In February, the Area of Management in the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business announced the appointment of two distinguished visiting research scholars: Duane Ireland and Michael Hitt.
Already, there is a lot of excitement within Rawls College and the Area of Management about Ireland's and Hitt's appointments.
“Drs. Hitt and Ireland are world leaders in research related to business strategy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and international business,” said Margaret L. Williams, dean of Rawls College. “Having their names associated with Texas Tech University and the Rawls College of Business elevates our status among business schools globally.”
“Duane and Mike are two of the most highly regarded management faculty in the world,” said Don Kluemper, John B. Walker Endowed Professor of Business and area coordinator for the Area of Management. “We hope to gain knowledge and insights through their vast experience in research, teaching, service, and administration. Plus, both are well known for being absolutely wonderful and kind people."
While the exact details of the appointments are still to be worked out, Kluemper is excited for management faculty and doctoral students to learn from two paragons of the field. Between them, Ireland and Hitt have authored or co-authored nearly 50 books and have had over 100 articles published in elite management journals.
“Top-quality research in elite journals is extremely challenging,” said Kluemper. “Working with Duane and Mike, who have published an incredible number of publications in these journals, will be an invaluable resource to both doctoral students and faculty.”
Both Hitt and Ireland join Rawls College from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. Hitt serves as a university distinguished professor emeritus and as professor emeritus of management at Mays Business School. Ireland serves as a university distinguished professor emeritus. His last two positions in Mays found him serving as acting dean of the business school from January 1, 2021 through May 31, 2021 and then as interim dean from June 1, 2021 until August 31, 2022.
“I, personally, am looking forward to learning from Dr. Ireland's experience as an interim dean and executive associate dean at Texas A&M,” said Williams.
Hitt and Ireland reached out to Texas Tech University to find ways they could give back to their alma mater. Hitt earned his bachelor's (1968) and master's (1969) degrees from Rawls College. Ireland earned his bachelor's (1969), master's (1971), and doctoral degrees (1977) from Rawls College.
“I am deeply appreciative of Drs. Ireland and Hitt contacting me and sharing their interest in being re-associated with Texas Tech and the Rawls College of Business,” said Williams. “We can draw on their experience to enhance the quality and impact of our own research and raise the status of the college, and especially the management area, simply by their association with us. It is impossible to estimate the value of their decision to join us.”
In 2018, Hitt and Ireland were named Rawls Distinguished Alumni. In 2023, Rawls College named Hitt and Ireland as Impactful Individuals as part of Texas Tech's Centennial celebration. Now, as distinguished visiting research scholars, they have an opportunity to grow their impact at Rawls College even more.