Dr. Lakeesha K. Ransom
Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Social Impact, Organization Development
PhD in Human Resource Development & Strategic Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA (2007); MA in Comparative & International Development Education, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA; BA in International Business, Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, USA French minor, L’Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
International Strategy;
International Development;
Entrepreneurship;
Leadership;
Global Mindset and Managerial Cognition;
Customer Relationship Management;
International Human Resource Development;
Innovation; Organization Development;
Community Economic Development;
Organization Effectiveness;
Design Thinking;
Corporate Social Responsibility
Academic Positions
The University of Akron: Vice Provost, 2015-2018; The Williams Honors College, Dean, 2015-2018; Associate Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, 2016-2017.
The University of Toledo, Dean and Assistant Professor, 2013-2015
Assumption University of Thailand, Visiting Professor, 2009-2013
The University of Minnesota, Regent, 2001-2007
The University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Researcher, 1997-2006
Minnesota Office of Higher Education St. Paul, Minnesota, Intern, 1999-2000
Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Admission Counselor, 1995-1997
Non-academic Positions
Best Buy Corporation, Senior Manager, 2006-2009
Mariposa Global Minneapolis, Principal, 2000-2013
Motorola, Consultant 2006
Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, Minnesota, Writing Coordinator, 1998-1999
US Mission to the United Nations in Vienna (UNVIE), Associate Spokesperson, 1997
Diversity Champion, The University of Toledo, 2014
External Partner of the Year, Women Venture, 2008
Woman on the Go Award, American Council on Education Network, 2003
21st Century Renaissance Leadership Award, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, 2002
Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, National Black MBA Association, 2002
Fry, G., Viseshsiri, P., Ransom, L., Lawthong, N., Kim, S., & Nguyen, N. (2021 forthcoming). Thailand as an International Educational Hub for Asia-Pacific Students. Oxford University Press: Oxford, United Kingdom.
Maruyama, G. & Ransom, L. (2004). Impacts of the President’s Multicultural Faculty Research Award on faculty attitudes and productivity. Paper presented at the Keeping our Faculties III National Symposium: Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Ransom, L. (2012). Rural Entrepreneurship and Climate-Smart Agriculture: Engagement, Collaboration, and Innovation. Plenary presentation given at the Second Global Conference of Agriculture, Climate Change, and Food Security hosted by the World Economic Forum and United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization. Hanoi; Vietnam.
Ransom, L. (2011). Traversing the Boundaries of Knowledge: Exploring the Role of Interdisciplinary Research in Innovation and New Industry Formation. Paper presented at the First International Conference on Interdisciplinary Research and Development: Bangkok, Thailand.
Ransom, L. (2011). The ASEAN Trade Agreements: Implications for East, West and the Rest. Caucus presented at the 2011 Academy of Management Conference: San Antonio, Texas.
Ransom, L. (2010). Creative Education for Sustainable Achievement: New Ways to Learn. Paper presented at the Mega-Trends in Human Capital and Labour Productivity: Towards Global Integration Conference: Bangkok, Thailand.
Ransom, L. (2003). Student membership on governing boards. Paper presented at the Association of Governing Boards Annual Meeting: Seattle, Washington. Ransom, L. (2002). Interpretative inquiry: Discovering meaning in research. Paper presented at the Management Doctoral Student Association Annual Meeting: Denver, Colorado.
Ransom, L. (2002). Emotional intelligence and leadership: An overview. Paper presented at the 21st Century Renaissance Youth Leaders Invitation Program, Tokyo, Japan.
Ransom, L. & Kudjo, F. (2003). Globalization: Implications on leadership development. Paper presented at the World Youth Reunion: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Ransom, L.; Tichy, M.; & McCalister, A. (2006). The Multicultural Leadership Mentoring Program: Embracing Diversity in the 21st Century. Paper presented at the 3rd Annual Yale Bouchet Conference: New Haven, Connecticut.
