75 Second Story

75-Second Story is a multimedia series showcasing the people, programs, events and activities that have helped shape the School of Business over the last 75 years.

New Book Explores School of Business’ Ascent

Proceeds from Rob Hoskin's 75th Anniversary Manuscript to Fund Scholarships

While delving into his family’s genealogy in 2010, UConn Accounting Professor Rob Hoskin realized the value of keeping track of one’s history, both big and small.

For the last five years, in addition to tracing his own roots, Hoskin has explored the vast and ever-changing history of the School of Business, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this academic year.

Hoskin perused volumes of faculty minutes, dug through archived photographs, and even tapped the memories of long-time School employees to produce the book titled, “History of the University of Connecticut School of Business Administration: 75 years on the road to excellence: 1940-2015.’’

Organized by deanship, the book explores key events in the school, including the creation of the MBA program, the broadening of the School’s mission to incorporate research in addition to teaching, the adoption of learning accelerators to enhance student knowledge, and many other changes from programs to leadership to location.

One of the most interesting things Hoskin discovered is that some of the greatest successes came from the Deans who served the longest. The combination of faculty, staff and administrative experience, Hoskin believes, is instrumental in growth and success. Yet, today, at universities across the country, the typical tenure for a dean is a mere three years—barely time to get acclimated, he noted.

Many of his discoveries were more light-hearted and reflected the changing times. During his exploration of faculty meeting minutes from the 1950s, he noted, there was much discussion about whether male students should wear suit coats and ties to class. A similarly charged debate erupted in 1970s about whether faculty should be allowed to continue smoking during meetings.

Hoskin, many times recognized as a teacher of the year, joined the UConn faculty in 1986. He served as a professor and as associate dean. He created and directed the Executive MBA Program and spearheaded UConn’s Executive Education program at one time. Now retired, he still occasionally teaches a course.

All proceeds from the sale of his book will benefit a scholarship for UConn business students. To order a copy, please visit the publisher’s bookstore or Amazon, which also has a version for the Kindle.

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Article by: Claire Hall
Video Producer: Nathan Oldham

Video Transcript

Rob Hoskin. Retired faculty from the University of Connecticut School of Business. We’re here today to talk about a history book that I’ve written for the School in response to its 75th anniversary.

I kind of felt like there were things that we’ve never really written down and there was a lot of lack of information about what had happened in the school over time. I started by asking the administrative assistant to the Dean if I could look at the faculty minutes. It turned out I found all of the faculty minutes all the way back to 1940.

That commitment to the school by faculty and deans along the way and key to our success.

The reason to buy the book is it’s interesting, I think; of course I’m the author so I always think it’s interesting. I think it gives you a perspective about where the school came from and where it’s been. It’s been an incredible journey, you know, from the start-up operation with five faculty members.

Several years ago, my wife and I established a scholarship fund called the Hoskin/Helman “If We Rest We Rust” Fund. Whatever net proceeds come out of the book, they’re going right into the scholarship fund. So I hope people enjoy reading it.