Name: Debra J. Ringold
Title: Professor of Marketing
Company: Atkinson Graduate School of Management, Willamette University
Education: Ph.D. University of Maryland—College Park
Work Experience: Teaching, academic research, consulting, and disciplinary service since 1982
What I do: I teach graduate electives in marketing. I offer courses in marketing research, integrated marketing communications, nonprofit marketing strategy, and marketing and public policy. My research interests focus on the regulation of commercial speech. My clients include consumer package goods firms, federal agencies, and large nonprofit organizations. I am currently serving as chairperson of the Board of Directors of the American Marketing Association.
How I got there: During and after earning my M.B.A. I worked as a university fine arts programmer and student affairs administrator. I produced dance, theatre, film, speaker, and contemporary artist events and taught students in these co-curricular contexts. The marketing and teaching aspects of the job were the most interesting and I decided to return to graduate school to study the discipline I was beginning to love. At the University of Maryland I was inspired to pursue high quality research focused on the intersection of marketing and public policy. The Atkinson Graduate School of Management, Willamette University is an interesting place for me because it values high quality teaching, has a particular commitment to public policy research, and is committed to disciplinary and community service.
Skills needed: Intellectual curiosity, discipline, and empathy.
Where would I go from here? I am where I want to be. I have the best jobs on the planet.
Advice: Do what you love, do it very well, and the rest takes care of itself.
Biggest misconception: Academics take the summer off.
To succeed and enjoy this position, you need to: Love your discipline, students, research, and service to others.