Introducing New Director of Graduate Business Programs

Gonzaga University School of Business Administration is pleased to announce the appointment of Vivek Patil, Ph.D., Professor of Marketing, as the new Director of Graduate Business Programs.

Dr. Patil has been a member of the Gonzaga faculty for more than 20 years, contributing significantly to teaching, program development, and community partnerships. His work with initiatives such as Opportunity Northeast and Creighton University reflects his commitment to extending Gonzaga’s mission beyond the classroom. A prolific scholar, Dr. Patil’s research and leadership have advanced both academic thought and applied practice in marketing.

In his new role, Dr. Patil will oversee the continued growth and innovation of Gonzaga’s graduate business programs. His leadership will focus on building stronger connections between students, alumni, and the business community through several initiatives, including:

Zag Graduate Business LinkedIn Group – a professional space for graduate students and alumni to network, share opportunities, and celebrate accomplishments. Join the group here.

Alumni Mentorship Program – a new initiative pairing alumni with current students for career guidance and professional development. Sign up to become a mentor here.

School of Business Stories – a platform highlighting the experiences and impact of Gonzaga’s graduate business community. To share your story, reach out to Dr. Patil at grad-business@gonzaga.edu

“These efforts reflect our belief that the strength of our graduate programs lies not only in academic rigor, but also in the relationships and shared experiences that connect our Zag business leaders across generations,” said Ken Anderson, Dean of the School of Business Administration. 

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Rebecca Bull Schaefer, our outgoing Director of Graduate Business Programs, for her dedicated service and leadership. Dr. Bull Schaefer's contributions have been instrumental in shaping the direction and success of our graduate programs, and her commitment to excellence has left a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and alumni. We thank her for her years of service and wish her the very best in her next chapter as the lead of the Management discipline.