Nancy Papalexandris

Nancy Papalexandritis

Alumna Profiled: Nancy Papalexandris
Graduated: DEREE ’66
Lives in: Athens, Greece
Current Position: Professor, Academic Coordinator, Athens University of Economics and Business


“Never give up. Every cloud has a silver lining.


NANCY PAPALEXANDRIS (née Exarchou) was born in Athens and graduated from DEREE with a Bachelor in Business administration in 1966. This was the first year that DEREE (then Pierce College, Upper Division) granted Bachelor’s degrees. She earned a Masters Degree from New York University and a PhD in Management from the University of Bath in England.

She joined the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) as research assistant in 1973 and after getting her PhD she was gradually promoted to become lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor and finally full professor in 2000.

She has served as Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Personnel of her University for the period 2001-2007 and has represented the Greek Rectors’ Conference at the European University Association.

She is the founder of the Master’s Program in Human Resource Management at A.U.E.B. and for many years responsible for the career office, the placement office, the entrepreneurship program as well as the Erasmus Program of the University.

Her research and teaching interests include Human Resource Management, Cross Cultural Management and Leadership, Public Relations, Organizational Behavior, Women in Management, Corporate Social Responsibility and Entrepreneurship.

She has published books and articles in various international academic journals and has organized and participated in a number of international conferences.

She is married to Thanos Papalexandris and has two children, a grandson and granddaughter.


INTERVIEW

Q.: What are three enduring lessons you learned during your studies at DEREE?

1. A job worth doing is worth doing well
2. There is nothing more rewarding than good teamwork
3. Learning new things and meeting new people makes you richer

Q.: Describe DEREE in three words.

Dynamic, embracing, stimulating

Q.: One of your favorite DEREE memories?

The first time I participated in the Thanksgiving celebration at Hellenikon. So excitingly different from various celebrations I had attended during my high-school years.

Q.: What do you miss most from your days at DEREE?

The company of friends, the inspiring teachers, the new things discovered every day

Q.: Where was your favorite spot on campus?

As the college was still housed in a building in the center of Athens, the kitchen where we gathered to chat and eat snacks

Q.: Who was your favorite professor and why?

Dean Havice whose classes of philosophy taught us how to develop a critical mind

Q.: Have you kept in touch with any of your classmates?

I have close friendship with a few and feel very happy wherever I meet some of the others.

Q.: How did DEREE help prepare you for your professional life?

It helped me build my self-confidence and aspire for more. It taught me that extra effort pays back.

Q.: What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?

You get more from giving than from taking.

Q.: What (or who) inspires you most?

Some of my students for being so hardworking, intelligent and eager to move on and make a difference in society

Q.: Your motto in life?

Never give up. Every cloud has a silver lining.


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