Tepper School of Business Appoints New Head of MBA Program

The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University has appointed Kathryn (Kate) Barraclough as the new head of its top-ranked MBA program.

Kate Barraclough will head the Tepper School's top-ranked MBA program.

“Kate Barraclough brings an impressive and broad background, ranging from academia to financial services. Her achievements as a scholar, researcher and educational leader were fundamental qualities that led to her appointment,” said Robert Dammon, dean of the Tepper School.

In her new position, Barraclough will provide strategic direction for the program in alignment with the school’s mission and values, and represent the program to current and prospective students. Barraclough will work in conjunction with the Dean’s Office and the faculty responsible for the development and delivery of the MBA curriculum. She also will maintain direct responsibility for the various operating units of the program that oversee admissions, financial aid, student services, and career planning and employment.

“It is a privilege to be able to serve as the next head of the MBA program at the Tepper School,” said Barraclough. “With its dedicated faculty and enthusiastic, high-performing students, I believe that the Tepper School has shown a high level of excellence and powerful potential for continuing its legacy of pioneering ideas and new practices within the management education arena.”

“With its dedicated faculty and enthusiastic, high-performing students, I believe that the Tepper School has shown a high level of excellence and powerful potential for continuing its legacy of pioneering ideas and new practices within the management education arena.” — Kate Barraclough

Barraclough earned her Ph.D. and bachelor’s degrees in economics and commerce from the Australian National University, where she graduated with first class honors.

In her most recent position at the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University, Barraclough taught a range of courses covering derivatives markets, bond markets and financial modeling. Since 2010, she served as director of the Masters in Finance program at Vanderbilt. During this time she oversaw strategic leadership of the program, as well as overseeing its daily operations, including admissions, curriculum, career management and alumni relations. 

Prior to completing her Ph.D., Barraclough was a manager in KPMG’s Financial Advisory Services practice based in Canberra, Australia. In this role she oversaw the production of financial statements for the Australian Government, prepared budget analysis for government programs and developed financial models for clients.