New School of Business Dean Announced

Linda Livingstone is currently dean of Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University, chair-elect of top business school accreditation body.

May 27, 2014

GWSB Dean

The George Washington University announced Tuesday the selection of Linda A. Livingstone as the next dean of the GW School of Business. Dr. Livingstone brings significant experience to the job, having served for the last 12 years as dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University. She also brings national and international expertise as incoming chair of the board of the leading accreditation organization for business schools worldwide. She will begin her service to GW on Aug. 1.

“Linda Livingstone has been a highly successful dean, respected not only within her current institution but also by her peers in business schools around the world, who have elected her to lead their accrediting body. Her proven skill in managing a complex organization and recognized leadership in business education will make her a tremendous asset to our school of business and our university as a whole,” said GW President Steven Knapp.

At Pepperdine, Dr. Livingstone led a business school with approximately 1,600 students on six campuses and more than 35,000 alumni worldwide. She oversaw a $200 million expansion of the business school's regional campuses, increased the school's international partnerships to 40 business schools around the world and led the school to membership in the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative and as a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Management Education.

Under her leadership, the Graziadio School established the Education to Business (E2B) Live Case Program, which was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as “one of the top 10 college courses in the country that will pay off at work.” She also launched the Dean's Executive Leadership Series, a high-profile lecture program that brings to campus leading business innovators; introduced a business plan competition for students seeking to start their own companies; and added new degree programs in management and leadership, applied finance and global business.

“I look forward, with enthusiasm, to the opportunity to serve as dean of the School of Business at the George Washington University. Working with the faculty and staff to build on a strong foundation of programs and research to continue to enhance the quality and reputation of the school will be a privilege. I also look forward to being a part of the thriving Washington, D.C., community and the opportunities it provides,” said Dr. Livingstone.

Throughout her tenure as dean of the Graziadio School, Dr. Livingstone has been deeply involved in the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the premier international accrediting body for institutions offering undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. She was elected chair of the board of directors by the membership of AACSB International and will assume this leadership position this summer.

“Dr. Livingstone is an exceptional leader who has demonstrated all the attributes of a great dean during her time at Pepperdine University. I look forward to working with her on the many opportunities we at GW have for expanding and improving our School of Business,” said GW Provost Steven Lerman.

Dr. Livingstone previously served as associate dean for graduate programs at the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University, where she was responsible for administering all graduate business degree programs, and as associate professor and assistant professor in the Department of Management at Baylor. She earned a Bachelor of Science in economics and management, Master of Business Administration and a Ph.D. in management with an emphasis in organizational behavior, all from Oklahoma State University.

“Linda Livingstone’s selection was the result of an inclusive process with all the stakeholders of the school. She deservedly rose to the top among a large group of very qualified candidates,” said Murat Tarimcilar, professor of decision sciences and chair of the search committee. “The search committee believes she brings the necessary strengths that our school needs at this time. The GWSB community is excited to welcome her and ready to support her to lead us to new heights.”