Introduction to Entrepreneurship @Mays from Interim Dean Ireland

Dear Mays community:

I hope this message finds each of you doing well and enjoying all activities this time of year brings!

With homage to the saying that “time passes quickly,” I want to note that I am completing my 18th year as a member of the Texas A&M University and Mays Business School communities. In so many ways, it is difficult to imagine that this is the case.

My wife, Mary Ann, and I feel so very blessed and fortunate to be a part of Mays and Texas A&M. The opportunities to serve here truly are the highlights of my 45-year career. In addition to being a member of the Department of Management faculty since July 2004, I have had the privilege of serving as Head of the Department of Management, Interim Head of the Department of Management, Interim Executive Associate Dean, Executive Associate Dean, Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship, Acting Dean, and now as Interim Dean. I have enjoyed all of these positions and the opportunities to serve the Mays Business School family each one provided. My commitment while serving has been to strive continuously to demonstrate our Aggie Core Values.

As you may know, Mary Ann and I decided recently that I will conclude my service as Interim Dean on May 31st of this year. I will then retire from the university on August 31, 2022. I have never had more pride about Mays Business School and the impact we are having on students, Texas A&M University, the worldwide communities of scholars with whom we are involved, and with other stakeholders as well, than is the case today. I am confident in saying that I am leaving our school and university while both are experiencing “high water marks.”

Stated simply, the reason for the decisions I am describing is that Mary Ann and I are now ready for the “next phase” of life. We truly look forward to many exciting new adventures during retirement!

This issue of @Mays is of particular interest to me. I’ve dedicated a reasonably large percentage of my research efforts throughout my career to studying strategic entrepreneurship. When the topics of strategic entrepreneurship and strategic entrepreneurs continued to surface, our team decided to create an @Mays edition around these important topics and the possibilities flowing from them. Please enjoy learning about the various interdisciplinary aspects of Entrepreneurship @Mays—and please share your thoughts with us and others through your social media of choice. Just search “Mays Business” to find the appropriate channel.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this unique and stimulating community and to join you in “advancing the world’s prosperity.” I will joyfully share in the many accomplishments you will record while working together in the coming years. 

With sincere appreciation and good wishes to all,

Duane