About Darden - Leadership - Dean's Office - Speeches & Writings

Here's a selection of recent writings and speeches from Dean Scott Beardsley to Darden students, faculty, alumni, and business and thought leaders.

Graduation Remarks — 23 May 2021

Dean Scott Beardsley addresses the graduates, celebrating the hard work, amazing accomplishments and indelible contributions of the Darden MBA Class of 2021 and looks forward to welcoming the School's newest alumni.

A Time for Reflection, A Time for Action — 6 June 2020

Dean Scott Beardsley distributed a message to Darden faculty, staff and students on 6 June condemning racism in all its forms and sharing a list of immediate actions the School is taking to improve the experience of black members of the Darden community at all stages of their interaction with Darden.

Virtual Graduation Remarks — 16 May 2020

In an address delivered to the graduating Class of 2020 virtually amid the coronavirus pandemic, Dean Scott Beardsley celebrated the hard work, amazing accomplishments and indelible contributions of the class and looked forward to welcoming the School's newest alumni back to Grounds in the future.

Graduation Remarks — 19 May 2019 

In his graduation address to the Class of 2019, Dean Scott Beardsley introduces the concept of the “Vitruvian Leader” and reflects on how the new graduates can achieve their full potential via a new model of leadership and four levers to consider for success. 

Graduation Remarks — 20 May 2018

In his graduation address to the Class of 2018, Dean Beardsley shares four keys to success and encourages graduates to pursue what the French call “La Joie de Vivre.”

Graduation Remarks — 21 May 2017

Dean Beardsley addressed the graduates of the Class of 2017 and encouraged them to consider their “noble purpose” as they pursue professional paths, and to both “find your why” and “put your why to work.”

Graduation Remarks — 17 May 2016

In his first graduation address as dean, Dean Beardsley encouraged members of the Class of 2016 to learn to strike the balance that would lead to a career — and life — of fulfillment.

Higher Calling: The Rise of Nontraditional Leaders in Academia (UVA Press, September 2017) 

In his book, Dean Beardsley offers a new vision of leadership for higher education today.