White lineart of human silhouettes and speech bubbles against a dark green background

Educating the Next Generation of Educators

At the University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business, we take our responsibility of educating the next generation very seriously, and we strive to discharge that responsibility with enthusiasm and creativity. We transform lives through educating a broad range of people in diverse business disciplines––from accounting to sports business, entrepreneurship, finance, and sustainable business.

It’s well-known that our alumni go on to high-powered positions at leading companies, as well as found disruptive startups and chart new industries. What may not be as readily apparent is the Lundquist College’s impressive track record preparing the next generation of post-secondary educators, researchers, advisors, administrators, leaders, and scholars.

Indeed, our PhD program alumni teach and impart knowledge as professors at leading universities around the world, including Erasmus University in The Netherlands, Shanghai International Studies University, and Northwestern University, among others. Adding to that accomplishment, we also boast an illustrious list of PhD alumni who became business school deans and leaders, including

  • Lynnette Claire, Professor and Director, School of Business and Leadership, University of Puget Sound
  • Gary Colbert, Dean (former), School of Business, University of Colorado-Denver
  • Ken Colwell, Dean, School of Business, University of Houston-Victoria
  • Paul Fouts, Dean Emeritus, Ageno School of Business, Golden Gate University
  • David S. Kidwell, Dean (former) Carson School of Management, University of Minnesota
  • Paul Leonard, Dean (former) School of Business, State University of New York-Albany
  • Charles Lillis, Dean (former), Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado-Boulder
  • Virgil Miller, Dean (former), Spears School of Business, Oklahoma State University and School of Business, Portland State University
  • Dan Moshavi, Dean, Lucas School of Business, San Jose State University
  • Arno Rethans, Dean (former), College of Business, California State University-Chico
  • Patrick Shannon, Dean (former), College of Business and Economics, Boise State University
  • Steve Standifird, Dean Emeritus, Lacy School of Business, Butler University (now President, Bradley University)
  • Suzanne Tilleman, Dean, College of Business, University of Montana.

In this way, not only is the Lundquist College of Business contributing to educating the next generation of business professors, but also the next generation of institution builders at colleges and universities around the country.

“It’s a true testament to our collegial and supportive research and faculty culture at the University of Oregon,” said Sarah E. Nutter, Edward Maletis Dean of the Lundquist College of Business. “Not only do our faculty inspire and spark new ideas among each other, they collaborate and coauthor research with PhD students, supporting development of aspiring business scholars in a way that sets us apart.”

“At the University of Oregon, you are able to work with doctoral students, and I think working with PhD students is one of the most enriching parts of my career. It’s wonderful to see them succeed. It has the feeling of family,” said Judy and Hugh Oliphant Research Scholar Joshua T. Beck, associate professor of marketing and the college’s recently named Thomas C. Stewart Distinguished Professor for 2021.

Contributing to the success of the PhD program is an endowment from Robin and Roger Best that rewards PhD students and faculty for publishing and presenting collaborative research. A $1 million endowment, the Robin and Roger Best Fund for Doctoral Research and Teaching, distributes approximately $39,000 to PhD students each year to help encourage and advance career-building publications, research acumen, and great teaching.

The endowment is unique among business schools. Roger, an emeritus professor of marketing, and his wife Robin established the endowment to recognize and help sustain the collaborative and creative research culture he and others advanced at the college.

“As we continuously improve and innovate our curriculum, we cherish the opportunity to educate the bright minds we attract to our programs and take great pride in preparing them to be future professors, deans, and institution builders,” said Nutter.

Learn More about our PhD Program

—Jim Engelhardt, Lundquist Communications