James W. Bradford

Dean and Ralph Owen Professor for the Practice of Management
Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management

James W. (Jim) Bradford is Dean of the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management, and also serves as the Ralph Owen Professor for the Practice of Management.  He was appointed dean in March 2005 after serving as acting dean for nine months.  Since joining Owen in 2002, he has also served as clinical assistant professor of management and associate dean of corporate relations.

While at Owen, Mr. Bradford spearheaded the development and launch of several innovative, market-driven programs, including the Health Care M.B.A.  This unique program combines the resources of Owen with Vanderbilt’s world renowned Medical Center and draws upon the nearly 300 healthcare companies in the region to produce MBA graduates with the knowledge, skills and resources to help improve the state of medicine and healthcare delivery.

An experienced corporate executive, Bradford previously served as president and CEO of AFG Industries Inc., North America’s largest vertically integrated glass manufacturing and fabrication company. Prior, he was president and CEO of United Glass Corporation and in private law practice for 11 years.

Mr. Bradford earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and his law degree from Vanderbilt University. He completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School in 1997.