Greetings from LKCSB and SMU!
I have just taken over as Dean of the Business School and I am reaching out to you as LKCSB alumni who are invested into the School’s future. While I did not get to meet you during your studies, I hope that one day I will be able to say that I have come to know you well.
Prior to joining SMU, I was Deputy Dean at Imperial College London, and before that, a professor in London Business School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Besides being Dean, I am also a Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at LKCSB…and if I might add -- a pretty decent guy.
As a new Dean, the first question most people ask is: what is your vision? My vision for LKCSB is to make us globally visible and secure our reputation as one of the best places for business education in Asia. We can achieve that using a three-pronged strategy: (1) deliver a transformational student experience, (2) generate ideas and research with impact, and (3) embed ourselves into Singapore and the region through strong corporate, entrepreneurial, government, and community ties.
We cannot achieve our vision unless you, the alumni, assist us. You are the biggest brand ambassadors for LKCSB! As we kick off our efforts to increase our global reputation, you might receive a survey from LKCSB or some other ranking agencies – this is important, please help us by responding to those invitations. It matters greatly.
We value your opinion and are seeking your assistance. For example, you can contribute by recruiting students for summer internships or class projects, participating in research studies and panels, or coming back to serve as a mentor. Help us make you proud of being a SMUer!
LKCSB has grown from humble beginnings to over 4000 students in our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes – our efforts are now being recognised in global rankings for our programmes and for our research. Our founding partnership with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania has now expanded significantly and added other partners across the world to make studying, working and visiting the School a truly enriching experience.
As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, I am extending a warm invitation for you to reconnect with LKCSB and SMU. We just celebrated Patron’s Day and we will have a series of events this year that bring you back to us. Come and visit with us, hire our students, and above all – share your positive LKCSB memories with others.
I look forward to seeing you soon. Feel free to contact me, you now have my email address. Keep us updated – we would love to know what you are doing and how we can help and be part of your success.
My best wishes for a bright and prosperous Lunar New Year 2015!
Gerry George
Dean
Professor of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Lee Kong Chian School of Business
