Undergraduate Deans Conference
Welcome to the Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas
The Annual Undergraduate Deans Conference, Wednesday, March 6-8, 2024
This conference is a premier colloquium for designing, developing, and even reinventing undergraduate programs. We encourage thought-provoking conversations, debates on several issues confronting business school leaders and deans, and discussions of emerging ideas to promote program success at every level, from the classroom through the dean’s suite.
Message from Dean
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM) at The University of Texas at Dallas, I welcome you to the “Innovate to Educate”, 2024 Undergraduate Deans Conference.
This year’s conference is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches and transformative ideas in education. Our commitment to fostering excellence in teaching and learning is reflected in the theme of this conference, and I am confident that the next few days will be filled with insightful discussions. This conference provides an opportunity for business school leaders and thought leaders to share their experiences, successes, and challenges in implementing innovative practices that enhance the educational experience for students. It is also an opportunity to engage in stimulating discussions and connect with fellow innovators and leaders.
Thank you for being part of our “Innovate to Educate” conference. Your attendance and contributions make this a unique event.
All the best for an enjoyable and enriching conference.
Hasan Pirkul, PhD
Dean and Caruth Chair of Management
Keynote Speaker – Ed O’Boyle, Gallup Higher Education Practice
Biography:
Ed O’Boyle – Global Practice Leader
Strategic | Individualization | Relator | Developer | Activator
Ed O’Boyle oversees Gallup’s research and consulting practices. He ensures Gallup’s leading-edge science and discoveries drive the impact and performance of Gallup’s clients. Ed has been instrumental in developing many of the company’s consulting frameworks, including the Culture and B2B frameworks. He also spends time working as an executive adviser to several Gallup clients.
Before joining Gallup, Ed served in strategic leadership roles in brand management and innovation at Diageo, Barclays, Capital One and PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division. Ed earned his MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.
Special Guest Speaker – Greg Muccio, Managing Director of Talent Acquisition at Southwest Airlines
Biography:
Greg serves as Managing Director of Talent Acquisition in the People Department at Southwest Airlines. In his role, he is responsible for all Talent Acquisition activity, employment branding, and hiring strategies. The TA organization consists of 15 Teams with 300+ Leaders, Recruiters, Specialists, and Coordinators. They are responsible for hiring for all roles including Operations, Corporate, Pilots, Flight Attendants, and Maintenance and Engineering. Greg’s department also has responsibility for Southwest’s contingent workforce, sourcing, campus and development pipelines. Lastly, Greg’s Talent Acquisition team leads employer branding, recruitment marketing, and candidate experiences.
Greg is in his 22nd year with Southwest Airlines and has served the entire time in the People Department. Previous roles have included Manager, Team Leader and SR Recruiter. Previous to SWA, Greg was in the staffing industry for 3 ½ years with Pro Staff serving as an onsite Manager, Direct Hire Specialist, and Account Rep.
Greg is a graduate of UT Arlington with a degree in Marketing and is married with one daughter.
Conference Agenda
Registration fee $150 through February 29, 2024. The tentative schedule is noted below and will be updated periodically.
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 1:00 PM -3:00 PM | Pre-Conference Activities The Jindal School of Management University of Texas at Dallas 800 W Campbell Rd Richardson, TX 75080 |
| 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Welcome ReceptionDrury Plaza Hotel Richardson 165 W CityLine Dr, Richardson, TX 75082 972-231-8888 |
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 8:15 – 9:00 AM | Registration and Coffee/Light Breakfast |
| 9:00 – 9:15 AM | Conference Welcome: Hasan Pirkul, PhD (UT Dallas) |
| 9:15 – 10:00 AM | Keynote: Ed O’Boyle – Higher Education Practices Gallup’s Global Practice Leader, Ed O’Boyle will share his insights on how the changing landscape of education, work and trust in America’s institutions affects the opportunities and challenges facing today’s students and graduates. Learn from his experience and research on how to navigate the complex and dynamic world of the 21st century. |
| 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Session #1: International Programming, Panel Discussion International programs are crucial for student success and global engagement. This session provides a forum for academic leaders to delve into the complexities, opportunities, and strategies associated with fostering global engagement within their institutions. We will explore the multifaceted dimensions of international programs, providing valuable insights into successful initiatives, challenges faced, and innovative approaches to enhance global education. Participants will have a deeper understanding of how to navigate the global landscape and develop a more interconnected and culturally enriched educational community Panelists: Todd Alessandri Ph.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, D’Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University Nikhil Celly Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Global Initiatives, C.T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston Frank Kelley, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Business Programs, C.T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston Robert Whitelaw Ph.D., Dean Undergraduate College, Stern School of Business, New York University |
| 11:00 – 11:15 AM | Break |
| 11:15 – 12:30 PM | Session #2: How AI is changing the landscape of business education, Panel Discussion Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having a profound impact on business education. We will host a panel of academic leaders, curriculum developers, and industry experts as they discuss the integration of AI into business programs. This session will discuss how AI is reshaping curriculum, preparing students for the evolving workforce, and fostering innovation in business education. Moderator:Varghese Jacob, Ph.D., Vice Dean, Naveen Jindal School of Management, The University of Texas at Dallas Panelists: Karthik Kannan, Ph.D., Dean Eller College of Management, Halle Chair in Leadership, University of Arizona Joseph P. Bailey, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland Jose Alvarez, Head of Intelligent Automation & AI Transformation Market Areas, Ericsson |
| 12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30 – 2:45 PM | Session #3: Filling the Skills Gap During this session, Greg Muccio will discuss strategies for universities to enhance students’ career readiness, as well as the key attributes that distinguish successful early career professionals. Learn how to bridge the skills gap between academic education and industry needs, and how doing so can equip students to excel in the workforce and adapt to the evolving demands of the future. Special Guest Speaker: Greg Muccio, Managing Director of Talent Acquisition at Southwest Airlines |
| 2:45 – 3:00 PM | Break |
| 3:00 – 4:15 PM | Session #4: Student Success and Engagement Strategies, Round Table Discussions Join us for an interactive discussion focused on innovative strategies for enhancing student success and engagement. This session provides a platform to share best practices, discuss challenges, and explore effective approaches to enrich the educational experience and promote student achievement. From personalized learning initiatives to fostering a sense of belonging, this discussion will inspire actionable insights to drive student success. Facilitated by: Gaurav Shekhar, Senior Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Naveen Jindal School of Management, The University of Texas at Dallas |
| 4:15 – 4:30 PM | Wrap up: Dawn Owens (UT Dallas) |
| 4:30 PM | Buses depart from UT Dallas to Drury Plaza Hotel |
| 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Dinner Jewel Thief Mystery Party @ Drury Plaza Hotel Richardson |
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 8:15 – 9:00 AM | Check In and Coffee |
| 9:00 – 10:00 AM | Session #5: What Happens to Learning When Generative AI Can See, Hear, and Speak As new voice and imaging capabilities roll out in ChatGPT, what does that mean for educators? Understand how generative AI’s new capabilities can help educators customize learning paths for diverse student needs, augment classroom discussions with real-time data and research, and provide personalized feedback to students. Explore how ChatGPT can serve as an always-available assistant for students, helping them grasp challenging concepts and ensure a seamless learning experience—both inside and outside the classroom. Speaker: Haya Ajjan, Ph.D., Associate Dean of the Love School of Business, Elon University |
| 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Session #6: Micro-credentials, Panel Discussion Explore the dynamic landscape of micro credentials in higher education. We will discuss the transformative potential of micro credentials in recognizing and enhancing skills. This session will examine the role of micro credentials in promoting lifelong learning, addressing industry needs, and offering flexible pathways for academic achievement. Gain valuable insights on how micro credentials can shape the future of education. Panelists: Poonam Kumar, Ph.D. Associate Provost for Online and Continuing Education, The University of Texas at Tyler Robin Macaluso, Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington Valentina Salotti, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Diversity, Ivy College of Business, Iowa State University |
| 11:00– 11:15 AM | Break |
| 11:15 – 12:00 AM | Session #7: Managing Burnout, Imposter Syndrome, and Mental Health for Students and Faculty, Round Table Discussions Well-being is a critical issue now more than ever within academic communities. Join us for an important discussion on managing burnout, imposter syndrome, and mental health for students and faculty where we will engage in constructive conversations, share experiences, strategies, and resources to foster a healthier and more resilient educational environment. Facilitated by: Barbara H. Cartledge, Ed.D. Senior Assistant Dean of Academic Programs Entrepreneurship, Management, and Marketing Brock School of Business, Samford University |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch Boxes and Farewell |
Travel and Hotel
Hotel Information
Conference Hotel:
Drury Plaza Hotel Richardson, 165 Cityline Drive, Richardson, TX 75081
Group Name: UTD Deans Conference
Group #10080301
Group Rate: $122/night guaranteed if booked by February 6th
Complimentary hot breakfast, evening drinks and snacks, wifi and on-site facilities.
Contact Information
Dawn Owens, PhD
Conference Chair
UT Dallas Associate Dean
Undergraduate Programs