McCombs School of Business
 
Dean May

Highlights from Dean May's Tenure

The plan for most of the McCombs money to be leveraged as matching funds to attract new donations for the School.

The vision for the Kelleher Center for Entrepreneurship, made possible by a $4 million donation from Herb Kelleher.

Revival of the advisory council’s role as an active partner in the School.

Major renovations to improve the student experience including the Millennium Lab, Reliant Productivity Center, and Frito-Lay Student Leadership Center.

Research initiatives to retain and hire star faculty, such as summer research support, summer stipends, development policies, and market-based salaries.

Overseeing funding and development of the Ford Career Center.

Facilities improvements to enhance academic programs, like the MBA lounge, renovated cohort classrooms, and a dedicated executive education classroom.

The laptop initiative for MBA students, at the time (1998) one of the most ambitious technology rollouts ever for business students.

Launch of the Texas Evening MBA for the greater Austin market (2000), widely acknowledged an an important and successful response to the local business community.

Innovative collaboration with the business community through new research centers for customer insight, energy finance, and e-commerce.

Successful diversity initiatives in the aftermath of the Hopwood decision banning consideration of race in admissions. Today, undergraduate minority enrollment exceeds pre-Hopwood numbers from the affirmative action era.

Outstanding donor relations, reflected in the achievement of the school’s capital campaign goal ($130 million) two-and-a-half years ahead of schedule.

Thank You, Dean May
It's Been Seven Great Years
By J.B. Bird

As most McCombs School constituents know by now, last September, Robert May announced his intention to retire from the deanship of the school in August of 2002. His seven years at the helm of the School are a testament to his vision and dedication to the advancement of business education in Texas. In this issue of Texas—The Business School Magazine, we’d like to thank Dean May for his remarkable accomplishments in the service of the School.

Dean May’s legacy will always be linked to the renaming of the school following the momentous $50 million gift from San Antonio entrepreneur Red McCombs in May of 2000. Without a doubt, May deserves much, if not most, of the credit for soliciting the donation. It was in October of 1999 that McCombs faxed Dean May an enthusiastic note in response to one of the dean’s quarterly reports—one that described the impact of the Texas Business School. “Bob, your quarterly report is dynamite—it’s a 10—a 3-point play—an 80 yd TD to Randy Moss or Kwame [Cavil],” McCombs wrote in bold Sharpie pen. The note marked a critical moment in McCombs’ connection to the school.

The rest is history, to the lasting benefit of Texas business students. With the gift, one of the country’s most successful businessmen paid tribute to Dean May’s stewardship, integrity, vision, and leadership. While May’s visible accomplishments stand on their own, those who have worked closely with the dean know that his integrity, ethical leadership, and great sense of humor have been just as integral in building the reputation of the School.

Speaking for the staff, we have deeply respected Dean May because he has respected us. And he has done so in a positive, encouraging way that tends to bring out the best in people. The McCombs School is known on campus for employing some of the most talented and dedicated staff, which is telling proof of the dean’s leadership.

Finally, Dean May’s wife, Carol, also deserves great praise for her service to the school. Throughout her husband’s tenure, Carol May attended countless alumni, university, and donor events. She has been the dean’s equal as an ambassador for the school, while playing no small part in maintaining the relationships that are essential to the mission of a large, public institution. Both have been a great credit to the university.

Fortunately, Dean May is not going far. May will stay at the McCombs School as a member of its faculty, a position that he has occupied for twenty-three years, since coming to the University of Texas in 1979. Although he could have easily moved on to become the dean of another business school or the president of another academic institution, his heart was set on a return to teaching and research to close out his career.

“Dean May has brought excellence and excitement to our business school,” says school patron Red McCombs. “We are fortunate that he will continue to teach.” Although his accomplishments as dean are about to enter the history books, as a teacher and leader he will luckily be with us for years to come.

For information on specific programs at the McCombs School, consult our contacts page. For media information, contact the Communications Director by phone at 512-471-3314 or by email at CommunicationsDirector@mccombs.utexas.edu.