[057] MTSU Business Dean Adds Corporate-Governance Training

MTSU business dean adds corporate-governance training

Aug. 23, 2010
CONTACT: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919

MURFREESBORO—Dr. Jim Burton, dean of the Jennings A. Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University, has attained the status of “Certified Director” from the John E. Anderson School of Management at the University of California at Los Angeles.
The designation represents a higher level of endorsement that entitles him to sit on corporate boards of directors and participate in the corporate governance of major companies throughout the nation.
“There are a number of schools of business in the country that offer training programs for directors,” Burton said, “but this is the only one that I’m aware of that has any sort of certification process at the end of it.”
The 30 participants included board directors, business owners, higher-education officials and others who have a vested interest in learning more about corporate governance, liability issues, performance-based pay and how pending federal legislation will change the way business does business.
“There were discussions that heightened your awareness and made you think about them in new ways,” Burton noted. “It re-energized your thinking on several things.”
Burton said the certification becomes a point of recognition and distinction and may generate additional requests to serve as a director in companies around the country. He has served on the board of Piedmont Gas for several years.
“It was an arduous three days, jam-packed with reading, speakers and workshops. … Several people out there knew of MTSU through athletics or a particular academic program or they knew someone who was here.”