The Lundquist College of Business is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Jordan as the new director of the Center for Sustainable Business Practices (CSBP). Jordan, who joined the University of Oregon faculty as a Professor of Practice, brings decades of high-level executive and consulting leadership to the center.
For Jordan, leading the center represents a meaningful return to his roots. An alumnus of the University of Oregon, Jordan earned his BA with honors (cum laude) in international studies before pursuing his MBA at the University of Colorado. Returning to campus to lead the center allows him to give back directly to the institution that shaped his early career.
"Michael brings an exceptional combination of corporate leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and expertise in business sustainability," said Edward Maletis Dean Bruce Blonigen. "His deep industry ties and commitment to student success make him the ideal leader to guide the center into its next era."
Jordan draws on experience and insight from an impressive corporate career, holding leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies and tech ventures. He founded the sustainability strategy consulting practice at Jones Lang LaSalle and served as chief operations officer for global EV charging solutions at CBRE. His experience also includes leadership roles at Sun Microsystems and founding two successful ventures: OnGuide, an early internet startup, and Left Coast Advisors, a strategic planning and operational consulting firm. A sought-after author and speaker on corporate performance, risk management, and sustainability, Jordan additionally coauthored Six Sigma for Sustainability, which explores integrating proven business improvement methodologies with sustainable strategies.
Jordan succeeds Professor of Practice John Davis, who served as director for the past four years and will remain on the college's faculty, continuing to teach and share his expertise with students.
"It's time for the next phase of sustainability in business, and Lundquist is positioned to help define it," said Jordan. "Working alongside our remarkably engaged students and dedicated faculty is a privilege, and I am eager to build on the tremendous momentum generated by John Davis. John has elevated the center in so many ways, and I look forward to continuing that growth, deepening our industry partnerships, and empowering our students to lead the future of sustainable business."
Under Davis's leadership, the center expanded its global outreach, maintained its standing as a top 10 Green MBA program in The Princeton Review, and established the annual Summit for Sustainable Organizations, which held its fourth event this past spring with more than 100 participants.
The Lundquist College community extends its heartfelt thanks to Davis for his dedicated service, mentorship, and vision. Davis will continue full-time on the faculty, teaching leadership and sustainability courses.
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Center Highlights from Outgoing Director John Davis
Q: What accomplishment from your tenure leading CSBP are you most proud of?
John Davis: Two accomplishments stand out: Introducing our students to high-caliber, international business leaders through hands-on study tours, and launching the Summit for Sustainable Organizations. The summit was completely organized and executed by our students each year, setting an extraordinary standard of leadership and real-world execution.
Q: How did your previous corporate experience at Nike and other global companies shape your approach to the center?
John Davis: It taught me that ideas are only as good as the coalition of people you build to execute them. My focus was on fostering a collaborative team environment, listening to our students and faculty, and working together to build meaningful partnerships with global organizations.
Q: What piece of advice do you have for Michael Jordan as he takes the lead?
John Davis: Get to know the students, university colleagues, and our corporate partners. CSBP is at its heart a people-oriented enterprise, and keeping up that spirit of relationship-building and outreach is key to its ongoing success.