Office Hours is a recurring segment where the Inside Marist team sparks conversations with key members of the campus community. Find out more about the inner workings of the College, gain fresh perspectives, and celebrate the invaluable contributions of those who make Marist the vibrant community that it is.

In this segment, Inside Marist’s Michelle Eggink interviews Dr. Will Lamb, Dean of The School of Management. Dr. Lamb holds a PhD from Virginia Tech and a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia. He’s served as Dean at several prestigious institutions and is widely published in peer-reviewed journals focused on management and business. He brings extensive experience in academic leadership and business education to Marist.

Q What are some things most people don’t know about you?

A I used to race sailboats and long ago won a national championship while racing with my brother. I grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and my family has deep roots in Virginia since the early 1600s. One of my brothers lives on the family farm, where we’ve been since about 1810.

It's also the case that my 11-times great-grandmother was Pocahontas. My wife, a genealogy buff, helped confirm this family connection while doing her research. Surprisingly, many Virginians can trace their ancestry back to Pocahontas. Her only child grew up in Virginia and had 13 children, extending her family line throughout the area.

Q If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

A I’d choose Ulysses S. Grant [American military officer who led the Union to victory in the Civil War and became the 18th president of the United States] because of his remarkable humility, clarity in decision-making, and intriguing personal story. He overcame a lot. I’m also fascinated by impressionist artist J.M.W Turner.

Dean Lamb (center) laying concrete in Dyson Center office spaces beside Dean Gatins. Photo by Zach Gawron/Marist College.

Q What new Dyson features are you most excited about?

A Community Spaces: Dyson's community spaces function as an additional student center, providing a comfortable, collaborative area for all students.
Dedicated Spaces for Marketing and Entrepreneurship: Along with the new investment center, the entrepreneurship "idea" lab will support prototype creation, brainstorming, events, and competitions. The marketing lab will offer state-of-the-art technology, including Virtual Reality tools and market research capabilities.

Both spaces will alternate between classrooms and project workspaces for our students. I’m also excited about Saxbys cafe and other spaces for experiential learning.

Q What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education?

A My dad was a professor, so I grew up around academia and was always interested in it. I either wanted to run a business or go into academia. One thing that’s fun for me as a dean is that I get to do both. I get to manage the day-to-day business of the school, and think about the long-term direction of the school, but I'm still in the academic environment.

Dean Lamb with custom Marist themed art created by artists at Passion Works Studio, a nonprofit that provides employment opportunities for those with developmental disabilities. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist College.

Q What brought you to Marist?

A I love the Hudson Valley and it's an exciting time to be at Marist. We're not just expanding with a new building; our faculty has innovated the curriculum. We're poised to elevate Marist as a whole. Unlike many schools facing cuts and financial troubles, Marist is financially healthy, adding new positions, and innovating. In the midst of such difficult times for higher education, it’s exciting to be able to build and do new things.

Q What stands out about the student experience in the School of Management?

A The School of Management's personal touch is a key advantage for our students. Smaller class sizes at Marist and the opportunities for connection with classmates and faculty within the school make a big difference in fostering relationships and growing through experiential learning. With the new Dyson spaces, we anticipate more events, guest speakers, and activities beyond classroom learning.

Q How do you see the role of business education evolving, and how will Marist’s School of Management adapt to these changes?

A Our priority is to enhance experiential learning, allowing students to put their new knowledge and skills to use. We're putting energy into student-run businesses, lab environments, mentorships, and internships. Marist stands out by focusing on the student experience, setting us apart from schools that emphasize mostly course content.

Q How would you describe your faculty?

A Our faculty is teaching-oriented and work very hard to provide an excellent student experience, both in and out of class. They’ve helped create new clubs, like the sales and consulting clubs, and played a key role in developing the entrepreneurship and marketing labs. They conduct research with undergraduates, develop new courses (18 this last year), and expand elective options. With the growing popularity of the entrepreneurship concentration, we've added more faculty to meet the demand. Our faculty members are kind and caring, and deeply committed to our students’ success.

Dean Lamb, surrounded by his diverse book collection. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist College.

Q What do you do for fun outside of academia?

A Outside of academia, I enjoy reading, especially anything connected to history. I’m currently reading a book on how fresh water was brought to Manhattan in the 19th century, and a book about the lead-up to the U.S. Civil War. Tending to my yard is also a favorite activity. It feels meditative, especially as I prepare for my family's move from Virginia. I'm also passionate about photography, having run a camera shop in the past; I especially love sharing travel photos.

Q What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?

A I have a soft spot for France due to my French heritage, especially La Rochelle on the Atlantic Coast, where my French grandmother lived and my grandfather helped build a train station during World War I. I’ve also had the incredible opportunity to visit students in Dublin and Madrid for Marist Study Abroad. Since I travel frequently, I love observing local business and marketing practices, from TV ads to the products on store shelves—it gives me a unique perspective on global trends.

Q What’s one piece of advice you have for students in the School of Management?

A Keep an open mind and follow your interests. If you enjoy a class, dive deeper; if not, it’s OK to pivot. Study what fascinates you, and take advantage of our courses, certificates, and minors to build valuable skills. Pick a major you're passionate about and we’ll support you with career readiness opportunities.
 

This is the first installment in a series of interviews with the deans of Marist’s six academic schools. We sat down with campus leadership to provide an inside look at the individuals guiding our institution's academic vision. Up next will be Dr. Deborah Gatins, Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.