Global Chief Membership Officer and Managing Director Asia Pacific
´óÏó´«Ã½ International
Joseph M. Phillips
Dean
Seattle University
11:30 AM - 8:30 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.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM 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—the 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 is uniting 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
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM PT
(B1) Responding to Crisis
Navigating Change
Crises can strike at any time, and how you respond can define your institution’s future. This session focuses on equipping deans with the tools to develop a crisis management plan. Learn how to prepare for potential threats, communicate effectively during a crisis, and implement strategies that ensure quick, decisive action.
Michael Hobeck
Dean
University of Fredericton
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM PT
(B2) 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.
Gina Grandy
Dean, Haskayne School of Business
University of Calgary
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM 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
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM PT
(B4) Redefining Success and Purpose for Future 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’s dynamic environment. This session will explore the psychographic shifts among learners and how understanding and nurturing their passions can lead to more fulfilling, impactful careers. Hear from students and recent alumni as they share their perspectives on finding purpose and discuss how schools can support students in balancing immediate financial goals and long-term fulfillment.
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM PT
Deans Share: What’s 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.
3:45 PM - 4:45 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.
5:00 PM - 5:45 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’s financial resilience and reduce reliance on student enrollment alone.
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM PT
(C2) Strategic Enrollment Management
Financial Management
Deans will learn how to optimize recruitment, retention, and program offerings to drive growth while aligning with long-term financial goals. The session will focus on using data-driven approaches, financial aid optimization, and differentiated programs to meet market demands. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to increase enrollment, improve retention, and secure their institution’s financial future through student-centered financial planning and enrollment tactics that sustain long-term fiscal health.
Otgo Erhemjamts
Dean, School of Management
University of San Francisco
Sam Giove
Director, Sheffield Business School
Sheffield Hallam University
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM PT
(C3) 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, grants, and community support. The session will also cover ways to build donor pipelines, maximize alumni engagement, and utilize digital tools for fundraising on a tight budget.
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
5:00 PM - 5:45 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.
6:15 PM - 7:30 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, Linder School of Business
University of Cincinnati
6:15 PM - 6:45 PM PT
Quick Learn: Interdisciplinary Collaboration (REPEAT)
It is widely acknowledged that it is now impossible to navigate today’s 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.
Mariëlle G. Heijltjes
Member of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Board of Directors
Dean, School of Business and Economics
Maastricht University
6:15 PM - 6:45 PM PT
Quick Learn: Tackling the Enrollment Cliff
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
Toni Mooney
Smith Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Tepper School of Business
Carnegie Mellon University
7:00 PM - 7:30 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.
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM PT
Quick Learn: Innovating Faculty Development (REPEAT)
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.
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM PT
Quick Learn: Fostering Impactful and Relevant Research (REPEAT)
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.
7:45 PM - 8:30 PM PT
Member-Driven Affinity Group Meetings
Participate in targeted networking sessions designed for specific affinity groups. These meetings provide a platform to discuss common challenges, share best practices, and build connections with peers.
7:45 PM - 8:30 PM PT
Responsible Management Education Affinity Group
Member-Driven
Session Details Coming Soon!
7:45 PM - 8:30 PM PT
Spiritually Routed Business Schools Affinity Group
Join this new affinity group in their first in-person session. Focused on business schools in spiritually routed universities we aim to take the existing opportunity to build a strong formal ecumenic network of business schools sharing values and moral and ethical ambitions, to foster societal impact through a deep commitment to service to the community and to those less fortunate than us. Session specific details coming soon!
7:45 PM - 8:30 PM PT
Women Administrators in Management Education Affinity Group Meeting
Member-Driven
Session Details Coming Soon!
8:30 PM - 10:00 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.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM PT
Breakfast & Networking
Begin the final day with networking over breakfast. Reflect on the insights gained and prepare for the final sessions.
11:00 AM - 2:15 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.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PT
The Psychology of Disagreement
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
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM PT
Navigating Complexity: Geopolitics, Dialogue, and Leadership in Business Education
In today’s polarized world, business schools face unique challenges that require thoughtful and strategic responses. This session begins with a discussion offering practical advice on navigating difficult conversations, followed by roundtable discussions with your peers on managing social and political issues, crisis communications, and the delicate balance of maintaining safe spaces while fostering open dialogue. As geopolitical tensions and shifting global alliances reshape economies and industries, business schools must also adapt to these realities. Explore how these broader developments are influencing curricula, international partnerships, and student experiences. This session will arm you with the tools and insights needed to navigate the geopolitical landscape and ensure your institution remains resilient and forward-looking.
David Bach
President and Nestlé Professor of Strategy and Political Economy, Business School
IMD
Susan Christoffersen
Dean, Rotman School of Management
University of Toronto
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PT
Collaborative Leadership for a Sustainable Future
In an increasingly interconnected world, the challenges we face—such as climate change, growing inequality, and societal well-being – 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.
Rana Sobh
Dean, College of Business and Economics
Qatar University
3:00 PM - 3:15 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 ´óÏó´«Ã½ Board of Directors
Dean, School of Business
The American University in Cairo