Welcome to another edition of Inside the Mind of an Academic! In this episode, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ed Bashaw, the esteemed Dean of the School of Business.
Below are some captivating highlights from our exclusive interview with the Dean.
Meet the Dean
When you imagine the career path of a business school dean, you might expect a straight line, business major, MBA, corporate experience, and then academia. But for the Dean of School of Business and Technology, the journey was anything but traditional.
He didn’t start out in business. In fact, he was on track to become a coach and a teacher, earning his master’s degree in education. Life, however, had other plans. After a surprising interview for a sales job, he discovered a knack and a passion for marketing and sales. That spark led him back to school to earn an MBA and eventually a PhD in marketing, with a special interest in sales.
His academic career took off when he became a faculty member at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock But even then, he felt a tug for something more. As he shared his frustrations at work with his wife, she offered a simple but powerful challenge: “Well, why don’t you do something about it?”
He did. That decision led to his first leadership role as Director of the Executive MBA program at UALR, a position he held for over two years. Not long after, he applied for a dean position and got it. Since then, he’s served as dean at three different institutions over the course of nearly two decades.
Now in his 19th year as a dean, he reflects on his journey with genuine enthusiasm. “I like being a dean,” he says. And it shows in the way he connects with students, supports faculty, and continues to adapt in an ever-changing academic landscape.
His story is a reminder that the road to leadership doesn’t always start where you think it might. Sometimes, it begins with a pivot, a spark of curiosity, and the courage to say yes to a challenge.
Watch the clip to hear directly from him in his own words, his journey, his passion, and what keeps him inspired in the role of dean.
Leadership Rooted in Respect
When asked about his leadership principles, he traces them back to a lesson he learned as a child: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It’s more than a saying, it’s a mindset he carries into every decision. “I try really hard to treat people with respect,” he explains. “I think you get the best out of people when they know you respect them.”
His leadership style is collaborative and approachable. He maintains an open-door policy, welcoming conversations with students, faculty, and staff alike. “Anyone can come see me,” he says and he means it. He believes in empowering others, creating opportunities so people can do their best work and thrive.
Under his leadership, the school has not only grown internally but also built strong connections with industry partners, bringing in numerous companies to engage with students, offer internships, and create real-world learning experiences.
His story is a reminder that the road to leadership doesn’t always start where you think it might. Sometimes, it begins with a pivot, a spark of curiosity, and the courage to say yes to a challenge.
Watch the clip to hear directly from him in his own words
Fostering Entrepreneurship & Innovation
When it comes to innovation and entrepreneurship, the school is planting strong roots. “We’ve had some changes,” the Dean shares, “and it really began when a good friend of mine, who’s now deceased, generously donated the resources to help create our Center for Entrepreneurship.”
While he acknowledges that the center has not yet reached its full potential, big strides are on the horizon. This Spring 2025, students participated in an Elevator Pitch Challenge and Entrepreneur Competition events which is open not only to business students but to participants across disciplines.
There’s also an Entrepreneurship Club, designed to support students with innovative ideas, provide networking opportunities, and cultivate entrepreneurial thinking across campus.
It’s clear the school ensures students have real hands-on experience.
Watch the clip to hear directly from him
A Global Perspective
Looking back, one of the experiences he finds most meaningful is taking trips and interviewing international students. To him, it’s more than a formality, it’s a personal and powerful part of academic life. “It’s important,” he says, “because it’s not just a concept we teach, you get to hear students share their real stories.”
Through those conversations, he’s continuously learning what it means to be culturally competent in a globalized world not just as a dean, but as a person.
Watch the clip to hear directly from him.
Research & Innovation: Supporting Faculty Excellence
For students curious about what faculty do beyond teaching, the Dean is quick to point out that faculty members are required to conduct research not only to stay current in their field but to bring relevant, real-world knowledge into the classroom. Faculty regularly write and publish research papers that align with their teaching, deepening the learning experience for students.
“My role,” he explains, “is to make sure our faculty have the resources they need to do impactful research.” Whether it’s funding, time, or institutional support, he sees research as a critical pillar of academic excellence.
And in the fast-growing world of tech, one standout initiative is the Cybersecurity Research and Operations Center (CyROC) a specialized hub dedicated to advancing knowledge in cybersecurity and preparing students for high-demand careers in the field. CyROC is a testament to the school’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation.
Work-life Balance
One issue he feels strongly about is work-life balance, especially across the different seasons of life. He acknowledges that balance doesn’t look the same for everyone or at every stage, but he emphasizes the importance of making time for what matters most. “Try to spend time with your family and focus on them,” he says. “And when you’re working, work hard.”
Watch the clip to hear directly from him as he shares his thoughts on balance, family, hard work, and how to thrive through all of life’s seasons.
Final Words of Wisdom: Stand Out by Being True to Yourself
For students who want to stand out, the dean offers simple but powerful advice: “Know who you are and what value you bring to the table and also learn how to fit in.”
He likens it to playing golf something he enjoys but admits he’s not particularly great at. “You need to know yourself, be self-aware and make a difference.”
Watch the clip to hear directly from him.
A Dean Who Leads with Purpose
From his unexpected start in education to nearly two decades of academic leadership, the Dean’s story is one of purpose, humility, and growth. He brings not only experience but heart leading with respect, fostering innovation, and inspiring both faculty and students to reach higher.
Whether he’s supporting research, encouraging entrepreneurship, connecting with international students, or speaking on the importance of work-life balance, his message is consistent: Know yourself, value others, and strive to make a meaningful impact.
His door is open, his vision is forward, and his leadership continues to shape Emporia State University business school that not only teaches success but lives it.
Until next time, on Inside the Mind of an Academic.