Five Questions with James C. Reeder III
In our Five Question series, faculty at the University of Kansas School of Business share their insights, experiences and advice for students.
James Reeder III is an assistant professor of marketing at the KU School of Business. His research, which has been published in Marketing Science and Management Service, explores the effects of various sales promotions and personal selling interventions on business-to-consumer and business-to-business transactions. Before joining KU, Reeder was a faculty member at the Daniels School of Business at Purdue University. He received his doctorate from the Simon School of Business, University of Rochester.
What got you interested in your field, and what is the most rewarding part of being involved in it?
It wasn’t until I got my MBA from the University of Rochester where I became engaged with the idea of quantitative marketing. The ability to leverage data to predict human behavior fascinates me. I enjoy figuring out how I can merge econometric models with observed human behavior to see how small, or large, changes in marketing plans alters the behavior of customers or firms.
The most rewarding part of my job though is interacting with students. As a first-generation student, I am keenly aware of the value a college education can bring. Being able to work with students to bring out the best in them is my favorite part of the job.
What is your favorite part about being a Jayhawk?
I have only been here for approximately a month. In that time, the passion that students show to learn difficult and challenging topics is my favorite part. Overall, the students here are deeply engaged in learning, which only makes my job better as an educator.
What would you see yourself doing if you weren’t a professor?
I would probably be a consultant. My original intention for getting an MBA was to get into consulting and not academia. I love problem-solving. Being a consultant would allow me the chance to do that daily.
What advice would you give your college self?
I would give my college self two pieces of advice: Seek out help early, and fail quickly. I think students are often intimidated to seek out help from professors. Professors will help students who are putting in effort and still struggling. Further, we are resources for not only the course material but also for other advice in the field.
As far as failing quickly, I was too wrapped up in my work being perfect the first time. This is an impossible standard to meet. Instead, I encourage students to try early and often to get feedback on their progress and learn from their mistakes. I learned far more in my career from the mistakes made and figuring them out than anything else.
If you could require students to read one thing before graduation (outside of your class reading), what would it be and why?
I would require students read “The Dark Knight Returns” by Frank Miller. It is a compelling story of duality and justice. Further, this one graphic novel caused a massive pivot in the comic publishing genre. It is interesting to show how one small decision can have lasting impact.
By Lauren Hartwig
