Donald J. Schepker

Donald J. Schepker is an Associate Professor of Strategic Management and Research Director at the Center for Executive Succession within the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas and a B.S. from Babson College. His research focuses on executive succession, corporate governance, and board dynamics, with over 40 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Academy of Management Journal and Strategic Management Journal. Schepker has received multiple awards for research excellence and peer review contributions. He teaches strategic management courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels and has led executive education programs for organizations like Coca-Cola Consolidated and Nephron Pharmaceuticals. His work explores how boards make critical leadership decisions, the consequences of CEO turnover, and the role of human capital in organizational strategy.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Business Administration (Strategic Management), University of Kansas (2012)
• B.S. in Business Administration (Finance/Economics), Babson College (2003)

Research Interests:

• Executive Succession Planning
• Board Decision-Making Processes
• CEO Turnover and Labor Market Consequences
• Corporate Governance Mechanisms

Awards & Honors:

• Moore Research Fellow (2021-2023)
• Outstanding Reviewer Awards from Academy of Management Review and Journal of Management
• Doctoral Teaching Awards (University of Kansas)

Service & Leadership:

• Associate Editor, Leadership Quarterly
• Editorial Board Member, Journal of Applied Psychology
• Member, University of South Carolina Athletics Advisory Committee

Executive Education: Specializes in strategic leadership development for corporate clients, emphasizing decision-making frameworks and succession planning.