From the Dean

Innovation in education, much like in business, originates from intellectual curiosity—from asking “Why not?” and “What if?” in a structured and often empirical way. At Owen, our innovation is sparked by a business world that is always evolving.

From the Fall 2011 edition of Vanderbilt Business

By | From the Dean

Dean BradfordFriends and colleagues,

Innovation in education, much like in business, originates from intellectual curiosity—from asking “Why not?” and “What if?” in a structured and often empirical way. At Owen, our innovation is sparked by a business world that is always evolving. This can be seen in the unique and powerful ways in which our faculty’s research addresses specific needs brought to us by the business community. It’s also evident in the program creation that has taken place at Owen during the past six years.

Programs like the MS Finance, Master of Accountancy and Master of Management in Health Care are all products of resource- and market-based opportunities, creative thought and a willingness to act. Likewise the new Americas MBA for Executives, which is the topic of this issue’s cover story, arose from the need to provide students, particularly those who are seeking assignments in the Western Hemisphere, with a better understanding of global business.

By building innovative programs such as these, we’re able to expand our brand and product offering, while also attracting applicants who are valued by the employment market both in good economic times and bad. Years of experience and observation have taught me that the only real sustainable competitive advantage in business is to surround yourself with the best and brightest. Education is no different. A school like ours can maintain a successful path only if it’s able to attract, hire and matriculate exceptionally talented individuals.

The programs you read about in this issue of Vanderbilt Business illustrate the great strides we’ve made, but there’s still much work to be done. To compete with other schools, we must find the resources to continue bringing the best students and faculty to Owen. Your support is the key to our success, and I hope that we can continue counting on it in the months and years to come.

Innovation in education, much like in business, originates from intellectual curiosity—from asking “Why not?” and “What if?” in a structured and often empirical way. At Owen, our innovation is sparked by a business world that is always evolving. This can be seen in the unique and powerful ways in which our faculty’s research addresses specific needs brought to us by the business community. It’s also evident in the program creation that has taken place at Owen during the past six years.
Programs like the MS Finance, Master of Accountancy and Master of Management in Health Care are all products of resource- and market-based opportunities, creative thought and a willingness to act. Likewise the new Americas MBA for Executives, which is the topic of this issue’s cover story, arose from the need to provide students, particularly those who are seeking assignments in the Western Hemisphere, with a better understanding of global business.
By building innovative programs such as these, we’re able to expand our brand and product offering, while also attracting applicants who are valued by the employment market both in good economic times and bad. Years of experience and observation have taught me that the only real sustainable competitive advantage in business is to surround yourself with the best and brightest. Education is no different. A school like ours can maintain a successful path only if it’s able to attract, hire and matriculate exceptionally talented individuals.
The programs you read about in this issue of Vanderbilt Business illustrate the great strides we’ve made, but there’s still much work to be done. To compete with other schools, we must find the resources to continue bringing the best students and faculty to Owen. Your support is the key to our success, and I hope that we can continue counting on it in the months and years to come.

Respectfully yours,

Dean Bradford signature

James W. Bradford
Dean, Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management
Ralph Owen Professor of Management