unable to travel very much as a kid, I realized that my view of the world was extremely limited and biased by the sources of information I had. It served me well to go to places where I felt like a minority or where I had no knowledge of the culture or language. It gave me a greater appreciation for how the United States is viewed in the world and even often misunderstood, just as U.S. citizens often misunderstand the rest of the world. Oftentimes, the dialogue focuses on the differences of people, but there are many things that unite humanity across all cultures. If you can become more aware of what’s out there, there’s great opportunity for understanding and making the world a better place. I’m still learning. It’s a lifelong journey. The amazing diversity that exists in the world can never be fully appreciated because there’s too much to know, but I do appreciate that every culture and country has something interesting to offer. You are passionate about education and you come from a family of educators. What was the first thing they said to you when you told them you got the job as Darden’s next dean?
They said it’s the best move I could ever make because all I ever talk about is education. My uncle, a former college president, said that the University of Virginia is one of the world’s best universities and that I would love its Jeffersonian tradition of excellence. My children, father, brother and sister told me that it’s fantastic and that they are proud of me. Our children were, of course, a little bit sad about us leaving our home in Belgium, where they have lived their whole lives and where they are citizens, but they think that it’s a great fit for me and Claire, and a wonderful place for us to focus for the next chapter of our lives. When you take office 1 August, what are some of the first things you plan on doing?
Some of the things I plan on doing I have already started, which is meeting people, listening and trying to understand the different points of view. I will meet with students, faculty, staff and alumni, and I plan on starting a process to think through where we want to go for the next five to 10 years. If certain areas are ready for decisions, I will listen to the different alternatives and make a decision to move forward. But my initial plan is to step into the rhythm of the calendar, to get involved in all aspects of Darden, to get to know my team and to start to work through a collective agenda. What are your first impressions of Charlottesville?
It’s a wonderful place, and the weather is way better than Belgium! The countryside is beautiful, the people are nice and say
Beardsley and his wife, Claire Dufournet, will move into Pavilion I on the Lawn this summer.
hello when you walk down the sidewalk (which doesn’t always happen in Europe). The tennis culture — particularly at U.Va. — is outstanding, and there’s a great restaurant scene. I am really looking forward to meeting the wonderful people of this great state. Can you share any great advice you’ve received about being a successful dean?
I have received the advice to make sure I get to know the faculty members because they are the lifeblood of this institution, along with the students and staff. In a shared governance environment, the faculty has a lot to add. The time I have spent this spring getting to know members of the community has been enormously helpful to me, and in many ways uplifting because I have met some amazing people. I have also asked Dean Bruner for lots of advice behind the scenes, and he has been generous with his time and wisdom. He has been very successful, and I hope to continue the good momentum.
FAST FACTS: DEAN DESIGNATE SCOTT C. BEARDSLEY Departing McKinsey & Company after 26 years, most recently serving as senior partner and an elected member of McKinsey’s global board of directors Led the management consulting firm’s global talent development at “McKinsey University” Redesigned McKinsey’s learning curriculum for values and co-led the McKinsey Values Task Force Led major research efforts on topics such as technology trends, the knowledge economy, regulation, IT productivity, performance transformation and broadband Served as a lecturer at IAG’s Belgian MBA program and, prior to McKinsey, as editor and marketing manager at the MIT Sloan Management Review Received his doctorate in higher education management with distinction from the University of Pennsylvania in May Lived in Brussels, Belgium, for the last 24 years Holds dual citizenship from the U.S. and France Has three sons who are now at university in the U.S. Will move into Pavilion I on the Lawn this summer with his wife, Claire Dufournet; their golden retriever, Java; and many French and Belgian traditions
Beardsley chatted with many alumni during Dean Bruner, left; Professor John Colley, center; the Saturday, 25 April, cocktail hour and and Beardsley enjoy a moment together at the Darden Society Breakfast during Reunion weekend. throughout Reunion weekend.
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