2024 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors: Lucille Headrick, Lucas College and Graduate School of Business, San Jose State University

Lucille Headrick
Lucas College and Graduate School of Business, San Jose State University

“I am nominating Dr. Lucy Headrick for her outstanding contributions to creating an inclusive and thriving educational environment that reflects the supportive workplaces she champions in her research. She has been recognized for their excellence in teaching with several prestigious awards, including the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business Distinguished Early Career Teaching Award in 2023 and the Master Teacher Award in both 2022 and 2023. A hallmark of Dr. Headrick’s teaching style is the use of ‘Conocimiento,’ an innovative method adapted from cultural activists to foster inclusivity and cross-cultural awareness by encouraging students to connect with and support each other through open dialogue

“Additionally, Dr. Headrick extends her impact beyond the classroom by mentoring MBA students involved in the Women in Business student organization, assisting them in preparing for a consulting showcase in which they work with Silicon Valley startup companies. In 2023, she was nominated for the campus-wide ‘Advisor of the Year’ award by San Jose State University’s Student Affairs.” – David Czerwinski, Interim Associate Dean

Lucille Headrick, 32, is Assistant Professor at Lucas College and Graduate School of Business, San Jose State University.

Her research examines psychological mechanisms of work stress on health-related behavior, recovery, and work-life boundary management. Her research also focuses on identifying psychosocial factors that alleviate or aggravate these psychological mechanisms.

Her work has been published in leading journals such as the Journal of Business and Psychology, Journal of Applied Psychology, and Journal of Organizational Behavior. She is winner of the Organizational Behavior division of the Academy of Management’s Best Dissertation-Based Paper (2021) and Outstanding Practical Implications for Management Award (2015).

She was the recipient of the 2023 Lucas College and Graduate School of Business Distinguished Early Career Teaching Award.

BACKGROUND

At current institution since what year? 2021
Education: Ph.D. in Human Resources and Industrial Relations, School of Labor and Employment Relations (LER), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
List of MBA courses you currently teach: Developing and Managing People

TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR

I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when… I realized that as a business professor I had the potential to shape future leaders and influence healthier, more inclusive workplace practices.

What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I’m currently researching how workplace stress translates into unhealthy behaviors at home. The most significant discovery from this study is that having a supportive environment, particularly at home, can significantly mitigate this relationship between work stress and unhealthy behavior.

If I weren’t a business school professor… I would likely be involved in organizational consulting or human resources, applying my knowledge to help companies create better work environments directly.

What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive classroom environment where every student feels valued and heard. I strive to cultivate empathy and understanding among my students, empowering them to become compassionate and effective leaders in the future.

One word that describes my first time teaching: My first time teaching was an equal mix of excitement and nervousness.

Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: That the role extends far beyond lecturing and grading; it’s about mentoring, inspiring, and sometimes counseling students. The emotional investment in their success is as challenging as it is rewarding.

Professor I most admire and why: The professor I most admire is Dr. Mindy Shoss. As a first-generation undergraduate at Saint Louis University, she inspired me to believe in myself and pursue higher education. She not only excels in her academic role as a researcher but also profoundly impacts her students through her encouragement and support, both inside and outside the classroom.

TEACHING MBA STUDENTS

What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? I learn from them just as much as they learn from me. The dynamic exchange in the classroom enriches everyone’s experience.

What is most challenging? The most challenging aspect is ensuring that each student, regardless of their background or initial level of understanding, can connect with and grasp complex business concepts.

In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Engaged.

In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Apathetic.

When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as… When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as fair and supportive. I try to provide constructive feedback that helps them understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

LIFE OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM

What are your hobbies? I enjoy hiking, reading, and volunteering in my local community.

How will you spend your summer? This summer, I’m looking forward to focusing on my research, preparing for the upcoming academic year, and spending time with my family.

Favorite place(s) to vacation: National parks.

Favorite book(s): House of Spirits by Isabel Allende, who is also my favorite author.

What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? The “Alien” franchise, particularly the films “Alien” and “Aliens.” The movies are scary/cool and also address themes that interest business professors such as gender norms, corporate greed, technological hubris, and the exploitation of natural resources.

What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? My favorite really depends on the moment!

THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS

If I had my way, the business school of the future would …  place a greater emphasis on nurturing leaders who prioritize people over profits. We would focus more on teaching students about social responsibility, ethical decision-making, and the importance of creating inclusive work environments. This approach aims to develop business leaders who understand that the long-term success of any company depends on the well-being of its workforce and the broader community it serves, not just its bottom line.

In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at… genuinely integrating work-life balance into their operational ethos. This isn’t just about offering more vacation days or flexible working arrangements, but about creating a culture where such policies are actively encouraged and where employee well-being is as much a priority as financial performance.

I’m grateful for… I’m profoundly grateful for the vibrant community at the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business at San Jose State University. I am particularly thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn from the students and other faculty, whose energy and innovative ideas challenge me to keep growing both personally and professionally.

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