UA News

Robert F. Lusch, currently dean of the M.J. Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University will join the Eller College of Business and Public Administration as head of the marketing department in 2004.

"We are truly fortunate to have Bob Lusch joining us next year," said Eller College Dean Mark Zupan. "His outstanding abilities as a scholar, leader, fundraiser and educator will help to raise the national stature of our marketing program - University's sixth most popular major. Prior to his successful years at TCU, Dean Lusch held the same position at Oklahoma, so this may well be the first time that a department will gain a leader who has been dean at two top-50 business schools."

"Dean Lusch has generated a tremendous amount of momentum for the Neeley School," said TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini. During Dean Lusch's tenure, the Neeley School launched several innovative new programs and centers, opened a new building, advanced in national rankings, enhanced the profile of entering undergraduate and MBA students and strengthened relationships with the school's advisory board..

Lusch earned both his bachelor of science and master of business administration degrees at the UA, and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, and spent 10 years as a faculty member and department head at the University of Oklahoma. After two years at Arizona State University, he was recruited back to Oklahoma to serve as dean for five years. He then returned to teaching before TCU convinced him once again to take up the dean's responsibilities. Leadership roles also have characterized his scholarly endeavors.

Among many other assignments, he has served as chairperson of the American Marketing Association, president of the Southwestern Marketing Association and editor of the Journal of Marketing.

"Our move to Tucson allows me to return to my hometown and devote virtually all of my efforts to teaching and research," Lusch said. "I will be working closely with doctoral students in business, thereby helping in some small way to address the national shortage of business faculty."

Lusch and his wife, Virginia, have a longstanding commitment to Tucson and have maintained a home here over the years.