Todd Milbourn - New Cox Dean

[SMU Biz Prof]

https://www.smu.edu/news/latest/smu-nam ... f-business

"Dr. Milbourn joins SMU from the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. He is the Hubert C. and Dorothy R. Moog Professor of Finance. Over his 25-year year tenure at Wash U, he has held multiple leadership appointments where he has helped increase the number of faculty from 80 to 150, expand the school’s Ph.D. program, implement specialized master’s programs and establish four research centers. Most recently, as deputy dean, he has overseen the school’s strategic efforts to align with the broader university’s strategic plan and to increase engagement with the St. Louis business community.

Dr. Milbourn’s strong track record as faculty member, academic leader, educator, researcher and business collaborator – all from within a private R1 university in a dynamic urban area – make him a natural fit to lead the Cox School of Business to the next level and to do so at a time of strategic importance and momentum for our university."

There were a couple of very strong candidates in the pool, and Todd was the clear favorite of the BOT and the faculty.

[Mustangs_Maroons]

Sounds like a good, solid hire. Not as splashy as the SMU President hire I suppose but that’s understandable.

My view is that Olin is a very good bschool - but not elite. I saw that they brought in a new dean in 2023 and hired someone from Northwestern Kellogg. Wonder if Dean Milbourn was a legitimate candidate for that and why he didn’t get it.

Also curious the profile of the other leading candidates. From what I’ve seen, it does seem to be a solid hire. Hope he’s able to elevate SMU cox to higher levels where it needs to be given the history of the school our location.

[TwoTimeGrad]

He's got the right experience, now just has to level up to the bigger stage. Can't wait to hear where he wants to go with Cox.