As the dean of Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business, Dr. William Rhey is helping to direct a major review of the college’s curriculum.
WHERE WAS HE BEFORE JU?
Dr. Rhey joined the faculty of the University of Tampa in 1986, serving as a professor of marketing, the director of the university’s Center for Ethics and associate dean of UT’s John H. Sykes College of Business.
WHAT DREW HIM TO EDUCATION?
“The opportunity to make a long-term investment in the character of young men and women, which potentially yields ongoing rewards.”
HOW GREAT AN IMPACT CAN HE HAVE ON STUDENTS?
As an administrator, Rhey can focus and leverage resources in such a way as to best benefit student learning and growth.
DOES HE SOMETIMES HAVE A HARD TIME ENVISIONING COLLEGE STUDENTS AS BUSINESS LEADERS?
No, Rhey finds it exciting to see students as they are now and envision their potential and growth over the next few decades.
WHAT CHANGES SHOULD BUSINESS SCHOOLS MAKE TO RESPOND TO TODAY’S WORKPLACE?
“Business schools need to ‘catch up’ on how business partners share and use information and information technology, and how ‘links’ in the service profit chain facilitate performance. We also need to do a better job in understanding the implications of diversity in the marketplace and how to train future business leaders to adapt to the changing population landscape.”
WHY DID HE CHOOSE HIGHER EDUCATION OVER A BUSINESS CAREER?
It was a better investment of his time and talents. “Education, especially higher education administration, is a calling. For others, business is definitely the better choice.”
WHAT IS HIS FANTASY JOB?
“Directing a state of the art research/education institution which focuses upon integrated business education and applied research, and has state of the art technology and databases to facilitate the work.”
WHAT WAS
HIS FIRST FULL-TIME JOB?
Marketing analyst for Ford Motor Company.
HIS FIRST CAR?
“A 1972 Mustang convertible; British racing green with a white interior.”
EDUCATION
Rhey has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bucknell University, a master’s degree from Baylor University and a Ph.D in marketing from the University of Mississippi.
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
The American Marketing Association and The Navigators, a non-profit, non-denominational Christian leadership organization
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Rhey enjoys reading “Free to Choose” by Milton Freidman, watching the movie “Four Feathers” or “The Cosby Show,” dining at Ruth’s Chris Steak House or traveling to Jackson Hole, Wyo.
RESIDES
Jacksonville Golf and Country Club.
WHY THERE?
“Friends.”
WHAT IS HIS GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?
“Convincing my beautiful wife to marry me and raising three wonderful children.”