It is my distinct pleasure to officially welcome Dan Connolly to the RCDM. MY relationship with Dan began over two years ago during the Summer of 2016 when I was afforded the honor by the Provost and administration of Drake University to head the search committee for a new Dean for the College of Business and Public Administration.I worked with a committee of 10 distinguished scholars, students, professors and administrators in the search for a new dean. This was especially important as the College had just gone through some difficult growing pains and strategic changes. This search was highlighted by the administration as one of the most important in Drake’s history. The committee reviewed over 45 applicants; ten Skype interviews, spending many hours in deliberation and review. Ultimately, we narrowed the field to an individual who towered above the field of extremely qualified and talented individuals. And suggested Daniel J Connolly PhD was our choice to become the dean of The College. The provost and administration agreed with that same enthusiasm and Dan graciously accepted this role.
Thus, began my friendship with Dan and his family. Over the past year and a half, we have become personal friends. Partially because he became my neighbor and transported his family halfway across the country to this “prairie city“ much as I had 36 years ago and also because we share a bond; he grew up in Massachusetts in a town very similar to the one in which I spent my childhood -- a suburb of Boston. Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins… we could relate! Dan Connolly was born in Hamilton, Mass. as one of six. His dad, a pharmacist, is Rotarian as is his brother in law.
Dan has distinguished himself in information technology with an emphasis on the hospitality industry. He graduated form Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and joined Marriott Corporation. Dr. Connolly spent nearly 8 years working at Marriott International’s corporate headquarters as an information systems analyst. In addition, he has consulted with numerous organizations in the hospitality, health care and technology sectors, and has more than 10 years of experience in hotel and restaurant operations.
He made a career decision to enter academia and earned an MBA from American University in Washington, D.C., and his PhD from Virginia Polytech. Prior to joining Drake, Dr. Connolly served as dean of the School of Business Administration at Portland State University and on the faculties of several major universities including the University of Denver, Michigan State University, and Virginia Tech, where he taught graduate and undergraduate courses in information technology, strategic management, finance, and hospitality administration.
His teaching, research, and consulting interests focus on the strategic application of information technology and electronic commerce for business advantage. He frequently presents his work at academic and industry conferences around the world and has authored or co-authored numerous publications. His book Technology Strategies for the Hospitality Industry (now in its second edition) is the industry’s first book on technology strategy.
Moreover he has brought a new exciting perspective to CBPA. His leadership in this last year has reinvigorated the faculty and staff with an eye for a robust future of the college and university as a whole.
Dan, his wife, Sarah, and three sons (one set of twins) have joined the community with shared enthusiasm. Above all, he, Sarah and the boys have quickly become close friends of Gail’s and mine. I would like us to all welcome Dan (although he has already been here for a number of months) as a new Rotarian and a community leader. Friends and fellow Rotarians, I present Dr Daniel J Connolly.