David Eccles Leadership Team is in Place

Scott Schaefer, professor of finance at the David Eccles School of Business has been named associate dean of academic affairs for the Eccles School of Business.  The position was left vacant in May when Taylor Randall, who served as associate dean for one year, was named dean of the University of Utah business school. 

"The David Eccles School of Business is fortunate to have Professor Schaefer step into this leadership role," said dean Taylor Randall.  "He brings with him a track-record as a leader of the David Eccles School of Business and other top business institutions.  His experience as an accomplished teacher and researcher will be paramount in furthering the University of Utah's reputation as a leader in business education." 

Schaefer joined the Eccles School faculty in 2005. His previous appointment was at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he held the Richard M. Paget Chair in Management Policy from 2001 to 2005.  He earned a PhD in Economic Analysis and Policy from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1995 and a bachelor's degree in economics and math from Stanford University.

Professor Schaefer's research focuses on the economics of organization, with an emphasis on understanding employment relationships and decision-making inside firms. He has published widely in top academic journals in Economics, Management, Finance and Accounting. His teaching honors include the 2009 Brady Award for superior teaching and the 2008 Masters Teaching Excellence Award.

Moving forward Schaefer will focus on improving the school's academic programs.  "The state of Utah is poised for terrific growth over the next few decades, the David Eccles School of Business needs to prepare our young people to lead that growth," states Schaefer.  "My job is to help make that happen."

With the appointment of the new associate dean, the leadership of the business school is in place after the first major change to management in ten years, when Jack Brittain was named dean of the school.  Effective immediately, Scott Schaefer joins William Hesterly, associate dean of faculty, and Taylor Randall, dean, in directing the business operations for the David Eccles School of Business.      

"I'm excited to join dean Randall's team.  Our school improved markedly during dean Brittain's tenure, but we still have room to grow.  It'll be a fun challenge to work with Taylor to make that happen."