A peer-to-peer discussion with the Dean of the University of Delaware's Lerner College of Business and Economics.

🎙️ Having just commenced his third year in his first deanship, Oliver Yao, Dean of the University of Delaware's Lerner College of Business and Economics, already has an impressive array of accomplishments under his belt. Yao hit the ground running, following two fruitful decades at Lehigh in which he held several roles, from assistant professor to Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Interim Deputy Provost for Graduate Education.

“To summarize my first two years, I use three words: overwhelming, challenging and rewarding,” says Yao.

Prioritization has been the key to achieving goals, given the universal difficulties he believes all deans are facing today. After a year of learning, Yao describes how he set out upon a strategic planning exercise that will help guide the Learner College into and through the next five years. What’s more, he articulates success for the college including the alignment of the organizational structure—investing in faculty and staff and retaining top talent—and staying focused on utilizing resources for strategic priorities, as outlined in the strategic plan.

“Leadership is an art,” he says. He’s built his leadership style upon listening, consensus building among faculty and staff and making decisive decisions, based on his experience at Lehigh University, that will benefit the best interest of the college.

Given the significant impact of the rapid evolution of AI and technology on business and economics education, Yao also emphasizes the need to build AI literacy and proficiency into the curriculum, ensuring that every student graduates with the necessary skills for the job market. Sharing this vision of supporting students' job readiness and the importance of providing strong career services with alumni and donors has proven beneficial for fundraising as well.

“When our alumni or donors and they are willing to give back, they are willing to give back because they recognize the mission; they recognize the vision, and they want to be part of it,” he shares.

All in all, this is a great episode for seasoned and new leaders alike, with a first and foremost approach on assessing your situation and operations and determining what’s most important to move forward efficiently.

#businesseducation #highereducation #DeansCounsel

Photos courtesy of University of Delaware

Read more about Dean Yao here.