Highly respected professor takes on new role at Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management; William Christie appointed to associate dean for faculty development

William G. (Bill) Christie, the Frances Hampton Currey Professor of Finance and professor of law at Vanderbilt University is now the new associate dean for faculty development at the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.

Owen Dean Jim Bradford announced today that Christie will have direct responsibility for the evaluation, promotion and tenure recommendations for Owen faculty. In addition, Christie will work cooperatively with the faculty directors of the various degreed programs on curriculum development while retaining his position as faculty director of the Executive MBA program. He will take over this role from Joe Blackburn, the James A. Speyer Professor of Production Management, who will return to teaching after a brief sabbatical.

“Bill’s noted career and many contributions to Vanderbilt and Owen are legendary,” said Bradford. “Bill brings a wealth of talent, energy and experience to this important role.”

Christie joined the Owen faculty in 1989 after completing his Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. He received the Vanderbilt Chair of Teaching Excellence from 1996 to 1999 and the James A. Webb, Jr. award for excellence in teaching three times between 1994 and 1998. Christie is a five-time recipient of the Executive MBA Teaching award and was ranked either first or second among star faculty in each BusinessWeek ranking from 1992 through 2000.

Christie is a nationally acclaimed researcher whose landmark work led to major reforms at NASDAQ. He is a former member of the NASDAQ’s Economic Advisory Board and editor of the highly respected academic journal Financial Management. Christie served as Owen dean from 2000-2004 and stepped down in June 2004 to return to teaching and research.

“I am honored to re-join the administrative team at Owen and work with our faculty to achieve the school’s full potential,” said Christie.

The Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University is ranked as a top institution by BusinessWeek, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, Financial Times and Forbes. For more news about Owen, visit www.owen.vanderbilt.edu.

Media Contact: Amy Wolf, (615) 322-NEWS
amy.wolf@vanderbilt.edu