After teaching for over 16 years in Duke Markets & Management Studies, George Grody will retire after the Spring 2024 semester. (Photo courtesy of Les Todd)
Message from the Director: Longtime MMS Faculty Member To Retire
If I asked you who spends time with students advising them about their futures? Who is regularly recognized as one of the most popular MMS instructors? Who gives his time tirelessly to a variety of university endeavors? No one would have trouble deciding. It’s George Grody.
George has been a stalwart of the Markets & Management Studies Program for 16 years, teaching every semester and even during summer sessions. His Marketing Across Borders, Organizational Leadership and Management, and senior Capstone courses quickly fill to capacity and always have lengthy wait lists. Over those 16 years, George has taught an impressive 3,586 undergraduate students!
As a former executive with Procter and Gamble, he has been able to use his real-life experience in the classroom. Students recount how he managed difficult management situations, led teams and helped expand P&G’s global footprint.
“He is the true embodiment of a teacher who is holistically invested in each of his students,” says one of his former students, Matthew O’Stricker. “His gracious acts have left an indelible mark on the Duke community.”
In addition to teaching and advising students, George has mentored instructors new to the MMS program. By sharing his expertise, he has helped many new instructors be successful in the classroom.
“Throughout my years in business, I’ve never met anyone as generous with their time and ideas as George,” says Rick Singer, an instructor in the MMS program. “He cares about one thing – creating great learning experiences for Duke students. And as a rookie teacher, I was so fortunate to have George as a mentor every step of the way.”
As well as teaching in the MMS program, George has given his time to many university endeavors. After his own serious health issue, he started a house course to teach students basic emergency procedures. Over the years, he has volunteered time and expertise to the Duke Children’s hospital. Of note, was a “hospital prom” he organized for teenagers who were unable to attend their own high school dances. He has also been a generous supporter of the Duke library—many of us remember the fun-filled, library parties he arranged for faculty and staff. George has been an avid supporter of Duke athletics by both cheering for Duke teams at events and by donating financial resources to the Women’s Field Hockey Team.
Although George is retiring after the spring semester, he will not be forgotten by the many lives he has touched. We wish him the best of luck. We will surely miss him.