April 2020
Teaching Plan
HBS Case Collection

Malcolm Turner at Vanderbilt

By: David G. Fubini, Amy Klopfenstein and James Barnett

Format:Print
| Language:English
| Pages:12

Abstract

This teaching plan serves as a supplement to the case “Malcolm Turner at Vanderbilt,” HBS 420-024. The case examines the early decisions of Vanderbilt University’s new athletic director, Malcolm Turner. A newcomer to college athletics, Turner made a series of large-scale decisions shortly after he stepped into the role, such as firing men’s basketball coach Bryce Drew and investing in facilities upgrades. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt’s chancellor resigned several months into Turner’s tenure. At the conclusion of the case, Turner must decide whether to push forward with his plans for Vanderbilt athletics, or wait until the new chancellor is hired. Specifically, he must decide whether to make changes to the university’s struggling football season, including whether to retain football coach Derek Mason. The teaching plan includes a sample discussion plan, suggested assignment questions, and a sample board plan. It also provides information about Turner’s resignation from Vanderbilt, which took place approximately six months after the conclusion of the case.