Grand Canyon University’s Ken Blanchard College of Business Appointed New Dean of Students to Lead MBA Programs
Grand Canyon University (GCU) has appointed Dr. Kevin Barksdale as Dean of the Ken Blanchard College of Business. Barksdale will be the director of the university’s MBA programs and is expected to serve the university by providing leadership for students and reinforcing the University’s mission: to build a cadre of leaders who understand and live within a servant leadership model.
Phoenix, AZ (Vocus) May 27, 2010
Grand Canyon University (http://www. gcu. edu) (GCU) has appointed Dr. Kevin Barksdale as Dean of the Ken Blanchard College of Business (http://business. gcu. edu). Barksdale will be the director of the university’s MBA programs (http://emba. gcu. edu) and is expected to serve the university by providing leadership for students and reinforcing the University’s mission: to build a cadre of leaders who understand and live within a servant leadership model.
“The Ken Blanchard College of Business feels very fortunate to have a leader like Dr. Barksdale as our new Dean and the head of our MBA programs,” said Bill Jenkins, Grand Canyon University’s Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement. “Dr. Barksdale embodies the values and morals of the University and will serve as a great example of leadership, and leading by serving to our students.”
“Ethics is huge in business education right now, but leadership within an ethical framework needs to be emphasized,” Barksdale said. “Leadership, and leading by serving, should be mandatory coursework for every business student.”
Barksdale is extremely familiar with MBA programs, he has an extensive background in business and education, including serving in faculty positions at Tennessee State University, Union University and the University of Memphis. He has first-hand experience in management and marketing through his career with a successful Tennessee-area automobile group, where he oversaw human resources, operations and marketing. He has consulted in the retail, manufacturing, hospitality and service industries with enterprises including AutoZone, Delta Airlines, Ciba-Vision and Promus Hotels.
Barksdale is a native of Birmingham, AL, and received his bachelor and doctoral degrees in Business Administration from Georgia State University. He has written and published numerous articles on various topics of business management. His most recent research focuses on teaching pedagogy and the integration of faith and learning into the business curriculum.
About Grand Canyon University’s Ken Blanchard College of Business
The Ken Blanchard College of Business offers a variety of educational options to serve a diverse student population ranging from traditional undergraduate to corporate executive to military personnel. The academic programs offered are traditional undergraduate degrees, degree completion programs, graduate degrees, an executive MBA, and customized programs. The Ken Blanchard College of Business espouses the same values in servant leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit as its renowned namesake, Ken Blanchard. With the convenience of online education and the advantage of campus life, The Ken Blanchard College of Business at Grand Canyon University offers a unique opportunity for varied academic experiences. Every program within The College is available as an entirely online degree; yet, if you desire to live and learn on campus, know that your program is likely offered on the ground campus as well.
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