Questrom’s Melvyn Menezes Remembered as an Exceptional Educator
Associate professor’s influence was most strongly felt at the MBA level
Melvyn Menezes (right) receives the John R. Russell Teaching Award for Executive MBA Teaching from Sergei Daniel (Questrom’12) at Questrom’s 24th Executive MBA graduation in 2012. He earned the award seven times. Photo by Kalman Zabarsky
Questrom’s Melvyn Menezes Remembered as an Exceptional Educator
Associate professor’s influence was most strongly felt at the MBA level
Melvyn Menezes, an award-winning Questrom School of Business associate professor of marketing, died August 6, 2024, while on vacation in India. He was 73.
Melvyn joined Questrom nearly three decades ago after a distinguished tenure at Harvard Business School and a successful career in industry. He touched the lives of countless students across both undergraduate and graduate programs. His influence was most strongly felt at the MBA level, where he earned the John R. Russell Teaching Award for Executive MBA Teaching seven times, the title of Professor of the Year from first-year MBA students seven times, and the honor of Faculty of the Year from students in the Questrom Professional Evening MBA program.
In 2017, he was honored as one of Poets&Quants’ Favorite Professors of Top MBAs, a testament to his impactful teaching style.
“Melvyn was an exceptional educator, a cherished colleague, and a kind soul whose impact on our community and the broader field of marketing will be deeply missed,” says Susan Fournier, Allen Questrom Professor and Dean.
Menezes was known for his ability to challenge students and push them beyond their comfort zones. His emphasis on thorough preparation and unwavering conviction in arguments left a lasting impression on those he taught.
Melvyn’s ability to engage students and make complex topics accessible was nothing short of magical.
“Melvyn’s ability to engage students and make complex topics accessible was nothing short of magical,” says Carey Morewedge, Questrom professor and chair of marketing.
Menezes also was a leader in Questrom’s Executive Education Programs, where he helped to shape the next generation of business leaders. He maintained a thriving consulting business, collaborating with some of the world’s most recognizable brands.
Venkat Venkatraman, a Questrom professor emeritus of information systems, describes Menezes as a colleague of 30 years, a mentor, and a dear friend. “He taught me the art of teaching,” Venkatraman says, “though I could never hope to reach his level.”
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