Trailblazer Appointed As New Wharton Dean
In July 2020, the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania made history by appointing Erika H. James as its new Dean.
An expert in organizational psychology and leadership, Dean James became both the first woman and African American ever selected to lead Wharton in its 139 years of existence.
Penn President Amy Gutmann hailed the pioneering academic administrator as “exceptionally well prepared” for the prominent role heading up Wharton, consistently ranked the #1 business school globally. Dean James arrived at Wharton fresh off a successful tenure as Dean of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School from 2014-2020.
Brings Passion for Business Education and Diversity
A native of Bermuda raised in Texas, Dean James expressed feeling both humbled and invigorated to break new ground in Wharton’s leadership. She aims to apply her diverse personal and professional experiences as an African American woman to advance Wharton’s mission.
“My job is always to ensure that I am creating an environment that allows students, faculty and staff and alumni to be their best and be the best ambassadors they can of the Wharton brand,” Dean James emphasized.
Pioneer In Crisis Leadership and Workplace Equality
Beyond Dean James’ illustrious credentials as an academic administrator, she boasts over 20 years of scholarship investigating organizational psychology, especially around corporate crisis leadership strategy and workplace discrimination.
The award-winning scholar has become an internationally sought expert consultant for major companies seeking to build more diverse and inclusive cultures. Both her research and hands-on advising equip Dean James to foster positive change and empower stakeholders across the Wharton community.
Vowed to Make Wharton “Even Better”
During a Good Morning America appearance on her first day as Dean, James acknowledged the great responsibility she carries being appointed Wharton’s trailblazing leader. However, the pioneer remains committed to driving the #1 business school to even greater heights.
“My focus has to be primarily and predominantly on ensuring that we take the country’s first, biggest, and best business school and make it even better,” Dean James affirmed.
With her guidance, the future looks brighter than ever for Wharton and the diverse students it seeks to educate.
