USF welcomes new Muma College of Business dean

The University of South Florida is welcoming its new Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business, David Blackwell.

At an introductory reception Tuesday, community members and USF leaders filled Lynn Pippenger Hall at the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance on 4th St. S. in St. Petersburg to meet the new dean in person. The reception was part of Blackwell’s “welcome tour” across USF’s three campuses in the region.

“I have to say that I’m overwhelmed with this reception,” Blackwell said at Tuesday’s event. “Most of you are from the community. Many of you are donors, and a number of you are hiring our students, our graduates.”

Local business executives, nonprofit leaders and community members welcomed the University of South Florida’s new Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business, David Blackwell, at a reception Tuesday. Photo: Ashley Morales.

“This reception just validates why it was an easy decision for me to leave Kentucky and come to the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business,” Blackwell added. “I’m very proud to be here and look forward to working with all of you.”

Blackwell comes to USF after serving as associate dean for professional graduate programs at the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics. He served in various positions at the University of Kentucky over the course of more than 12 years. 

Before his tenure at the University of Kentucky, Blackwell held positions at institutions including leadership positions at the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, the University of Georgia, the University of Houston and Emory University. Blackwell earned both his bachelor’s degree in economics and his doctorate in finance from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. 

David Blackwell will now oversee the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business. Photo provided.

“It was wonderful to witness the warm welcome our new dean, David Blackwell, received from the St. Pete community,” said Gary A. Patterson, Dean of the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance and Campus Dean of the Muma College of Business at USF St. Petersburg. “He brings extensive experience in partnering with business leaders, Dean Blackwell is enthusiastic about working with our dynamic community to enhance opportunities for our students.”

Blackwell officially started his new position in July. He will also visit USF’s Sarasota campus this week for a welcome reception there. The fall semester resumes at USF Monday, Aug. 26.

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