College of Business names new dean
November 2, 2011
The UK Gatton College of Business and Economics named a new dean who should be approved for the position at the December Board of Trustees meeting.
David Blackwell, associate dean for graduate programs at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, will take over as the college’s dean next semester.
Trustees will vote on his approval Dec. 13.
“I am very excited and energized about becoming dean at the Gatton College,” Blackwell said in a UK press release. “Gatton is a strong business school that is well positioned to raise its level of accomplishment and profile.”
Blackwell has held leadership positions at Texas A&M for nine years. During this period, the Mays Business School MBA programs have consistently received high rankings from the Wall Street Journal and other publications.
Blackwell has also written several research publications and is the co-author of two books.
Blackwell, who graduated from Fort Campbell High School, said he is happy to return to Kentucky.
“Those three years gave me an opportunity to see just how important the University of Kentucky is to the people of the state,” Blackwell said in the release. “UK is a catalyst for not only educating the citizens of the commonwealth, but for helping to drive and improve its economic vitality.”
Many UK community members are hopeful that with Blackwell’s expertise, Gatton College will reach new heights.
Students, such as marketing sophomore Bridget Mahorney, are enthusiastic.
“I am really excited to see what kind of developments the new dean has,” she said, “and look forward to being a part of the business school as we experience its growth and improvement.”
