Bios

Mr. Richard Bendis

Mr. Richard A. Bendis is President and CEO of Innovation Philadelphia, a public/private partnership dedicated to increasing entrepreneurial activity in the region and situating Philadelphia as a contender in the global Knowledge Economy. Mr. Bendis has been a successful entrepreneur, corporate executive, venture capitalist, investment banker and consultant in the technology and healthcare industries. He built the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC) into a globally recognized model for technology-based economic development. Mr. Bendis is a frequent international consultant and speaker to the United Nations, NATO, The European Commission and other global enterprises. He has participated in several national initiatives related to science, technology and economic development. Mr. Bendis serves on the Mayor's Commission on Technology in Philadelphia and is a member of several local boards.

Ms. Christine James-Brown

Ms. Christine James-Brown is President and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, a non-profit organization, which allocates funds to more than 2,500 community-based agencies. A native of Philadelphia, Ms. James-Brown has a B.A. from Rutgers University in cultural anthropology and has done graduate work at Brown University. She received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Drexel University in 1996. In addition to serving as vice-chair of the Community College of Philadelphia Board of Trustees, Ms. James-Brown serves on the boards of the Samuel S. Fels Fund, Citizens Bank, Public/Private Ventures, the Pennsylvania Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Commission, and United Way of Pennsylvania. She is also a member of the Forum for Executive Women.

Dr. Craig Swenson

Dr. Craig Swenson is Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at University of Phoenix, the nation's largest private university. Dr. Swenson began his affiliation with the University of Phoenix as a faculty member in 1985 while still serving as a Vice President and Director of Marketing at First Interstate Bank. He received the University's Distinguished Teaching Award in 1989 and was named Vice President and Director of the University's Utah Campus later that year. He subsequently served as Senior Vice President of the University's Northwest Region and was responsible for creating the campuses in Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. He holds bachelor and master's degrees in organizational communication and earned a Ph.D. in education with an emphasis in adult and organizational learning. He has published frequently in the areas of higher education, organizational management, distance education, and faculty development.

Suggested Topic for Unit Discussion

How will external factors influence the direction taken by your unit over the next several years?

This is a suggested topic for each unit to address as they continue discussion and provide more feedback at their afternoon meetings.

Department Meetings

* Some department meetings may not be listed above. Please contact your department with any questions.