Terry College welcomes new director of Professional and Executive MBA Programs

Susan Brown brings blend of corporate and classroom experience to Terry’s Atlanta-based MBA programs
Executive MBA director Susan Brown

Susan Brown brings a range of relevant experiences to her new role as director of the Executive and Professional MBA Programs at the University of Georgia Terry College of Business.

She’s been a faculty instructor for the EMBA, PMBA and Full-Time MBA programs at Terry, she’s led operations, strategic partnerships and technology solutions for one of Atlanta’s best-known companies, and she’s an EMBA graduate, one of the degree programs she now leads.

“This lets me blend everything I loved about the corporate business side with everything I enjoy about teaching,” Brown said. “I’ve been a student. I’ve been an instructor. And I’ve led teams in the corporate world. I think it gives me clear insight into what the faculty’s concerns are, what the student experience should be, and what employers and our graduates are looking to gain from a nationally ranked program like ours.”

She most recently served as executive director of operations management for Atlanta-based Cox Communications, a role she’d held since 2016. In 13 years with Cox Communications, Brown’s responsibilities grew from retail and wireless technology to strategic partnerships, digital experience and end-to-end operational strategy. Her prior professional experience was in process engineering with Daimler Chrysler and Verizon Wireless.

Mike Pfarrer, Terry’s associate dean for research and executive programs, who served as the interim director of the EMBA and PMBA programs for the six months prior to Brown’s August 1 start, pointed to Brown’s experience leading cross-functional teams and her success developing strong partnerships outside her own organization.

“In Susan’s career, she’s been tapped to build and lead teams that were tasked with large strategic initiatives and making them operational,” Pfarrer said. “Our footprint in the Terry Executive Education Center has grown over the years, and we are ready to enter the next stage of development with our MBA programs in Buckhead. Susan has an excellent background and the dedication to lead that effort.”

Brown has taught Business and Corporate Strategy, Strategy Execution and HR Management as a part-time lecturer for both the Full-Time MBA Program and the Atlanta MBA Programs.

“Susan’s experience with graduate education and her familiarity with the Terry College of Business give her a clear understanding of what MBA students are seeking to set themselves up for success,” said Dean Benjamin C. Ayers. “Her track record of strategic execution is compelling, and her collaborative style of leadership is a great fit for our Atlanta-based programs.”