Executives Make 'Bridge' From Industry to Academia
Tampa, Fla., USA (September 15, 2021)—AACSB International (AACSB) is proud to announce 17 new graduates from its Bridge Program. The program, designed exclusively for senior-level professionals driven to share their industry and leadership experience with the next generation of business leaders, provides the foundational skills required for a successful transition into academia.
The AACSB Bridge Program, developed in 2006, is an intensive four-day workshop that gives business executives an inside look into the business school classroom so they are well prepared to meet the challenges of an academic career.
The August 2021 class, the first virtual class, included professionals hailing from a variety of sectors including accounting, technology, law, and healthcare management. Individuals are carefully selected to ensure they can successfully enter the classroom and meet the requirements for an instructional practitioner at an AACSB-accredited institution.
With guidance from instructional experts from AACSB-accredited schools, the executives explored the difference between academic and corporate careers; learned how to create engaging, motivating learning environments; and gained insight into course planning, organization, and delivery. The workshop also helped them develop techniques and teaching skills to inspire and mentor learners.
August 2021 program alumni include:
| James Bertram | Dr. Marlo Murphy-Braynen |
| Soren Brockdorf | Deann Newman |
| Dick Davis II | Willie Lee Patterson III |
| Wayne Durr | Maria Ramirez Vaughn |
| Mark Giddarie | Racquel Robinson Jones |
| Glen Hannum | Jaime Roquebert |
| Francesca Labita | Dr. James C. Sang |
| Carlos Ferreira Moreira | Michael Vitek |
| David Muhlestein |
“Business professionals who transition to academia bring a unique perspective and expertise on leading in a real-world industry environment,” said Caryn Beck-Dudley, president and CEO of AACSB. “AACSB Bridge Program alumni are extremely well prepared to shape the future of business through their purpose-driven leadership and impact in the classroom.”
Since its inception, more than 500 executives have successfully completed the program—from small business owners and entrepreneurs to individuals from corporations including Cisco Systems Inc., EY, ExxonMobil Corporation, KPMG, Lockheed Martin, Marathon Petroleum, NBC Universal, PwC, TruGreen, TIAA, and Time Warner Inc. Many of these executives now serve as valued faculty members at business schools around the world.
About AACSB International
Established in 1916, AACSB International (AACSB) is the world’s largest business education alliance, connecting educators, learners, and businesses to create the next generation of great leaders. With a presence in more than 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation, and amplifies impact in business education. Learn how AACSB is transforming business education for a better society at aacsb.edu.