This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
The University of Lethbridge is saddened to learn of the passing of former Faculty of Management (Dhillon School of Business) Dean Dr. Ali Dastmalchian.
A highly respected leader and researcher, Dastmalchian served as dean of the then Faculty of Management from 1997 to 2002, whereupon he took a position at the University of Victoria, serving as dean and professor of Organization Studies and International Business in the Gustavson School of Business. Most recently, he was the dean of the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University, a position he’d held since 2016. He passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2020.
During his tenure at the U of L, Dastmalchian was at the forefront of tremendous growth and development within the Faculty.
“Ali Dastmalchian set the foundation for so many things that make the Dhillon School of Business what it is today,” says Dan Kazakoff, a faculty member in the Dhillon School of business for over 20 years and former assistant dean. “He was a benchmark for everyone on how to deal with people while at the same time achieving a high level of organizational performance. Ali allowed you to take risks without fear of failing and helped you overcome your perceived limits.”
Dastmalchian’s teaching interests spanned organizational design and change, organizational culture and climate, cross-nation leadership, international management, and innovation. An exceptional researcher, he was President and Chair of the Global Leadership & Organizational Behaviour Effectiveness (GLOBE) Foundation — a world-renowned, large-scale international research project.
Kazakoff said Dastmalchian was respected by many around the world for his contributions to research and above all else, for his character.
“Ali was a mentor, friend and leader who challenged people to do their best while at the same time always being there to support them. He was kind, gracious, generous and always wanted others to have the limelight for their successes,” adds Kazakoff. “He brought humanity to his role. The U of L lost a great leader when he left us for other opportunities. He was amazing to work with and the world is a lesser place without him.”
For those wishing to pay tribute to Ali Dastmalchian, please visit this web page. Further information on a celebration of his life will be published when made available, at which time the University will lower its flag in respect.
Contact:
Trevor Kenney | trevor.kenney@uleth.ca