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The Honorable Investiture of Dr. Srinivas Venugopal
A Prestigious Appointment
The University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business (GSB) held an intimate ceremony on January 31, 2025, to celebrate the investiture of Dr. Srinivas Venugopal as the inaugural Donald and Gabrielle McCree Endowed Professor of Business. With Grossman School Dean Sanjay Sharma officiating, the occasion saw remarks from UVM President Patricia Prelock and, naturally, the generous benefactor himself, Don McCree, a proud alum from the class of ’83.
Dr. Srinivas Venugopal expressed his heartfelt appreciation, stating, “The recognition inspires me to continue serving the Grossman School of Business and this venerable university with renewed vigor. More specifically, it inspires me to bolster my research and teaching efforts aimed at demonstrating how businesses can create wealth and widespread societal well-being. Thank you so much for this honor."
Dr. Srinivas Venugopal: A Journey of Academic Excellence
Dr. Venugopal’s academic journey commenced in India, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Anna University in 2005. Before embarking on his academic pursuits, he founded a technology-based social venture in Tamil Nadu, addressing educational needs in impoverished regions. This mission led him to establish "Diya," a non-profit offering supplementary education in Chennai’s urban slums, where he continues to play an active role.
Further academic pursuits saw Dr. Venugopal complete an MBA and Ph.D. in Marketing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He joined UVM in 2016 and swiftly ascended the ranks, becoming an Associate Professor with tenure in 2022, before being named Academic Director of UVM’s Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) program in 2024.
Research and Contributions
Dr. Venugopal’s research stands as a testament to the transformative potential of social innovation, especially in poverty-stricken contexts across five continents. His impressive repertoire includes 20 articles on the subject, garnering accolades from the American Marketing Association and the Association of Consumer Research.
His teaching in sustainable marketing and brand marketing has left an indelible mark on the Grossman School of Business. Impressively, he’s been recognised as professor of the year for three consecutive years by SI-MBA students.
Celebrating the Generosity of Don and Gabby McCree
The McCree Endowed Professor of Business represents the McCree family’s enduring commitment to advancing business education. Their philanthropic initiatives have been pivotal in establishing UVM’s Grossman School as a leader in entrepreneurship, sustainable, and family business.
A Table of Contributions
| Contribution | Purpose | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| McCree Family Endowed Scholarship Fund | Financial support for students | Students in need |
| Donald & Gabrielle McCree Endowed Professorship | Enhance business education and scholarship | Faculty and students |
Don McCree, a 1983 graduate with degrees in Economics and Political Science, has excelled in a remarkable career spanning over three decades with JPMorgan Chase and leadership at Citizens Financial Group. His roles in volunteer leadership at UVM have been numerous, serving on both the UVM Foundation Board of Directors and the UVM Board of Trustees.
Gabby McCree, a volunteer leader in education and community service, has supported both Mary Baldwin University and organizations in the Bronx. Together, their contributions have profoundly impacted UVM’s stature and community outreach efforts.
The Future of Business Education at UVM
The holder of the McCree Endowed Professorship will undoubtedly shape the lives of many students through teaching, research, and community engagement. This endowed position not only honors Dr. Venugopal but also represents a permanent legacy for the McCree family.
Fundraising continues to be a critical focus for the Grossman School of Business, spearheaded by the University of Vermont Foundation. For inquiries about contributions, contact Alex Brady at alex.brady@uvm.edu or visit UVM Foundation.
