Scott Rex, director of the business analytics program and instructor of marketing in the College of Business Administration, has been named co-director with the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute. He joins co-directors Keri McConnell from Northwestern Mutual and Dr. Purush Papatla of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in setting research priorities, growing data science programs at the universities, scaling data science skillsets in the Milwaukee region and establishing the Institute’s role as a national and global leader in data science.
“I’m excited to help build on the strong foundation already laid for the NMDSI,” Rex said. “We have a great team, and lots to achieve as we continue to move forward.”
Rex joined the faculty in 2010 and teaches marketing analytics, the capstone Business Analytics course, and customer relationship management. Aside from his analytics work, he specializes in pricing strategies and research, business case development, total cost of ownership, ROI analysis and product portfolio planning. Rex has worked with a variety of high-profile corporate clients and has presented to executive leaders in North America, Europe and Asia and at international telecommunications conferences.
Rex starts his new role on July 1 and succeeds Dr. Edward Blumenthal, who will take on a full-time role as associate dean of faculty, research and graduate studies in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences.
“I want to thank Ed Blumenthal for his excellent leadership as outgoing NMDSI co-director and I am thrilled to work with Scott Rex as part of the NMDSI team,” said Dr. Heidi Bostic, dean of the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences. “Scott’s unique blend of academic and industry experience along with his communication and leadership skills mean that he is exactly the right person to step into the co-director role as we look toward creating the future of NMDSI.”
