Joe McCann passed away last night after a brief, yet courageous, battle with cancer. Joe was a good man, who served as Dean of the Business School at The University of Tampa between 2000 and 2007.
I admired Joe for his positive energy and his out of the box thinking. I loved the fact that he lived on the fringe of acceptable protocol – more focused on getting the job done, than on following process. “Beg for forgiveness”, he always told me, “asking for permission is overrated”.
He knew how to have a good time. His idea of the “party in a box” was a staple during his time. A small cardboard box loaded with choice liquors that he would pull out for faculty on a late Friday afternoon so we could sip a few together. An idea that we certainly need to revive.
On a personal level, I owe him a debt of gratitude for believing in me. He went to bat for me with the University administration insisting that I be designated as a Dana Professor for my contributions to UT. How often do we go to bat for others? More often than not, we spend a lot of time worrying about ourselves. Thanks Joe, for being my champion.
Joe was a wonderful husband, father, educator and friend.
Cancer may have taken his life, but his spirit will resonate among those whose lives he touched. I will miss him.
About Hemant Rustogi
Thanks for the great article Dr. Rustogi.
I had the opportunity to work for Joe at UT for a couple of years. He was a great mentor and enlightened me on “begging for forgiveness” and asking for permission being overrated.
Joe will always remain as one of my favorite smart docs!
Cheers to Joe,
Jen
Well said Rusti. I spent many insightful and entertaining sessions with Joe. He was one of my favorites among deans and administrators. Heartfelt sadness for his family. Gone too early,
I met Joe during my tenure as a member of the Center for Ethics board at UT. I met up again with him a few years after he left UT and when he brought his knowledge and leadership to the University of Jacksonville. Joe always kept his mind and heart open. He was gifted as a teacher, researcher, and writer. Joe, your legacy, laugh and wit will be remembered always and by all who knew you.