Dr. James Griesemer

Professor & Dean Emeritus, Daniels College of Business

Dr. James "Jim" Griesemer is dean emeritus of the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver, and a professor teaching graduate courses in business strategy and strategic management.

Jim's background bridges the worlds of theory and practice. He has extensive experience as a chief executive officer and chief financial officer for public, private, and nonprofit organizations, and has taught management, finance, and business strategy at DU, the University of Colorado, and Aurora University in Illinois. 

Jim served as dean of the Daniels College of Business from 1994 – 2004.  Under his leadership, the college significantly increased enrollment, quintupled its endowment, constructed a new state-of-the-art building, and was ranked by The Wall Street Journal as one of the nation’s top business schools. Prior to that position, he served as DU's chief financial officer, helping to lead the university's financial turnaround.

Jim began his career in public administration as a city manager. For twenty years he managed several cities, receiving a number of national and regional awards for excellence, including being named Outstanding Public Administrator in Colorado. He then served as chief executive officer of a real estate development company and later managed privately-held real estate investments. 

Jim is active in the community, having recently served as chairman of the finance committee for the Denver Infrastructure Task Force, and as chairman of the Colorado Economic Futures Panel. He has served as a trustee of the Colorado Symphony and is a current trustee of the Iliff School of Theology. 

Dr. Griesemer is the author of two books and speaks frequently on strategic management to business and academic audiences. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University and a doctorate in public administration from the University of Colorado.