OSU's Ph.D. in Business For Executives Schedules Information Meeting

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Oklahoma State University's Spears School of Business has scheduled information sessions across the United States for its groundbreaking program for executive development. The Ph.D. in Business for Executives is a unique program targeting those who desire to reach the next level of executive leadership.

The inaugural class of the program includes 19 participants from seven states representing 10 different industries.

Information sessions for those interested in learning more about the program and how to become a member of the 2013 class beginning next January are encouraged to attend one of the following meetings with the program directors:

Tuesday, March 13, Oklahoma City

Thursday, March 15, Tulsa

Thursday, March 29, Dallas

Thursday, April 5, Houston

Monday, April 23, Chicago

"This is an opportunity to learn more about our first-of-its-kind Ph.D. in Business for Executives and to ask questions from the directors of the program," said Larry Crosby, Spears School of Business Dean. "This program is designed to bridge between advanced scholarship and the contemporary needs of business and industry, leading to an acceleration of business leadership capabilities for potential participants and for the economy.

"We believe that making a difference in the future world of business will require executives to stretch their leadership potential, and we are looking forward to assisting them as they desire to make a difference in the business world," Crosby said.

Four Tulsa area executives are currently participating in the Oklahoma State University program:

Thomas Bennett Jr., Tulsa, Chairman and co-CEO, First Oklahoma Bank

Jonathan Butler, Broken Arrow, President, Quarter Guard Asset Management

Toby Joplin, Broken Arrow, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, R.L. Hudson & Company

Patricia Jordan, Sand Springs, General Manager, Webco Industries

Butler said, "The new Oklahoma State University Executive Ph.D. in Business Administration is an exceptional opportunity. The professors at OSU, and specifically the professors working with our cohort, are some of the best in the nation. This program offers the unique opportunity to interact with these scholars on a personal level to apply a wealth of knowledge and research expertise to the real-world problem I face as a business owner and executive. Dr. Crosby and the cadre of scholars at OSU recognize that the marriage of theory and practice can produce a new kind of evidenced-based leader and it is a great privilege to be part of the first cohort."

Joplin said, "I am very excited to be a part of the inaugural class of OSU's Executive Ph.D. program. This is a great opportunity for me to perform research that will be invaluable to my company. As our organization increases its business in Asia and Europe it will be even more important for us to develop a global strategy that is supported by data-driven decision making. Oklahoma State University has outstanding faculty and is well known for preparing business leaders for the challenges of the future. I am very fortunate that our CEO at R L Hudson & Company recognizes the value that the Executive Ph.D. can provide to our company and encourages me in my research. I look forward to working with the others in my class over the next three years, and like iron sharpening iron, mutually benefitting from our shared experiences and research."

Jordan said, "I am excited about starting this program. I feel that the blending of academics and business in this venue will be beneficial to all those involved; myself, the company I work for and OSU."

Ramesh Sharda is program director of the Ph.D. in Business for Executives and Dr. Craig Wallace is the program's research director.

For more information on how to become a member of the 2013 class, go to the Ph.D. in Business for Executives website: http://phdexec.okstate.edu.