Dean Andrew Ainslie | Simon Business School

In Memoriam In Memoriam Dean Andrew Ainslie

Dean Andrew Ainslie Bloomberg Ranking Reveal Event

In Memoriam

Andrew Ainslie, PhD

Dean, Simon Business School 2014-2020

Benjamin Forman Professor in Marketing

I cannot rest from travel: I will drink
Life to the lees: All times I have enjoy'd
Greatly, have suffer'd greatly, both with those
That loved me, and alone

Tennyson’s “Ulysses.”

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Andrew Ainslie was a keen strategist and an astute marketer. He was passionate about graduate management education and an avid supporter of the MBA and specialty MS programs. But most of all, he was passionate about our students and our Simon community and a brilliant, funny, and authentic teacher, leader, mentor, and friend.

Appointed Dean in 2014, his deeply ambitious strategic plan aimed to see Simon make a dramatic climb in the business school rankings while also reducing tuition costs. He succeeded in achieving both.

His fierce commitment to our students' success, well-being, and satisfaction led to the creation of the Office of Student Engagement and a better-than-ever student experience. On the curriculum side, he led Simon to become the first business school in the US to gain full STEM designation, for which we were named Poets&Quants Program of the Year. He also manifested his vision of a strong digital presence for our school.

Andrew Ainslie left an indelible mark on Simon. His influence remains strongly felt within our halls and our hearts, and his numerous efforts on behalf of Simon will continue to help us grow Ever Better for years to come.

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Hear from Andrew Ainslie in his own words.

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Making the Case

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Why the MBA

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Comments

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One of the best deans I have known

In my work I have the opportunity to meet and observe many business school deans and how they think about strategy. Andrew was unquestionably one of the sharpest and boldest thinkers in the business school sector. I got to know him at AACSB meetings and recall one evening in particular when he joined a roundtable discussion with other deans over dinner. His willingness to challenge the status quo and his insightful and provocative mind made for an unusually lively evening! He will be missed.

Submitted by David Mulligan

Vision, Passion, and Connection. Miss you, Dean Ainslie.

Andrew had massive impact on me, my classmates, and the entire Simon community. His vision for the school was bold, but his firm handshake, confidence, and sharp wittiness made you know this vision would come to life. I'm lucky to have shared memories: from South Africa to flying to Ithaca for ice-cream, but a favorite memory is sharing how I was planning a proposal to my now wife & you provided great marriage advice. Much love to Teri, your family, and friends as we mourn this loss. Meliora.

Submitted by Mike Alcazaren

Leadership and Courage

Dean Ainsley approached his work and his life with a fearless commitment to excellence and integrity. His commitment to the lives and careers of those at Simon was unparalleled and was a living example of what is possible when we approach life and work without fear. I am grateful to have known him and miss him already. example of

Submitted by Kate Washington

Gratitude for visionary leadship

Dean Ainslie was the dean at Simon when I was there and near the end of the year, awards were given, one of which was the Dean's Leadership Award, given for demonstrated leadership and service to the school. I found the description so accurately reflecting Dean Ainslie's ethos, as many other comments attest to. I wanted to express my condolences to his family, but also gratitude for his work in giving students like myself a first-rate business education. It is my goal to pay it forward.

Submitted by Jaime Staengel

Shocked and saddened

Andrew and I worked on a paper when we were doctoral students at different schools, which became my second academic publication (even before anything out of my dissertation got published). More importantly, Andrew was a dear friend during my grad school days. I fondly followed his great stint as an administrator at UCLA and Rochester. He has left a wonderful professional legacy. My deepest sympathies to his family, colleagues and friends. I am grieving. Om Shanti.

Submitted by Seethu Seetharaman

Instrumental

Andrew arrived at Simon just as I was pondering the notion of endowing a chair within the School. He was instrumental in working with me to craft the Barnett R Parker Professorship in Interdisciplinary Studies. Andrew was particularly gifted at expressing the value of one's contribution to Simon, and to the University at large. He became a truly close friend, as we shared stories of our lives' adventures. I am still trying to understand his loss. May his memory be a blessing.

Submitted by Dr. Barnett R Parker

Thanks for the memories, Andrew

Andrew and I went to graduate school together. I was in the Economics program at the University of Chicago. Econ students at Chicago did not have much fun, but I certainly did once I became part of a group of friends that included Andrew. We drifted apart after grad school, but the memories stayed with me and will continue to enrich my life.

Submitted by Renee Adams

Goodbye, Andrew

Andrew and I went to graduate school together. I was in the Economics program at the University of Chicago. Econ students at Chicago did not have much fun, but I certainly did once I became part of a group of friends that included Andrew. I have many memories of great times. Our group ate, drank, danced, skiied and travelled together. We drifted apart after grad school, but the memories stayed with me and will continue to enrich my life. I am grateful to have been friends with Andrew!

Submitted by Renee Adams

Andrew, you'll be missed

Ironically I got to know Andrew personally more in the last eight months than in the six years that he was Dean. He really embodied two characteristics that truly personify an academic – intense curiosity and intellectual honesty. I will miss having him in the office next door, his rich stories, and deep insights into everything ranging from culture and politics in South Africa, to the Simon school, and business education more broadly.

Submitted by Ravi Mantena

You’re going to be missed!

Dean Andrew and I met a few times over the course of 2021. Firstly I was in his class over the Fall semester. But, more importantly, we shared a love of flying and he took me up flying on more than one occasion. We spoke about a range of topics, all the while cementing my admiration of him. He would text me and ask if I wanted to join him flying and would zip over in his trusted F150 along with his dog and we would go flying. I’m going to miss you Dean Ainslie. Condolences to his family.

Submitted by Sandeep George

full-time programs.