New HBS Dean Wants Students w/Interest in Globalization

The Harvard Business School announced yesterday that acting dean Jay O. Light has been named to lead the school on a permanent basis.

Light, a finance and investment management specialist, has been acting dean at HBS since last August. His extensive experience at the School includes serving as the Robinson professor of business administration, as senior associate dean, and as director of planning and development.

As acting dean, Light led the decision to end HBS's grade non-disclosure policy. He also completed a major capital campaign and oversaw the opening of HBS' new international research center in Mumbai, India.

Light told the Financial Times that his top priorities as dean would be increasing the number of faculty at HBS, encouraging more research collaboration between HBS and Harvard's other schools and programs, and recruiting top students. He said the School would make a particular effort to recruit students who understand globalization.

HBS faculty welcomed Light's permanent appointment as Dean. “He’s been there a long time and knows the school better than anyone. He’s brilliant, he’s humble, and he has extremely good communication skills,” a fellow professor told the Harvard Crimson.

Sources:

"Acting Dean Promoted to Lead B-School," by Madeline W. Lissner and Daniel J.T. Schuker - the Harvard Crimson, April 24, 2006

"New Harvard Business School Dean to Focus on Globalisation," by Rebecca Knight - the Financial Times, April 24, 2006