Board approves new dean; Former Harvard professor will take the reins July 1

Former Harvard business professor and USU alumni Douglas D. Anderson was approved as the new dean of the College of Business by the Utah State University Board of Regents last week.

Effective July 1, Anderson will replace Caryn Beck Dudley, who was recently named dean of the College of Business at Florida State University.

“Dr. Anderson brings both a rich academic career and a proven record of success in the business world with him to the College of Business,” said USU Provost Raymond Coward in a prepared statement. “We are excited to have someone with his experience join the university as dean. His commitment to the university is proven already, and we look forward to an even deeper involvement.”

Anderson earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science, as well as a master’s degree in economics from USU. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in political economy and a master’s of public administration from Harvard.

Aside from his formal education, Anderson’s real-world credentials include authoring one book, “Regulatory Politics and Electric Utilities,” and numerous articles on business. He is also managing partner of the Center for Executive Development, a Boston-based business strategy and workshop firm, which he co-founded in 1987 with three Harvard colleagues.

Anderson said he is excited for the opportunities and challenges presented by his new position.

“The college has been going through a number of dynamic changes in recent years that have resulted in great steps forward in many areas,” he said. “And its theme of ‘opportunity’ echoes my thoughts exactly ? I’m thrilled at the opportunity to become part of the college’s continued success.”

Anderson and his family have a long tradition in Logan. Both of his parents, four siblings and more than 20 cousins have graduated from USU. As an undergraduate, Anderson was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper and, as a senior, was a Utah’s Rhodes Scholar nominee.

“I have always been grateful for the excellent preparation and mentoring I received while a student at Utah State,” he said. “I hope I may repay that debt by contributing to the development of a new generation of Aggies.”

-acf@cc.usu.edu