An experienced finance researcher and educator has been appointed as the new Dean of the University of Lethbridge’s Dhillon School of Business. Dr. Blake Phillips, who has served the last 15 years at the University of Waterloo in various roles, including Professor of Finance and Director, School of Accounting and Finance, will assume his new role at ULethbridge beginning September 1.
“Dr. Phillips is a well-rounded scholar, researcher and educator who has proven himself as an innovator and community builder throughout his career,” says Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “His commitment to empowering diverse perspectives and creating a culture where students and faculty are able to thrive will continue to add to the positive momentum of the Dhillon School of Business.”
Phillips began his academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Science from University of British Columbia, then a Master of Forestry and Master of Business Administration from the University of Alberta. He completed his PhD from the UAlberta School of Business in 2009 with a major in finance, joint minors: economics and statistics.
He says the Dhillon School’s commitment to advancing management knowledge in service of a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable society resonates with his leadership experience and values.
“I am particularly drawn to the Dhillon School’s emphasis on student experience and its ambition to prepare thoughtful, responsible leaders for an increasingly complex world,” says Phillips. “I believe innovation must be grounded in community and institutional context, and meaningful change is built through consultation, trust and shared ownership.”
Recognizing the strong experiential focus of the Dhillon School, Phillips brings experience in heading coop-integrated undergraduate and graduate programs, guiding academic programming, accreditation, student services, coop, advancement, budgeting, human resources and strategic planning. He says the rapid rise of intelligent technologies has greatly changed how business schools educate students.
“The role of a business school is no longer simply to transmit knowledge, but to develop graduates who can integrate technological fluency with human judgment — thinking systematically, acting ethically and leading across increasingly complex and interconnected environments.”
He is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the strong faculty members within the Dhillon School.
“My leadership approach is grounded in collaboration, transparency, and service,” says Phillips. “I view leadership as enabling others to succeed — creating an environment where faculty, staff and students feel supported, heard and empowered to contribute.”