Former Dean of UCI School of Business to Head AUA’s College of Business and Economics

YEREVAN–David H. Blake, professor emeritus and former dean of the Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine, this month steps into the role of Interim Dean of the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) College of Business and Economics (CBE).

“Professor Blake is an accomplished academic who has served as the dean of four major US business schools and I am delighted to have him join our team,” said AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian.

“I’m honored to have been chosen for this position,” said Professor Blake. “The College of Business and Economics at AUA is the leading business school in the region and I have been and continue to be very impressed with the commitment of students, faculty, staff, and university leadership to CBE and AUA, as well as the broader alumni and business communities.”

The CBE offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, taught in English, and a number of executive and professional certificates. Its flagship programs, the two-year MBA degree and a two-and-a-half-year Professional MBA degree for working professionals, are rigorous and well-rounded programs that offers a balance between theory and practice, the quantitative and qualitative perspectives, and the economic and social responsibilities of business leadership. The AUA MBA enjoys a strong reputation in Armenia and in the region.

Professor Blake takes the helm at CBE with extensive experience in management as a scholar and business school dean for 22 years. He has over two-decades of experience as a former dean at Northeastern, Rutgers, Southern Methodist University, and most recently the University of California, Irvine. He has also served both as a consultant, and board member for more than 16 public and private companies and a number of non-profit organizations.

As a board member and business advisor, Professor Blake has shepherded many companies through startup and funding issues, mergers, acquisitions, spin offs, SEC investigations, corporate raider attacks, and strategic repositioning challenges.

An author of seven books, he has written and spoken extensively on topics such as strategic leadership, corporate strategy, global business, and ethical business leadership. He is currently writing two books, “Making Ethics Work” and “’Doing‘ Leadership.”

“Dr. Blake has had a distinguished career as both an academic scholar and a corporate board member for several technology and financial service companies,” said AUA Provost Dennis Leavens. “I am grateful for his willingness to serve as dean during this transitional period and look forward to working with him until a permanent dean is in place.”

Professor Blake currently serves as Director of the Center for Ethical Business Leadership of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business school honor society. He also is a State of California certified mediator specializing in business, workplace, and family mediations.

The American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia. Founded in 1991, AUA is affiliated with the University of California. Through teaching, research, and public service, AUA serves Armenia and the region by supplying high-quality, graduate and undergraduate education, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting democratic values.

The AUA is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510-748-9001.