Mandell, former dean of University at Buffalo School of Management, dies

By Jacqueline Molik Ghosen

BUFFALO, N.Y.—Lewis Mandell, former dean and professor emeritus of finance and managerial economics in the University at Buffalo School of Management, passed away May 6 in Austin, Texas. He was 76.

An economist and financial literacy expert, Mandell was the author of more than 20 books and numerous articles on consumer finance and was a prolific media contributor for the School of Management—even after retirement—sharing his expertise with such outlets as NBC News, NPR, The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post and CNN.

He hosted radio call-in programs on investments and entrepreneurship in two major radio markets and served as an outside director of a publicly traded corporation. Mandell testified before Congress four times and was a guest on numerous nationally broadcast programs, including The Today Show, CNN, A&E Biography and Fox News.

Mandell had a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin, an MA from Northwestern University and a BA from CUNY City College of New York. Over his 44-year academic career, he held professorships at a number of leading universities, directed research for the Comptroller of the Currency and was dean of business at Marquette University.

At the UB School of Management, Mandell served as dean from 1998 to 2001 and as professor of finance until his retirement in 2008. He taught courses in investments and valuation at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and was a beloved mentor for many of his students as they entered and progressed through their careers. He was the recipient of several teaching awards, including the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Mandell conducted several nationwide benchmark studies of the personal finance skills of young adults, and developed MoneySKILL®, in collaboration with the American Financial Services Association Education Foundation. MoneySKILL is a free, interactive online curriculum that educates students to make informed financial decisions on a variety of personal finance issues, including income, money management, spending, credit, saving and investing.

He served on numerous national and international nonprofit boards, and during his 12 years living on Bainbridge Island, Washington, he served on the boards of the Bainbridge Performing Arts, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust and Congregation Kol Shalom.

Mandell is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy, daughter, Alexis, and brother, Stan Mandell.