Dean, College of Business and Industry

Jacksonville State University

Invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Business and Industry beginning on January 13, 2026 or shortly thereafter.

Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State University, also known as Jax State, is a learning-centered comprehensive public university in Jacksonville, Alabama. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Alabama, midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State is home to more than 10,000 students from more than 60 countries. As a learning-centered university, it strives to challenge students academically in a responsive environment and supports them in achieving their educational, career and personal goals.

As an institution of higher learning, it seeks to produce broadly educated graduates prepared for global engagement while promoting scholarly research and service activities that align with its academic and professional strengths.

Jax State is recognized as a top-tier regional university, climbing steadily in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings over the past four years. Also known as "the friendliest campus in the South," Jax State offers a diverse and comprehensive range of academic programs designed to prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning. The University provides 46 undergraduate degree programs, 12 undergraduate microcredentials and certificates, 64 master's programs, three doctoral programs, seven Educational Specialist (EdS) programs and 15 graduate certificate programs and microcredentials.

Many of these programs are available entirely online, offering flexibility to accommodate students' schedules and learning preferences.

The University maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, ensuring personalized instruction and mentorship in a supportive learning environment. With one of the highest percentages of accredited programs among universities nationwide, Jax State is committed to academic excellence and student success.

The mission of the College of Business and Industry is to provide learners with a career-focused education emphasizing responsible judgment, innovative thinking, entrepreneurial skills and service to their communities. The College aims to serve the Southeast by being an integral, cooperative partner of the business community by assessing needs and providing the human and intellectual resources for the future.

Chosen by Princeton Review as one of "The Best Business Schools", the College is comprised of these professional oriented academic areas – Department of Applied Engineering, Departments of Business (Gregory

D. Brown Department of Finance, Economics and Accounting and the Lyons and Company, Inc. Department of Management and Marketing) and Department of Communication. All are accredited by prestigious international accrediting agencies like ATMAE, AACSB, and ACEJMC, respectively by department.

The College enrolled 1,737 students (1,554 undergraduate and 183 graduate) in Fall 2025. These students were supported by 56 faculty members, 43 of whom are full time and 13 part time.

Core values include teaching, intellectual contributions, external interaction and continuous improvement. In support of these values the College focuses on six goals: improving student experience and engagement; career development; faculty engagement; community outreach; alumni involvement and support; and growth and funding.

The Dean of the College of Business and Industry (CBI) is the chief administrator of the College and reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Dean provides vision, academic leadership, direction and expert administration, and fosters excellence in teaching, scholarly activity and community engagement and service. The Dean positively represents the College and University to all constituents and is active in advancement activities.

Overall Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership in establishing and achieving the CBI’s vision, mission, goals and expected academic program outcomes
  • Responsible for administrative functions including but not limited to staffing, budgets and facility management
  • Ability to inspire confidence and motivate others for engagement and innovation
  • Serve as an advocate for faculty, staff and students
  • Direct problem solving involving students, faculty, staff and others
  • Is visible on campus and in the community
  • Represent the CBI and University positively in interactions to build and sustain effective relationships with a broad range of constituents

Faculty and Staff Oversight

• Provide oversight for the recruitment, hiring, orientation, motivation and retention of faculty and staff to effectively manage the human capital within the College
  • Ability to inspire faculty and staff to work together to build and sustain outstanding academic programs with the capacity for growth
  • Facilitate the…