Letter From the Dean
Commencement is among my favorite times of the academic year. It’s a celebratory season here at the Wisconsin School of Business (WSB) as we recognize the accomplishments of our graduates and send them off for their next phase of life—whether that’s starting a first job, advancing into a more senior position, or continuing on to graduate school or some other endeavor. Whatever comes next, commencement signals the start of a new period for our graduates.
This spring’s commencement also signals an exciting new season for WSB. In a few months, we’ll welcome Vallabh “Samba” Sambamurthy as our next Albert O. Nicholas Dean. He’s already been engaged here at WSB, and I am confident in his ability to lead the School forward. I invite you to read more about him.
We are also looking forward to the launch of three master of science degrees this fall in the areas of business analytics, supply chain management, and real estate. These programs will help fill industry demand and create a wider array of WSB graduate degree opportunities to meet the evolving needs of today’s students. Our faculty continue to deliver groundbreaking research, conducting studies in places like the BRITE Lab and helping shape the way industry makes decisions.
As I write this last letter as interim dean, I continue to be inspired by our alumni network. The stories that follow capture the essence of our talented, high-achieving alumni—from recent graduates like Max Fergus, to rising mid-career professionals like those in our 8 to Watch feature, to C-suite executives like Julie Howard. Every one of you has left WSB and made a mark on this world, and I have been honored to serve as your dean for the last year and a half.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. Please join me in welcoming Samba, and in working together to advance WSB into our next era of business education.
Together Forward,
— Barry Gerhart (PhD ’85) Interim Albert O. Nicholas Dean of the Wisconsin School of Business Professor of Management and Human Resources Bruce R. Ellig Distinguished Chair in Pay and Organizational Effectiveness
