Gerald Knesek, Ed.D.
Lecturer of Management
Email: knesek@umich.edu
Gerry teaches courses Organizational Behavior, Human Resources Management, and Business Strategy within the Management Concentration at the undergraduate level. He has an MBA from Madonna University and a Doctorate from Indiana University.
After a very successful 31 year career at the General Motors Corporation in Human Resources related positions, he decided to enter the educational arena. For another 6 years he worked full time in educational administration while teaching part-time at in the School of Management. Recognizing teaching as his true passion, Gerry now devotes his full time to teaching and teaching related activities in the SOM.
His 31 years at General Motors Corporation includes positions in 8 different divisions, corporate headquarters, a joint venture with Toyota, and several short-term international assignments. He started with GM as a college graduate in training and held management related positions in all areas of Human Resources at the Manager then Director Level. His experience includes employee assistance programs, training and development, UAW-GM joint programs, labor relations, salary personnel, hourly personnel, plant personal director, and organizational development consultant.
Gerry continues his professional growth working on certificates in different areas of cultural competency and regularly reads business journal articles in areas related to his teaching assignments. He is actively engaged in undergraduate curriculum development and faculty co-advisor of the Student Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). He is also involved in the local community as an American Red Cross Volunteer.
umflint.edu/som/gerald-knesek
Brian Blume, Ph.D.
Professor of Organizational Behavior and HR Management
Email: blume@umich.edu
Brian D. Blume obtained his Ph.D from Indiana University and an MBA degree from Bradley University. He has experience working in business management prior to pursuing his Ph.D. Professor Blume also has provided consulting and training for management teams from several companies regarding leading change and organizational effectiveness.
In the School of Management, Professor Blume teaches undergraduate and MBA courses on ‘Leading Organizational Change’, ‘Human Behavior in Organizations’, and ‘Entrepreneurship & New Venture Creation’. He utilizes simulations and interactive activities to facilitate learning in the classroom.
His research focuses on leadership behaviors, the transfer of training to the job, forced distribution performance management systems, and characteristics of entrepreneurs that are associated with successful new ventures. He has published his research in journals such as the Journal of Management, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Business Venturing, Human Resource Management Review, and the Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies.
Professor Blume has received research grants from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Graduate Management Admissions Council. He is an active member of the Academy of Management organization and serves on multiple committees for the School of Management.
umflint.edu/som/brian-blume
Thank you Brian and Gerry for being incredible leaders and inspiring students and members to be the best they can while obtaining their degree from the University of Michigan-Flint. They are both educators who go above and beyond to help students outside of the classroom. Together they are an amazing team and we are very lucky to have two great faculty advisors supporting SHRM members and students. Congratulations on your well-deserved award!
