LAKEESHA K. RANSOM, PhD Dean and Associate Professor The University of Toledo 2801 West Bancroft Street, MS# 504 Toledo, Ohio 43606 (419) 530.6030 (office) (mobile) [email protected] SUMMARY Seasoned professional with twenty years of experience working with corporate, not-­‐for-­‐profit, educational, and governmental organizations and teams. Specialized in strategy and business development, international human resources and organization development. Proven success in education administration, developing global strategic alliances and innovative growth strategies. EDUCATION Doctor of Philosophy, Human Resource Development & Strategic Management University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota Dissertation Title: Shifting Strategic Paradigms: Assessing the Determinants of Possessing a Global Mindset in a US Based Diversified Transnational Corporation. Master of Arts, Comparative & International Development Education University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota Thesis Title: Shifting out of the Minority Paradigm: Internationalizing the Perspectives of African American Students. Bachelor of Arts, International Business, (French minor) Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, Minnesota L’Université de Toulouse, Capitole 1 des Sciences Sociales, Toulouse, France PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Dean and Associate Professor Chief Academic and Administrative Officer and Founding Dean of The University of Toledo the Jesup Scott Honors College. Responsibilities include, but are Toledo, Ohio not limited to: 2013-­‐Present ■
Provide vision and dynamic leadership to sustain excellence in education, research, and service. ■
Lead 11-­‐member University Honors Council to define University-­‐wide Honors metrics, standards, and goals. ■
Foster strategic and cooperative relationships on and off campus. ■
Establish goals and objectives for all of the college's administration; plan and manage the budget. Lakeesha K. Ransom ■
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Visiting Professor Assumption University of Thailand Bangkok, Bangkapi, Thailand 2009-­‐2013 Taught Entrepreneurship and Customer Relationship Management graduate level business courses in Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Responsibilities included: ■
Provided engaging learning opportunities that helped students synthesize complex macro environmental forces and ways to integrate them into business practices. ■
Conducted international strategy and economic development research. ■
Developed international recruitment strategies ■
Hosted international delegations and developed strategic alliances. ■
Served as thesis advisor and chaired Master’s theses committees. Projects included, but were not limited to: ■
Consulted Tourism Authority of Thailand on rebranding and tourism development strategies. ■
Conducted and presented innovative learning strategies research to Thai Ministry of Labour and United Nations officials. ■
Developed and facilitated office technology, healthcare administration, and sustainable operations training to over 500 clients. ■
Developed customized programs and curriculum. ■
Specialized in innovation and leadership development. Principal Mariposa Global Minneapolis, Minnesota Bangkok, Bangkapi, Thailand 2000-­‐2013 Facilitate curricular evaluation and development. Recruit, mentor, and evaluate 13 faculty and staff members. Define the Honors College admission standards, expand recruitment efforts, and enhance retention and graduation rates. Coordinate regional and national accreditation initiatives. Increased Honors enrollment by 125% from fall 2013-­‐
2014. Launched Honors Ideas & Innovation hub to foster inter-­‐
disciplinary problem-­‐based learning initiatives. Inaugurated Jesup Scott Honors College Distinguished Lecture Series. Developed and launched Youth Nations summer recruitment camp for rising high school seniors. Expand international and service-­‐learning programs. Oversee implementation of 500-­‐bed Honors Academic Village. 2 | P a g e Lakeesha K. Ransom Senior Manager Best Buy Richfield, Minnesota 2006-­‐2009 Regent The University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota 2001-­‐2007 Researcher The University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota 1997-­‐2006 Provided strategic leadership to managers in 1,000 stores across North America, UK, and China. Responsibilities included, but were not limited to: ■
Developed and executed business strategies. ■
Coached social entrepreneurs. ■
Cultivated and managed strategic alliances. ■
Represented company at the World Economic Forum and oversaw implementation of global strategic commitments. ■
Launched sabbatical program to broaden global networks. ■
Sponsored business student case competitions. ■
Reduced female turnover by 5% ($25 million savings in 2 years). ■
Created business innovation networks and platforms that resulted in $4.4 billion increase in female customer revenue. ■
Managed cross-­‐functional recruitment, retention and market share metrics. ■
Researched countries to develop global customer insights. ■
Developed teams that created processes and procedures needed to sustain programs. ■
Managed budgets. Governed the University of Minnesota. Responsibilities included, but were not limited to: ■
Served as one of the 12 fiduciaries on behalf of the People of Minnesota. ■
Chaired Faculty, Staff and Student Affairs Committee. ■
Vice-­‐Chaired Facilities Committee. ■
Served on Audit, Finance, and Education Policy and Planning Committees. ■
Defined University’s 20-­‐year strategic vision. ■
Approved annual operating budgets ($1.6 billion). ■
Approved capital expenditures including the $71.5 million Coffman renovation and $68 million Molecular and Cellular Biology building. ■
Appointed by the Governor. Elected by the Legislature. Responsibilities included, but were not limited to: ■
Established leadership development program between University and Fortune 100 Corporations. ■
Researched leadership and organization development, mentoring, faculty support, and faculty tenure issues. ■
Taught and advised undergraduate and graduate students. ■
Coordinated all-­‐University open forum and facilitated national symposium designed to increase faculty retention and promotion rates. ■
Developed international study programs. 3 | P a g e Lakeesha K. Ransom Intern Minnesota Office of Higher Education St. Paul, Minnesota 1999-­‐2000 Writing Coordinator Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, Minnesota 1998-­‐1999 Associate Spokesperson US Mission to the United Nations in Vienna (UNVIE) Vienna, Austria 1997 Admission Counselor Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota 1995-­‐1997 Marketing Intern 3M Corporation St. Paul, Minnesota 1994 ■
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Administered the Eisenhower Professional Development grant. Conducted research on teacher induction. Consulted steering committee on quality improvement and employee development. ■
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Assisted low-­‐income, first generation prospective college students with academic and career development issues. Developed a writing and grammar curriculum. Served as the Associate Spokesperson to the “Vital Voices: Women in Democracy” conference sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and the Office of the First Lady of the United States. Responsibilities included, but were not limited to: ■
Coordinated a film project to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the International Atomic Energy Agency. ■
Communicated with international news agencies. Managed the press office. ■
Facilitated press conferences. ■
Participated in international policy negotiations with United Nations delegates from other Member States. ■
Recruited prospective students to the University. ■
Achieved the highest (84%) enrollment rate of students that applied. ■
Traveled extensively to high schools and college fairs within the regional territory. ■
Planned and implemented recruiting programs. ■
Conducted interviews with prospective students and parents. ■
Recognized as one of the top ten sources of student applications. ■
Coordinated and published a benchmark study that compared 3M’s automated chemical dispensing system to others on the market. ■
Compiled customer and distributor profiles that highlighted common key variables of 3M’s high volume customers and distributors. ■
Designed a private label for Home & Commercial Care key 4 | P a g e Lakeesha K. Ransom ■
client. Supported sales representatives, sales managers, and marketing executives throughout the United States. LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS Senior Certified Sustainability Professional, Green Supply Chain, 2011 Residential Energy Auditor Certification, State of Minnesota, 2010 French Language Proficiency Certification, Department of Defense, 1998 Human Relations License, State of Minnesota, 1998 Conflict Resolution and Confrontation Management, 1997 COURSES TAUGHT Graduate ■
Customer Relationship Management, Graduate School of Business, Assumption University ■
Entrepreneurship, College of Distance Education, Assumption University ■
SME & New Venture Management, Graduate School, Assumption University ■
Multicultural Counseling, College of Education and Human Development, ■
University of Minnesota ■
Strategic Alliances, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota (Guest Lecturer) Undergraduate ■
Ideas, Innovation, & Society, The Jesup Scott Honors College, The University of Toledo ■
Law and Public Policy, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota ■
Emerging Democracies, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota Community Education & Professional Development ■
Residential Energy Auditing ■
Health Care Administration ■
English as a Second Language ■
Green Operations Management SELECT HONORS & AWARDS ■ Diversity Champion, The University of Toledo 2014 ■ External Partner of the Year, Women Venture 2008 ■ Woman on the Go Award, American Council on Education Network 2003 st
■ 21 Century Renaissance Leadership Award, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan 2002 ■ Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, National Black MBA Association 2002 ■
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5 | P a g e Lakeesha K. Ransom COMMUNITY SERVICE & INVOLVEMENT External Service ■
Board Member, St. Frances de Sales High School, Toledo, Ohio 2013-­‐Present ■
Co-­‐Chair, Midwest Selection Committee, Jackie Robinson Foundation 2001-­‐Present ■
Board Member, Inner City Tennis, Minneapolis, Minnesota 2007-­‐2014 ■
Fellowship Reviewer, Echoing Green Foundation, New York, New York 2008-­‐2012 ■
Volunteer, St. Joseph’s Children’s Home, Minneapolis, Minnesota 2009-­‐Present ■
Volunteer, Nceba Pre-­‐School, Eastern Cape, South Africa 2004 ■
Teacher, Children’s Church, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church 2003-­‐2007 ■
U.S. Delegate, Ship for World Youth Program, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan 2001 ■
Paired Reading Volunteer, Marcy Open School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 1997-­‐2003 ■
English as a Second Language Volunteer Instructor, Marshall, Minnesota 1992-­‐1996 University of Minnesota ■
Vice-­‐Chair, Kirby Puckett Scholarship Selection Committee 2000-­‐Present ■
Member, Josie R. Johnson Human Rights & Social Justice Award Committee 2001-­‐2007 ■
Vice Chair, Student Representatives to the Board of Regents 2000-­‐2001 ■
Committee Member, Non-­‐Profit Management Task Force 2000-­‐2001 ■
University Senator 1999-­‐2001 ■
Executive Board Member, Graduate & Professional Student Organizations 1999-­‐2001 ■
Chair, Coca-­‐Cola Academic Initiative Committee 1998-­‐2000 Southwest Minnesota State University ■
University Judicial Board 1993-­‐1995 ■
Global Studies Committee 1994-­‐1996 ■
International Student Organization 1992-­‐1996 SELECTED PAPERS & PRESENTATIONS ■
Maruyama, G. & Ransom, L. (2004). Impacts of the President’s Multicultural Faculty Research Award on faculty attitudes and productivity. Paper presented at the Keeping our Faculties III National Symposium: Minneapolis, Minnesota. ■
Ransom, L. (2012). Rural Entrepreneurship and Climate-­‐Smart Agriculture: Engagement, Collaboration, and Innovation. Plenary presentation given at the Second Global Conference of Agriculture, Climate Change, and Food Security hosted by the World Economic Forum and United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization. Hanoi; Vietnam. ■
Ransom, L. (2011). Traversing the Boundaries of Knowledge: Exploring the Role of Interdisciplinary Research in Innovation and New Industry Formation. Paper presented at the First International Conference on Interdisciplinary Research and Development: Bangkok, Thailand. ■
Ransom, L. (2011). The ASEAN Trade Agreements: Implications for East, West and the Rest. Caucus presented at the 2011 Academy of Management Conference: San Antonio, Texas. ■
Ransom, L. (2010). Creative Education for Sustainable Achievement: New Ways to Learn. Paper presented at the Mega-­‐Trends in Human Capital and Labour Productivity: Towards Global Integration Conference: Bangkok, Thailand. 6 | P a g e Lakeesha K. Ransom ■
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Ransom, L. (2003). Student membership on governing boards. Paper presented at the Association of Governing Boards Annual Meeting: Seattle, Washington. Ransom, L. (2002). Interpretative inquiry: Discovering meaning in research. Paper presented at the Management Doctoral Student Association Annual Meeting: Denver, Colorado. Ransom, L. (2002). Emotional intelligence and leadership: An overview. Paper presented at the 21st Century Renaissance Youth Leaders Invitation Program, Tokyo, Japan. Ransom, L. & Kudjo, F. (2003). Globalization: Implications on leadership development. Paper presented at the World Youth Reunion: Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Ransom, L.; Tichy, M.; & McCalister, A. (2006). The Multicultural Leadership Mentoring Program: Embracing Diversity in the 21st Century. Paper presented at the 3rd Annual Yale Bouchet Conference: New Haven, Connecticut. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS ■
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Academy of Management (member) Academy of Human Resources Development (member) Association of Black Women in Higher Education, Minnesota Chapter (founding member) National Black MBA Association (member) SCHOLARLY & PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS International Strategy; International Development; Entrepreneurship; Leadership; Global Mindset and Managerial Cognition; Customer Relationship Management; International Human Resource Development; Innovation; Organization Development; Community Economic Development; Organization Effectiveness; Corporate Social Responsibility; Design Thinking 7 | P a g e