Dr. Luis A. Perez-Batres joined Missouri State University as the College of Business’ new management department head in July.
“I am excited to be here,” Perez said. “Creating favorable long-lasting impressions on behalf of MSU and shaping young minds is an incredible opportunity.”
Starting out
Taking on a new leadership role is never an easy task, but Perez hit the ground running.
“This early process is about recognizing the talents of the professors and creating a more cohesive purpose and identity for our department,” Perez said.
The management department strives to further align with the university’s public affairs mission while shaping a unique image. “Our goal is to serve our students, community, and alumni in unique and better ways,” Perez said.
Since starting his new position, Perez enjoys meeting with fellow departmental faculty, staff and the MSU community.
“Having the opportunity of working with fascinating experts and developing worthy goals as a unit, for the betterment of society, is exciting,” he said.
Changing lives
Perez looks forward to meeting and connecting with students when the fall semester goes into full swing in August.
From personal experience, he understands that listening to students is all it takes to change a life for the better.
“When I was inquiring about PhD programs, a finance professor asked me insightful (why) questions,” Perez said. “He helped me to realize my interests aligned better with the strategic management field, but he also put me in touch with the PhD coordinator of that program.”
Perez thinks working in education is also about providing a personal touch.
“Students have to feel we have their backs and that we (MSU faculty and staff) will support them through the pressures and struggles of pursuing a worthy goal.” Perez said.
Career advice
Perez encourages students to find their professional purpose by exploring opportunities and careers that allow them to unleash their talents.
For individuals striving to hold leadership positions in the future, he advises listening.
One of Perez’s favorite quotes comes from Yogi Berra, a former Major League Baseball catcher. Berra once said, “you can observe a lot just by watching.”
Similarly, listening and asking questions is often the best way to learn and meet the needs of students and faculty within our institution, he noted.
“Leaders need to be more attuned to the needs of others,” Perez said.
Qualifications and experience
Perez received his PhD in Strategic Management from Texas A&M University, his MS in Finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and his BS in Accounting from Monterrey Tech-Campus Laguna.
He has also earned leadership certificates from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University.
Perez worked in the private sector for many years before moving to higher education. He started his career with DuPont as an accountant. He then worked for large brokerage firms and banks such as BBVA.
Prior to his current position at MSU, he held a departmental chair position at Central Michigan University, where he was also a senior presidential fellow, administrative liaison of strategic envisioning, and a university-wide strategic planning committee member.
His academic experience includes a visiting scholar position at the University of Michigan’s Erb Institute, where he also served as a Faculty Affiliate.