Pfeffer named CEO-in-residence in College of Business
Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 |
Lipscomb University’s College of Business has named Nashville business leader Phillip M. Pfeffer, president and CEO of Treemont Capital Inc., a CEO-in-residence beginning fall 2016 semester.
Pfeffer, former chairman of the board and CEO of Ingram Distribution Group Inc., will share his experiences and expertise with students enrolled in Lipscomb’s Master’s of Management degree program throughout the semester both in the classroom as an adjunct professor of management and in other co-curricular activities. He will be co-faculty for a group of graduate students on their global business trip to Thailand in December.
“Phil is one of the most well-respected businessmen and entrepreneurs in Nashville. He has led some of Nashville’s most successful companies and is still involved with cutting edge business ventures. He is an inspirational role model for our students,” said Dr. Ray Eldridge, dean of Lipscomb’s College of Business. “Phil adds tremendous C-level experience and credibility to the education of our Masters of Management students’ education. Being able to spend time with someone of the caliber of Phil is a rare opportunity for any aspiring young business leader.”
Lipscomb’s Master of Management program, which combines a year of academic course work with 25 hours of directed work study at one of many Nashville companies that represents major organizations across the city. The program is designed specifically for non-business bachelor’s graduates who would like to move into management in their chosen field or into business. The program launched in fall 2014.
A major component of the College of Business’ approach to education is to provide opportunities for students to interact with business leaders.
“The experience and wisdom Phil brings to the classroom adds an incredible level of depth to class discussions,” said Dr. Bart Liddle, assistant professor of management and director of graduate business programs at Lipscomb. “It has been amazing to watch the students interact with Phil as they learn from his life experiences. We are thankful for Phil’s passion for and engagement with our students and look forward to his continued involvement.”
In 2011, Lipscomb’s Center for Entrepreneurship selected Pfeffer to receive its inaugural “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award. Previously, Pfeffer served as president and CEO, director and member of the executive committee of Random House Inc., the world’s largest English-language general trade book publisher until the sale of the company to Bertelsmann A.G. Random House sales and profits increased significantly during his tenure.
Prior to joining Random House, Pfeffer served as chairman of the board and CEO of Ingram Distribution Group Inc. headquartered in Nashville. Under his leadership, total revenue of the Ingram Distribution Group Inc. — which includes Ingram Micro Inc. and Ingram Book Group — grew from $36 million to $12 billion. While at Ingram, Pfeffer served as executive vice president and as a member of the board of directors and the executive committee of Ingram Industries Inc. (the parent company of the Ingram Distribution Group).
He now serves as chairman of the board of directors of Nashville company Essex Technology Group and on the board of Casual Furniture Repair and Sales in St. Petersburg, Fla. He also serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations.
Pfeffer received a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and chemistry and a Master of Arts in economics from Southern Illinois University He completed postgraduate studies in economics at Vanderbilt University as a National Science Foundation Fellow and holds an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Southern Illinois University. Pfeffer and his wife, Pam, reside in St. Petersburg, Fla., and Nashville.
Lipscomb University’s College of Business
Lipscomb University’s College of Business is recognized nationally for its excellence. The College of Business’ undergraduate program was ranked No. 1 in Tennessee and one of the top 100 in the nation by Bloomberg /Businessweek in its Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016 ranking and ranked No. 2 in Tennessee for its part-time MBA and one of the top 50 in the nation.
Human Resources MB named Lipscomb University one of the Top 50 Most Affordable Small Colleges for an HR Degree in 2015, and The College of Business was ranked 24th in the nation in the Military Times’ 2013 Best for Vets: Business Schools Guide for veterans based on financial aid, academic policies and participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The college offers four major areas of undergraduate studies and three graduate degrees—an MBA, a Master of Accountancy and a Master of Management. Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the college is one of the two largest business accrediting bodies in the world, Lipscomb University’s College of Business is recognized throughout the region and the nation as an outstanding source of highly skilled and highly trustworthy business leaders.