As he approaches the conclusion of a distinguished career in education, Steve DeKrey reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. Currently serving as senior advisor, professor emeritus, and honorary fellow at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), DeKrey has spent decades influencing higher education around the world.
Born and raised in Bemidji, Minnesota, DeKrey’s outlook expanded when his family spent the 1967-68 school year in Hawaii. That experience exposed him to diverse cultures and perspectives, igniting his passion for education. “It opened my eyes, because I was a minority in my school,” he recalls. This formative year inspired a lifelong commitment to education and development.
Educational Path and Career Milestones
DeKrey’s educational journey began in Bemidji, where he attended the local schools before moving on to Montana State University. His passion for skiing led him there, but after an injury, he returned to his hometown to earn a degree in psychology from Bemidji State University. He later obtained a master’s degree in school psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a doctorate in school and sports psychology from the University of Iowa.
His career has included key roles at prestigious institutions such as Northwestern University and the University of Florida. At Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, he introduced mandatory interviews for Master of Business Administration applicants, significantly contributing to the school’s rise as one of the top business schools in the United States. While at Florida, DeKrey was instrumental in launching two Executive MBA programs.
In 1996, he relocated to Hong Kong to serve as associate dean and master’s program director at HKUST Business School, which was in its infancy. DeKrey collaborated with Northwestern to establish an Executive MBA program that has consistently ranked first globally by the Financial Times since 2007.
A Lasting Impact on Global Education
Throughout his career, DeKrey has sought to make a difference in educational institutions worldwide. His work included efforts to establish an international program at the Moscow School of Management, which fell through due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Additionally, he has authored 15 case studies, with 12 published by Harvard Business Publishing, featuring prominent figures like Elon Musk and Taylor Swift.
Now, as he nears the end of his contract with HKUST, DeKrey contemplates a career path that diverged from initial expectations. “I had never intended a business school career,” he explains. Despite his original plans to lead a psychology department, he found his niche in business education, focusing on helping leaders grow and succeed.
Reflecting on his upbringing in Bemidji, DeKrey credits his early education at the now-closed Lab School for providing personalized attention that fostered his interests. He was actively involved in various extracurricular activities, such as band and track, and played a key role in establishing the Bemidji High School ski team.
DeKrey’s journey illustrates the profound impact of an open mind and adaptability. “How did a Bemidji boy end up with an international career?” he muses. “It’s just a matter of having an open mind, which developed here. And being opportunistic.” His career encapsulates the importance of embracing opportunities and making meaningful contributions to education globally.
