Hildebrand MBA Programs To Get New Leader

Joe Hahn is passing the torch to Urooj Khan

After six years as associate dean for the Hildebrand MBA programs at the McCombs School Business, Joe Hahn is passing the role to Urooj Khan, a professor of accounting. Hahn, a clinical professor of finance, will be returning to his teaching and research duties, and he will be also serving as the chair of the University Graduate Assembly at The University of Texas at Austin for the 2025-26 academic year.

During the past couple of months, Hahn and Khan have been working on a gradual transition so the handoff is as smooth as possible, Hahn said. The switchover should be complete Sept. 1.

“Joe’s leadership has been transformational — he’s built a powerhouse team and positioned our MBA programs at the pinnacle of their success,” McCombs Dean Lillian Mills said. “Urooj is the ideal successor. With his proven academic excellence and strategic vision, we’re poised to reach even greater achievements.

“During his tenure as associate dean, Hahn was instrumental in guiding the Hildebrand MBA programs through unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while achieving remarkable results,” Mills said. “His dedication to teaching excellence has been recognized by students across multiple programs, and he leaves the MBA programs at or near all-time highs in major rankings,” she said.

Hahn, in turn, thanked his team. “I’m really proud of the MBA program staff,” he said. “During a very turbulent period, their efforts not only kept our programs on course but were also instrumental in the implementation of several key new initiatives, which have elevated our ranking and reputation. I am very grateful to have had the chance to serve with such a loyal, hardworking, and student-focused team.”

Under his leadership, McCombs has implemented STEM certification tracks in the Full-Time MBA program, completed major curricular revisions across all Working Professional programs and the Executive MBA program, and expanded the Evening MBA program from one to two cohorts, Mills said.

Hahn’s successor, she said, has distinguished himself in the classroom, where he brings his research on financial institutions, regulatory enforcement, and accounting to life. Khan’s teaching has won numerous awards, and his research is highly regarded.

“I want to extend my warmest congratulations and sincere thanks to Joe for his incredible tenure as dean for graduate programs,” Khan said. “Under his guidance, we’ve seen significant curriculum enhancements, the introduction of new offerings, and numerous improvements that have strengthened our MBA programs tremendously. I am truly grateful for his dedication and lasting impact.”

Looking to the future, Khan said: “I think there is an incredible opportunity ahead for us to train future leaders who are not only innovative and adaptable but also socially responsible, particularly with the transformational impact of the Hildebrand gift. Together with the program’s talented staff and exceptional students, I look forward to further enhancing our programs and sustaining the momentum that has made our programs among the best in the world.”

Story by Mark Barron