SHIP :: Faculty Focus

Thomas Verney, Acting associate dean

The John L. Grove College of Business has a new face bearing the title of associate dean this academic year, but Tom Verney, professor of marketing and management is no stranger to the College of Business and Grove Hall. A fact that made him an ideal candidate for acting dean, a position he will hold until a permanent choice is named.

So far, Tom has taken to his new responsibilities like a duck to water. The semester has been a busy one as he not only learns the ropes, but also coordinates the College of Business’ extensive internship program.

What is your definition of a leader?

A leader is someone who has the ability to create a vision, develop a strategy, and enable others to accomplish their goals in the pursuit of the strategic vision.

What’s the most exciting amusement park ride you’ve been on?

As a youngster from western Pennsylvania, the Jackrabbit at Kennywood Park was terrifying.

What is something people don’t usually notice about you?

I am a very straightforward person so I just assume that people notice everything about me.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

All individual recognition embarrasses me because everything I have accomplished has always evolved from my interaction with other people.

What was the most recent compliment you received?

A student remarked to her parents that “I was extremely kind and helpful.”

What’s your favorite smell? Least favorite?

Freshly mowed grass on the golf course because I am allergic to it everywhere else. Least favorite is from “pig hotels.”

What’s the one book someone should write?

Everyone should write their autobiography.

What’s the last movie you saw in a theater?

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”

Last book read?

Freakonomic

Where is your favorite place to be?

On any quality golf course: fun, challenging, and great scenery.

If you could be someone for a day, who would you be?

I would have loved to have been Arnold Palmer or Jack Nicklaus on the day they won the Master’s Championship.

Describe a dessert named for you.

Hershey’s Moosetracks ice cream.




			Thomas Verney, Acting associate dean The John L. Grove College of Business has a new face bearing the title of associate dean this academic year, but Tom Verney, professor of marketing and management is no stranger to the College of Business and Grove Hall. A fact that made him an ideal candidate for acting dean, a position he will hold until a permanent choice is named. So far, Tom has taken to his new responsibilities like a duck to water. The semester has been a busy one as he not only learns the ropes, but also coordinates the College of Business’ extensive internship program. What is your definition of a leader? A leader is someone who has the ability to create a vision, develop a strategy, and enable others to accomplish their goals in the pursuit of the strategic vision. What’s the most exciting amusement park ride you’ve been on? As a youngster from western Pennsylvania, the Jackrabbit at Kennywood Park was terrifying. What is something people don’t usually notice about you? I am a very straightforward person so I just assume that people notice everything about me. What was your most embarrassing moment? All individual recognition embarrasses me because everything I have accomplished has always evolved from my interaction with other people. What was the most recent compliment you received? A student remarked to her parents that “I was extremely kind and helpful.” What’s your favorite smell? Least favorite? Freshly mowed grass on the golf course because I am allergic to it everywhere else. Least favorite is from “pig hotels.” What’s the one book someone should write? Everyone should write their autobiography. What’s the last movie you saw in a theater? “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” Last book read? Freakonomic Where is your favorite place to be? On any quality golf course: fun, challenging, and great scenery. If you could be someone for a day, who would you be? I would have loved to have been Arnold Palmer or Jack Nicklaus on the day they won the Master’s Championship. Describe a dessert named for you. Hershey’s Moosetracks ice cream.