Retired position of Glen Urban, ex-MIT Sloan dean, is now focused on research; departs with a donation of $1 million
Glen Urban, the David Austin Professor of Marketing and the former chairman of the MIT Center for Digital Business, has left an indelible mark on the MIT Sloan School of Management. Urban, who served as dean from 1993 to 1998, made significant contributions to the field of marketing research and management science, particularly in pricing decisions and marketing strategies.
Upon his arrival at MIT Sloan in 1966, at the tender age of 26, Urban was hailed as an energetic and optimistic researcher with an uncanny ability to deliver productive research and marketing tools. Under his leadership, MIT Sloan grew its faculty, scaled up its MBA program, and established partnerships with Tsinghua University and Fudan University in China.
Urban's research helped establish foundational approaches for pricing models and decision-making processes in marketing. His seminal book, Management Science in Marketing, co-authored with David Montgomery in 1969, has been widely cited and recognized for applying quantitative models and rigorous methods to marketing problems. Urban's work is considered pioneering for integrating management science techniques into marketing research, which has influenced both academic thought and practical marketing strategies.
Urban's contributions to marketing research are further evidenced by his seven published papers during his tenure as dean, a rare feat for academic administrators at a deanship level. His work on ASSESSOR, a predictive model for packaged goods, developed in 1978 at the request of Gillette, is another testament to his innovative approach to marketing science.
In addition to his academic achievements, Urban has also founded several companies, including Management Decision Systems Inc., Management Science for Health Inc., Marketing Technology Interface Inc., InSite Marketing Technology Inc., and Experion Systems Inc.
Urban's art, primarily large form and abstract, is another reflection of his approach to marketing science. Displayed in his yard, his creations, made from various materials such as metal, stone, marble, and wood, showcase his comfort with the medium.
Urban has been praised for his support and commitment to the school's students and marketing science. David Schmittlein, John C. Head III Dean of MIT Sloan, lauded Urban's efforts, stating that he has offered key spots on research teams to graduate students and has built a reputation as a mentor. Fareena Sultan, a professor at the College of Business Administration at Northeastern University, credits Urban for her career in marketing and for his mentorship and support throughout her academic journey.
As Urban retires from teaching at MIT Sloan, he will continue a career of groundbreaking marketing research by leading a two-year project quantifying the value of new media advertising. Urban and his wife, Andrea, have also announced a $1 million gift to establish the Glen L. and Andrea W. Urban Unitrust, which will support a PhD fellowship at MIT Sloan in the area of marketing.
Urban's legacy at MIT Sloan will continue to shape marketing research and decision-making processes for years to come. His innovative approach to marketing science, combined with his dedication to teaching and mentorship, has left a lasting impact on the field.
- Glen Urban, an alumnus of MIT Sloan School of Management, served as dean from 1993 to 1998, leaving an indelible mark on education and self-development through his work in marketing research and management science.
- Urban, a recipient of numerous awards, is renowned for his contributions to pricing decisions and marketing strategies, especially in the field of technology.
- In his early years at MIT Sloan, Urban was recognized as an energetic and optimistic researcher, delivering news of productive research and marketing tools.
- Under Urban's leadership, MIT Sloan experienced significant growth, expanding its faculty, scaled up its MBA program, and establishing partnerships with foreign institutions like Tsinghua University and Fudan University.
- Urban's research has helped establish foundational approaches for pricing models and decision-making processes in marketing, influencing both academic thought and practical marketing strategies.
- His seminal book, Management Science in Marketing, co-authored with David Montgomery in 1969, is widely recognized for applying quantitative models and rigorous methods to marketing problems.
- Urban's innovative approach to marketing science is further demonstrated by his successful ventures in entrepreneurship, foundering several companies like Management Decision Systems Inc. and Marketing Technology Interface Inc.
- Urban's art, primarily large form and abstract, showcases his comfort with various mediums, from metal and stone to marble and wood, much like his approach to marketing science.
- Urban has been highly praised for his support and commitment to students, offering key spots on research teams to graduates and earning a reputation as a mentor.
- As Urban retires from teaching at MIT Sloan, he will continue his career by leading a two-year project quantifying the value of new media advertising, further showcasing his commitment to education-and-self-development and data-and-cloud-computing.
- Along with his wife, Andrea, Urban has announced a $1 million gift to establish the Glen L. and Andrea W. Urban Unitrust, which will support a PhD fellowship at MIT Sloan in the area of marketing.
- Urban's legacy will continue to shape the field of marketing, influencing research, decision-making processes, and business strategies for years to come.
- Urban's leadership, dedication to teaching and mentorship, and groundbreaking work in marketing research will forever leave a lasting impact on science, technology, health, finance, business, press, and personal growth.
