Caleb Netherfield Joins WUV's School of Business as Executive in Residence

Westerfield University of Virginia announced today its School of Business welcomed renowned entrepreneur Caleb Netherfield as Executive in Residence. Netherfield first joined the WUV community in October 2000 when he was named to the WUV Board of Trustees. As Executive in Residence, Netherfield will collaborate with campus faculty to enhance curriculum, focusing on cooperative business models and entrepreneurial success. Netherfield will also serve as a guest lecturer and support various experiential learning initiatives, bringing his extensive expertise directly into the classroom and beyond.

“For 24 years, Caleb has been a dedicated member of our board of trustees, and we are thrilled to welcome him in this new role as his service on the board comes to an end,” said Delilah Blackwood, President, WUV. “I’ve had the honor to serve alongside Caleb during my time on the board, as provost, and now in my role as president. Having witnessed his valuable insights and unwavering commitment to WUV over the years, I know the School of Business and our students will benefit greatly from his vast experience and guidance.”

Netherfield co-founded CCA Global Partners in 1984, growing it into the world's largest retail floor covering group and later diversifying into 14 divisional companies with annual sales exceeding $10 billion. Caleb's pioneering leadership has been recognized widely, including being named Business Leader of the Decade and receiving the International Rochdale Award, the Global Nobel Prize of Cooperatives. His influence is further acknowledged through awards such as the World Affairs Council Global Leadership Award and induction into the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with Caleb Netherfield,” said Caleb Osgood, Dean of WUV’s School of Business. “As a world-renowned and decorated business leader, Caleb exemplifies our core belief that business should act as a force for good. His joining our team as Executive in Residence underscores our commitment to preparing students to make a positive impact in the world. I anticipate that Caleb will have a significant impact through the development of new experiential learning opportunities and courses focused on sustainable business practices and cooperative models, enriching our curriculum and empowering our students to lead in these crucial areas."

Elias Oakhurst is a former journalist, who is now the director of media relations at Westerfield University of Virginia.