Jim Bradford and his entire administrative team work diligently to continually strengthen an already distinctive and outstanding institution. They are open and committed to continuous improvement—in the quality of programs, faculty, and the value provided to a B-school’s "ultimate consumer," the business community at large.
The Deans of Owen
Jim Bradford — Dean and Ralph Owen Professor for the Practice of Management Joe Blackburn — Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Jon Lehman — Associate Dean of Students and Associate Dean of Health Care MBA Program Tami Fassinger — Associate Dean of Executive Programs Tricia Carswell — Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations Gary Scudder — Associate Dean of Accreditation and Outreach
Faculty Program Directors
Jim Bradford, who stepped up on June 1, 2004 to serve as acting dean for Owen, has vast experience managing complex organizations as well as a deep commitment to Owen’s mission. Jim joined Owen to teach Core Strategy, having served as President and CEO for AFG Industries, Inc., North America’s largest vertically integrated glass manufacturing and fabrication company.
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As Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Administration, Joe Blackburn is responsible for the hiring, retention, and promotion of Owen’s faculty and continues to lead faculty efforts toward distinction in academic and business-relevant research. In addition, Dean Blackburn oversees the new curriculum design process, calling for increased collaboration between faculty and the business community ultimately served by our programs and graduates.
Jon Lehman originally joined Owen as an adjunct professor and was hired in 2005 as Associate Dean to oversee health care initiatives for Owen. In the new organization, Dean Lehman adds the title of Associate Dean of Students, a new and critical position for the school. With responsibility for admissions, placement, and academic services and student life, Lehman’s team is charged with understanding and integrating the needs of students, business, and faculty in order to deliver the optimum experience and high levels of satisfaction and return on investment for all stakeholders.
Having rejoined Owen in 2004 after a seven-year hiatus, Associate Dean Tami Fassinger will continue to lead and grow executive education for Vanderbilt. In addition to continuing to deliver a world-class Executive MBA program that serves the needs of mid-career professionals, Dean Fassinger is charged with leveraging Owen’s faculty to grow revenue in non-degreed executive education and custom education programs for corporations.
Fresh from a successful effort to raise funds for building the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Tricia Carswell was named Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations for Owen in 2005. In addition to ensuring that Owen has the funds that will fuel its growth into the 21st century, Dean Carswell’s office is charged with spearheading efforts to provide opportunities for alumni to benefit from and reconnect with Owen.
Associate Dean Gary Scudder has served as faculty program director for the flagship MBA program since 2004. In addition to continuing this role, Gary has added responsibility for working with accrediting organizations and peer institutions to create and maintain bonds that keep Owen top of mind and in good standing.
Each Owen program has been assigned a Faculty Director to manage the development of the pedagogy, the curriculum, and the quality of teaching for their respective programs
