Texas A&M's Blackwell to Lead Gatton College

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 28, 2011) — David W. Blackwell, a recognized academic leader who also possesses broad experience in industry, developing corporate relationships, and fund raising has been tapped as the new dean of the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics. 

Currently associate dean for graduate programs at Texas A&M University's Mays Business School, Blackwell is expected to begin at UK in the spring 2012 semester, pending approval by the UK Board of Trustees at its meeting on Dec. 13.

Blackwell earned his bachelor's degree in economics and his doctoral degree in finance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.   He has nine years of experience in academic leadership positions at Texas A&M, serving as head of the department of finance from July 2002 until January 2008, when he assumed his current role.  Blackwell previously held faculty positions at the University of Georgia, the University of Houston, and Emory University.  He also has served as a director for two major accounting firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG.

"I am very excited and energized about becoming dean at the Gatton College," said the 52-year-old Blackwell.  "Gatton is a strong business school that is well positioned to raise its level of accomplishment and profile.  There is a solid foundation in the college with a gifted faculty.  And, the UK administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing and improving Gatton's position in spite of the currently challenging economic environment."

As associate dean at Texas A&M, Blackwell is responsible for the full-time MBA program at the main campus in College Station (150 students), the Executive MBA program in Houston (100 students), six specialized master's degree programs (550 students), and the school's Graduate Business Career Services.  Under his leadership, the Mays Business School's MBA programs consistently rank highly in national quality assessments done by a number of leading publications, including Financial Times, U.S. News and World Report, Bloomberg Businessweek, and the Wall Street Journal.

An author of numerous research publications and the co-author of two books, Blackwell also has a previous connection to the commonwealth.  He graduated from Fort Campbell High School during the time his father was stationed there with the U.S. Army. 

"Those three years gave me an opportunity to see just how important the University of Kentucky is to the people of the state," said Blackwell.  "UK is a catalyst for not only educating the citizens of the commonwealth, but for helping to drive and improve its economic vitality."

While he has considered leadership opportunities at other business schools over the years, Blackwell said UK and the Gatton College just felt right.

"The openness of the administration and the enthusiasm of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni, as well as the friendliness of everyone I met during the interview process was like nothing I have encountered before," Blackwell said. "When I left the UK campus after my visit, I knew that if offered the chance to come to Kentucky, I was going to say yes."

Blackwell is not deterred by what many would say is a less than rosy economic picture which UK and the state have been facing for several years.  

"We have been able to grow and strengthen programs in the Mays Business School by bringing in new revenues and reinvesting those dollars in student and faculty support and research," Blackwell said.  "It will be our goal to do the same at Gatton." 

"Dr. Blackwell has the right set of skills and experiences to move the Gatton College to an even higher level," said UK Provost Kumble R. Subbaswamy.  "He has been very entrepreneurial in finding support for his initiatives at Texas A&M.  This experience will serve Gatton's students, faculty, and all of its constituencies very well."

For relaxation, Blackwell said he enjoys playing the guitar, something he is teaching himself to do as he rekindles a love of music that took form during his teenage years when he sung in the school choir and vocal ensemble. He enjoys spending time in the weight room and  an occasional round of golf.

CONTACT:  Carl Nathe, (859) 257-3200; Michele Sparks, (859) 257-0040.