Andrew Scott Ainslie

1959 - 2022

Andrew Scott Ainslie died unexpectedly on 12 April 2022 at age 62 in a cave diving accident in Ginnie Springs, Florida (USA). Andrew was born in Harare, Zimbabwe on 9 October 1959 to Kelvin Scott Ainslie and Oriel Moore (Ainslie, nee Wright). Andrew is survived by his loving wife, Teri Rueb of Boulder, Colorado; mother, Oriel Moore; four siblings and their spouses, Vanessa Gaydon (Steve), Brita Kirk (Ian), James Moore (Lynn) and Philip Moore (Noelle). He is also survived by ten nephews, nine nieces and six great nephews and nieces, all of whom have had the privilege of his love, dedication, passion for life, guidance, mentorship and unwavering support. He was cherished and loved deeply as a husband, son, brother, uncle, mentor, teacher and educator by his family, many friends and their families, his academic colleagues, and students across the world. He lived life to its fullest and will be sorely missed, but his many gifts and memories live on in perpetuity. Andrew attended Borrowdale Primary School (Harare), St. Paul's School (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Blakiston Primary School (Harare), Guinea Fowl High School (Zimbabwe) and achieved his 'A' levels at Churchill High School (Harare). He served as a Lieutenant in the Rhodesian Army for two years as part of a compulsory national service. He studied for one year at Warrick University (UK) after which he moved to complete a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Cape Town. He worked as an engineer and then in the business world for a short while and then chose to study for his MBA at the University of Cape Town, for which he achieved the Nedbank Gold Medal of excellence. Andrew graduated with a PhD in Marketing and Statistics from the University of Chicago and was awarded an Assistant Professorship at the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. Andrew engaged in extensive research in marketing, statistics, consumer behaviour and economics and published and presented papers in various academic journals and at academic events internationally. He forged a successful career as a leader of two top MBA programmes and was a dedicated teacher, mentor, supervisor, student advocate and effective strategist. As Associate Dean for the MBA programme at UCLA, Andrew led a curriculum change that resulted in the dramatic increase in student enrollments and the ranking of UCLA's Anderson School MBA programme. He was appointed Dean at Simon Business School at the University of Rochester in 2014 and during his six-year tenure he successfully led changes in the curriculum and engaged in extensive curriculum development, programme marketing and fund-raising, whilst also presenting in the international academic arena. Andrew was an ardent advocate for students and education and was unwavering in his commitment to advancement of ethics in all spheres of academic and human endeavours. He chose to step down as Dean in 2020 to spend time with his wife, yet continued as Benjamin Forman Professor of Marketing and never wavered in his dedication to education, the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of higher education. Andrew established an Office of Student Engagement at the Simon Business School which will be named after him this month. Andrew lived his life to the fullest with a passion for people, academics, adventure and exploration, literature and philosophy, music, animals (particularly three-legged and less fortunate dogs), food and wine, and all things mechanical or challenging. He had a unique and brilliant mind and was a strong, generous, loving, supportive and enquiring man who lived life with love, integrity, honesty, honour and a wonderful sense of humour. He was a dedicated husband, family member, leader, mentor, teacher, and friend who always offered unwavering love, support and commitment to all whose lives he touched. Throughout his life he exhibited an unrelenting passion for knowledge, exploration, adventure, challenge, a good debate, fun and of course a good wine! He lived life with integrity and strength and leaves a remarkable legacy for family, friends, students and colleagues. He exhibited strength and determination in all that he embarked on, along with a touching humility in his love and generosity of spirit. Andrew loved the outdoors and was a highly accomplished pilot, glider pilot, technical diver, hiker, motorcyclist, and renovator of all things challenging. As an exceptionally accomplished cave diver, he discovered caves that had never been mapped before, including sections of Ginnie Springs, Florida. Hamba Kahle dearest Andrew, your spirit, presence and memories will live on in all of those who were fortunate to know you, as well as those who will benefit from your extensive personal and professional legacy. A private ceremony will be held at the Ainslie / Rueb home in Boulder, Colorado this week. A Toast to Andrew will be hosted at the Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Rochester on Wednesday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m. (rsvp: jim.newton@simon.rochester.edu). Donations may be made in his memory to Simon Business School Consortium Scholarship Fund.