September 4, 2003 (Atlanta) - James E. Copeland, Robinson College of Business alum and recently retired CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, will join the College as a Robinson Global Scholar. Copeland, who emerged as a leading spokesperson for the accounting profession and a role model for ethical business practices, will work with the College to expand its emphasis on ethics within the MBA program, according to Dean Sidney E. Harris. His post is effective immediately.
"Jim brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the College," said Sidney E. Harris, Robinson Dean. "In addition to his stellar reputation and business acumen, Jim's moral code of conduct will serve as a daily reminder to our students that integrity and ethics are vital to a successful career."
As CEO, Copeland led the transition of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu from a confederation of national firms to a cohesive network of firms. During his tenure, Deloitte grew from the fourth largest professional services firm to second and from fifth to second globally. The firm also significantly increased revenues and partner and principal earnings, dramatically increased the role of women in leadership positions, and positioned Deloitte as a leader in advocating responsible globalization and in the harmonization of global accounting standards.
"The success of American business depends on how leaders demonstrate qualities of ethics and integrity in their everyday actions and business decisions. While the scandals over the past year served as a wakeup call for many, it should certainly resonate with business students because they are the future leaders," said Copeland. "That's why I'm looking forward to my role with Robinson because I believe that schools can play a very significant role in helping to prepare students for the ethical decisions that await them both in business and their daily lives."
As a Robinson Global Scholar, Copeland will participate in lectures on ethics and social responsibility within the College's world and nationally ranked MBA, Executive MBA (EMBA) and undergraduate programs. He will participate in special lectures for the public and faculty on global changes in corporate governance, business ethics and international accounting standards. Additionally, Copeland will serve as a senior advisor for the College's Center for Enterprise Risk Management and Assurance Services (CERMAS) and will work to bring nationally and internationally recognized speakers to Robinson.
Copeland serves on the Board of Directors of The September 11th Fund, the New York City Partnership and Investment Fund, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S.-Japan Business Council. He is a member of the Council of the World Economic Forum, and has been a member of the Society of International Business Fellows since 1983. He served on the Nominating Committee formed by the International Accounting Standards Board, and he is an International Councilor of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
He is the second faculty member to hold the title "Robinson Global Scholar." The other is Bob Oxnam, president emeritus of the Asian Society in New York and one of the world's foremost experts on the Far East.
The J. Mack Robinson College of Business is one of the nation's top business schools. The College's Flex (part-time) MBA program has been listed in the top ten by U.S. News for the past eight years and its undergraduate business program is ranked among the top 50 in the nation. BusinessWeek magazine ranked the College's Executive MBA program 20th in the world and Forbes rated Robinson in the top 20 for return-on-investment for regional schools. Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business has an enrollment of more than 8000 students and is located in downtown Atlanta.
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