James Westfall

EDUCATION
M.B.A., (1968), Amos Tuck School of Business Administration, Dartmouth College
B.A., (1967), Economics, Dartmouth College

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

ACADEMIC:
Business Simulations used as Active Learning environment for freshmen students
Information technology, with particular emphasis on the application and use of information technology in small business
Has taught courses in introductory computing, the use of computers in business problem solving, computer programming, databases, systems analysis and design, and management information systems

RESEARCH:
Experiential and Active Learning, especially as a recruitment/retention tool

MEDIA TALKING POINTS:
Business Simulations
Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Information technology

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Prior to coming to USM in 1983, Professor Westfall had a long career in the private sector, both as owner/manager of his own businesses and in senior staff positions of larger corporations. As the principal of Westfall Associates, an information technology consulting firm, Professor Westfall continues to apply his expertise to small business. He was USM's first director of academic Computing, bringing in the first microcomputers and developing the first computer centers and was a founding co-director of USM's Center for Entrepreneurship and Small Business, a part of the School of Business. Professor Westfall was also the co-developer of ”Getting Down to Business” ― a course which introduces new and prospective Business School majors to business decision-making through a computerized business simulation. Prior to becoming Associate Dean in July of 2005, Professor Westfall has served as Chair of the Business Administration Department. He has also served as chair of the Associate Degree Department and Program, as well as a developer and council member of USM's Russell Scholars Program. He is also the developer of computer literacy and computer proficiency performance assessment tools and processes for the School of Business, and has been a panelist in USM's Center for Teaching Workshops.

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