On Nov. 14, the University inaugurated the Fred J. Springer Endowed Chair in Business Leadership in the College of Commerce and Finance to Dr. Steve Stumpf. The endowment was established to reflect the values of a Villanova education through leadership contributions to instruction, research, public service and business organizations.

Stumpf, an Executive MBA professor and chair of the Department of Management, has enjoyed successful careers in both academia and industry. Prior to joining the faculty of C&F in 2000, he was dean of professional development at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he designed and delivered leadership programs for principals and partners.

From 1993 to 1996, he was professor of management at the University of Tampa, where he founded its Center for Leadership and also served as dean of the College of Business and Graduate Studies. Prior to this, he taught at the Stern School of Business at New York University for 16 years and received several awards, including the David L. Bradford National Award.

Springer’s choice of business leadership as the concentration of the chair reflects his eagerness to assist the University in preparing men and women who can take the reins in any enterprise and lead it successfully. “Leadership is vital to the success of any endeavor, especially in any university curriculum,” Springer stated.