Abbie J. Shipp
Texas Christian University, Neeley Business School
“Dr. Shipp is a unique professor in the way she has impacted her students. I have never had a class that pushed me out of my comfort zone more than Dr. Shipp’s due to her extraordinary ways of understanding the different ways students think. She is one of few that understands how to teach students to critically think while always keeping an open door policy to help guide her students in any way she can. She creates a safe environment where her students understand that it is okay to make mistakes. She believes that we learn from our mistakes, and wants students to speak their mind because it creates an opportunity for more discussions to be had.” – Reese Elliott
Abbie J. Shipp, 50, is a Professor of Management at Texas Christian University, Neeley Business School.
She is an award-winning professor, teaching undergraduate, graduate, and executive audiences on topics such as critical thinking and problem solving, adaptive leadership, employee engagement, and leading change. Her research focuses on the psychological and subjective experience of time at work including: how individuals think about the past/present/future, trajectories of work experiences over time, how individuals react to change, and how time is spent on work tasks.
Beyond numerous publications in both academic and practitioner outlets, Shipp published a two-volume book on how time impacts work environments. Her body of work was recognized with the 2020 Texas Christian University Deans’ Award for Research and Creativity. She also received the 2022 Neeley Business School’s Distinguished Service Award for the Discipline & Community for her work as an Associate Editor at Academy of Management Review (2020-2023) and editorial board member for several premier journals. She is currently a Representative-at-Large and Chair of the Content Portfolio Committee for the Board of Governors of the Academy of Management.
Teaching awards include the 2024 Rob Rhodes Professor of the Year Award, the 2017 Outstanding Undergraduate Core Teaching Award, and the 2014 Innovation in Teaching Award. She is also a six-time recipient of the Neeley MBA Favorite Professor award.
In addition to professional experience with The Boeing Company and TV Guide, Shipp has consulted with multiple Fortune 500 companies, most recently through her boutique consulting firm, Adapt! Consulting.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2012
Education: B.S. in Business Administration, Oklahoma State University; M.B.A. Oklahoma State University; Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior, University of North Carolina
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Organizational Analysis & Problem Solving
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when …
Two of my undergraduate professors, Dr. Ken Eastman and Dr. Raj Basu, suggested a Ph.D. to me as a college junior. I always thought I’d pursue an academic career path later in life because I planned on a long career in industry. However, their early suggestions changed my mind years later when my M.B.A. made me realize how much I missed the intellectual stimulation of a college campus. Walking away from the stability of a great career to start over was intimidating. Going from a private office and expense account to a 16 ft2 cubicle and near poverty wages was hard! But once I found my footing, I knew it was one of the best decisions of my life.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it?
I study how people think about and use time. The most interesting insight from my program of research has been that people assume “time at work” means objective time markers like the clock, the calendar, or schedules. But in reality, how people feel and act at work is primarily about how they perceive time (e.g., passing quickly or slowly), how they remember and forecast experiences (e.g., what memories vs. plans emerge), and how they interpret time (e.g., the meaning of one’s time). Work experiences only matter in objective time when they are viewed through the lens of subjective time. This means we often look for solutions to work problems in objective time when we should be looking at subjective time instead.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be …
Definitely a consultant. I was going to pursue a consulting career post-MBA but at the last minute decided to enter a Ph.D. program instead. That love of consulting still exists though, so I now enjoy a little consulting on the side and teaching consulting classes at TCU.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor?
- Constant innovation: I get bored easily so I’m always creating something new in my research and teaching. I create too much work for myself but it’s worth it.
- Personal connection: I want to know each one of my coauthors, colleagues, and students personally. I love to know what makes each person unique.
- Connection with industry: I strongly value the business school’s role in connecting practicing managers, faculty, and students. My classes are all applied such that projects have real-world impact.
One word that describes my first time teaching:
Wow.
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor:
People think professors have a lot of free time but the career will take every waking minute if you let it. Professors have to decide what we want and need, personally and professionally. Then we need to operate within those boundaries and try not to compare ourselves to others. There is no one size fits all so you can exhaust yourself if you don’t watch it.
Professor I most admire and why:
Adam Grant – We first met in 2005 when we were on the job market at the same time. I was struck by Adam’s ideas about integrating his research, teaching, and practical insights, which he has done beautifully. Plus, he is innovative and whip-smart, and best of all, a great human. It’s rare to find all of that in one person.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students?
I love how business school students are naturally analytical but can be open to creative thought if it pushes the business forward. That said, I rely heavily on the principles of liberal arts to ensure our students know how to think critically, read deeply, and write well. These skills are not emphasized enough in business schools.
What is most challenging?
Keeping up my energy. I’m a huge introvert! However, it’s my job to make the classroom as engaging as possible and to be available to students outside the classroom.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student:
Curious.
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student:
Unmotivated.
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as …
Hard! But how else can I prepare them for the workplace where they will need to continuously improve their skills?
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies?
Running, reading, yoga, plus laughing with my husband and son.
How will you spend your summer?
Mostly research but also some quality time off to simply stare at the clouds and rejuvenate.
Favorite place(s) to vacation:
Anywhere with lots of trees. Mountains are a bonus.
Favorite book(s):
Can’t pick just one because I love so many different genres…
-Bird by Bird (Anne Lamott)
-Gift from the Sea (Anne Morrow Lindbergh)
-Devotions (Mary Oliver)
-Poetry Unbound (Padraig Ó Tuama)
-The Art of Memoir (Mary Karr)
-What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Haruki Murakami)
-Born to Run (Christopher McDougall)
-Altered Traits (Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson)
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much?
I’m a sucker for any documentary (TV or full-length film) that lets me see into the inner workings of someone else’s mind. Hard to pick a favorite but Chef’s Table on Netflix is a good example, I love hearing each chef’s history and how they overcame adversity. Plus, who doesn’t love the artistic cinematography they use to explore delicious food?
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why?
I love so many different types of music (e.g., 80’s new wave, 90’s hip hop, classical) that I have thoroughly confused the Spotify algorithm. However, my favorite over time has been Indie Rock. New bands are so innovative.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this
Two things:
- Experiential, hands-on learning in every class: Everything we teach is just conjecture until the students have to do the work.
- Better integration between classes and research: We need to teach evidence-based ideas, not things like the Myers-Briggs.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at …
Avoiding the maximization of profit at the expense of people. What’s the point of never-ending targets for growth if the employees don’t thrive? If leaders talk to as many of their employees as possible, they will better understand that what works strategically or financially isn’t always the best decision.
I’m grateful for …
My family and several mentors who supported me through the tough years of the Ph.D. program and the tenure track, especially my loyal husband Brad. They should give him an award for “Best Partner of a Professor.” I’m also grateful for my colleagues and leaders at TCU. This is truly the best place to work!
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