Haslam College of Business senior lecturers in management John Anderson, John Hoffman and Kathy Wood recently announced their intent to retire. A reception planned for April 22 at 1 p.m. in HBB 501 is open to colleagues and members of the Haslam community.
Anne Smith, head of the department of management, praised the lecturers’ contributions to the college.
“Their teaching and service has been outstanding,” Smith said. “Across many years and courses, I have appreciated their unfailing commitment to share knowledge, business experience and enthusiasm with both undergraduate and graduate students.”
The trio have provided their students with many opportunities over the years. Wood hosted international-style dinners at her home and in local ethnic restaurants. Hoffman has lead undergraduates abroad to China, while Anderson has taken MBA students to Chile.
Wood, who spent 27 years in the corporate world prior to joining the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, also runs a European travel business with her husband.
“We expect to spend about half the year in Europe leading our small group tours, but we’ll maintain our home base in Knoxville,” Wood said. “The Haslam College of Business has been a special place to me. I’ve especially enjoyed our talented and motivated students. Classroom learning, extracurricular activities, internships and study abroad experiences are preparing them for meaningful careers in the global business world.”
Hoffman has served as assistant department head for three different department heads, a behind-the-scenes role that requires work in scheduling, workforce planning, financial reporting and budgeting. He came to Haslam after spending the bulk of his career in the medical device industry and the United States Air Force.
“I’ve loved being around the students,” Hoffman said. “They have kept me young and sharp, and have taught me a great deal. There aren’t words to describe the feeling when I see the ‘lights come on’ as someone gets it. My colleagues throughout the college also have been great friends and mentors.”
Anderson has more than four decades of business experience, has worked in countries around the world and has served in the U.S. Army. In addition to his role as a senior lecturer, he was the director of Haslam’s Global Business Institute from 2000-03.
“Looking back on the wonderful and fulfilling years teaching in the college, I’m amazed to count some 16 or 17,000 students that have been in my classes,” Anderson said. “My overriding goal has always been to open doors and windows for my students on the wider world and its endless possibilities. I hope I have touched many lives in a positive way.”
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