WKU News

The Gordon Ford College of Business has renamed its Dean’s Conference Room the “Oppitz Conference Room” in honor of former professor and assistant dean Robert James “Jim” Oppitz, who bequeathed a substantial portion of his estate to the College when he died in February of 2014. A Dedication Ceremony was held during Homecoming Brunch on November 7.

Oppitz served at WKU from 1965 until 1992, where he taught accounting, finance, and economics courses. He wrote “Retail Management,” a textbook that was published in 1974. He served as assistant dean of the College of Business for many years as well, using his fiscal sensibility, personable nature, and quick wit to help lead the College.

“In his own quiet way, he got things done,” said Management professor Dr. Bob Reber, noting that Oppitz was a stabilizing figure during times of change and instability in the Dean’s office. Oppitz also was an integral part of ensuring that the College of Business earned AACSB accreditation, which he considered a high point in his career.

“An assistant should not be a duplicate of the dean himself, but should complement him,” he told The Personnel File newsletter, published by WKU Human Resources in November 1984.  “Thus my duties have varied with the personality of the dean.”

“Everyone respected Jim,” said Economics professor Dr. Robert Pulsinelli. “He was modest and low-key with a dry sense of humor.”

Those who served with Oppitz recall his coffee-making abilities and his Christmas letters to faculty and staff. One such letter announced the discontinuation of the Grise Hall Christmas Party. There never had been a Grise Hall Christmas Party.

"Dean Oppitz was humble, hard-working, and patient," recalled former graduate assistant Dan Reynolds. "He always made time for me and the other students."

Oppitz grew up in Lebanon, Illinois, receiving his undergraduate degree from McKendree College and his master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He suspended his undergraduate career at McKendree to become a member of the United States Army and fight in World War II.

Before coming to WKU, Oppitz taught at Washington University, Arizona State University, and the University of Cincinnati.

Oppitz was married to Elizabeth, who worked in Cravens Library.