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NEWS RELEASE

10-18-01

Contacts:
Walter Gmelch, Education, (515) 294-7000
Debra Gibson, University Relations, (515) 294-5952
Kevin Brown, News Service, (515) 294-8986

SEARCH FOR NEW ISU BUSINESS DEAN BEGINS

AMES, Iowa -- A 16-member committee, headed by Education Dean Walter Gmelch, will begin the search for a new Iowa State University College of Business dean. The new dean will succeed Benjamin Allen, appointed July 1 to a one-year term as interim vice president of external affairs.

Allen announced earlier this semester that he will return to the College of Business faculty at the conclusion of his interim vice presidency. He will be on leave during the 2002-03 academic year, and will rejoin the faculty in fall 2003. Labh Hira, professor of accounting, is serving as interim dean for the College of Business.

"Given the recent growth in the number of students and new programs in the College of Business, it was a difficult decision to not continue serving as dean," Allen said. "On the other hand, I thought the timing was right given the excellent status of the college: The Gerdin Business Building is moving forward and construction will soon begin; the quality of the faculty and student body is the highest ever; and the level of support of the alumni and friends of the college is outstanding. Given all of this, the college is well-positioned to attract very strong candidates for the position of dean."

According to Gmelch, the search committee will hold its initial meeting Monday, Oct. 29. At that time, the group, with Provost Rollin Richmond, will discuss the search's timeline and organization, as well as the position description. Gmelch said the goal currently is to have a new dean selected this spring and in place by summer.

"It is of absolute critical importance that we find exemplary leadership for the College of Business," Gmelch said. "Ben Allen is one of the top deans I've ever met, which makes this process even more challenging."

Committee members include Dennis Caplan, assistant professor of accounting; Alicia Carriquiry, professor of statistics and associate provost; Richard Carter, chair, finance and accounting; Michael Crum, professor of logistics, operations and management information systems; Dermot Hayes, professor of agribusiness/economics; Mary Littrell, professor of textiles and clothing; Ted Okiishi, associate dean, College of Engineering; Kay Palan, associate professor of marketing; and Brad Shrader, professor of management.

Others members are Steven Carter, director, Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship; Steven Chapman, president and CEO, ITA Group of West Des Moines; Richard Jurgens, executive vice president, Hy-Vee Inc., West Des Moines; Ann Coppernoll Farni, undergraduate programs coordinator, College of Business; and business students Kayla Gleason (undergraduate) and Jess Silva (graduate).

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