Robin D. Anderson, dean of the Pamplin School of Business and Franz Endowed Professor of Entrepreneurship, has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2020. Anderson has served the University of Portland with distinction since 1998 after a successful career in business, entrepreneurship, and education leadership. Joining UP as the Robert W. Franz Chair for Entrepreneurship, he created the University’s distinguished Entrepreneur Scholars Program. He also founded the Franz Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, which has received the NASDAQ Center of Excellence Award and continues to be recognized as a leading academic center.
Anderson was named dean of the Pamplin School in 2006, and he championed experiential learning, optimized the structure and organization of the School of Business, and strengthened the School’s ties with alumni and industry partners around the world. He has expanded the School’s academic offering through the creation of new disciplines, specializations, and certificate programs. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy of professional achievement and personal devotion to UP.
Political science professor Gary Malecha will serve as Interim Dean of the Pamplin School of Business until a permanent successor is named. The University will commence a search for the new Pamplin Dean in the late summer or early fall.
Please wish Robin, his wife Jean, and his family a retirement filled with the satisfaction of a job well done.