Director’s outlook optimistic
By Emily Baker
Staff Reporter

As he finishes his first calendar quarter as director of the Executive MBA program, Tim Neuman says he is optimistic about the future of the young program.

“I inherited a program that is very sound and well respected,” Neuman said. “Fortunately, I was able to walk into a good situation.”
Neuman said he was interested in the position because he liked the idea of returning to his alma mater.

“I have always been a big supporter of TCU,” Neuman said. “I was actively seeking out opportunities to come back to TCU, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so.”

Former Director Denise Bynum stepped down shortly after the start of the fall semester in order “to pursue other things,” said Charlotte Cole, assistant director. She declined to elaborate.

Neuman, who took the director’s position Nov. 6, said his main goal is to continue to build on the 3-year-old program’s already respected status.
“I hope to enhance the prominence and reputation of the program in Texas and nationally,” Neuman said. “We hope to grow the number of students and support from the business community.”

Neuman said the program is in the middle of recruiting for the fall semester. He said even though the economy is in a downturn, he is encouraged by the recruitment results.

Executive MBA students said they are pleased with the new director.

“He is a really hard worker,” said Mark Muller, executive MBA student and assistant director of the Ryffel Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. “He’s enthusiastic and dedicated to the program and to TCU in general.”
“It seems like he’s got a good marketing background which should help bring in students,” Muller said.

Executive MBA student Ovi Alfaro said Neuman’s friendly personality is his strength.

“He is very talented as far as meeting new people to bring into the program,” said Alfaro, a reservoir engineer for Rosewood Resources of Dallas.

Alfaro said Neuman understands the demands of the Executive MBA student who usually has a full-time job as well as the typical class load.
Neuman graduated from TCU with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice in 1990. He earned his MBA in marketing from TCU in 1992. He then entered the professional world working in advertising and strategic marketing and strategic planning, Neuman said.

The Executive MBA program is different from other MBA programs in that its students are already in the work force, Neuman said.

“The typical student has about 10 to 15 years experience,” Neuman said. “This program grooms (the students) to apply new knowledge to their current jobs.”

Emily Baker
e.k.baker@tcu.edu

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