The Farmer School of Business (FSB), is far into its year-long search for a new dean, and has narrowed down its candidates to three finalists, each speaking at on-campus forums with students at Miami University this week. The finalists include Mark Dawkins, Matt Myers and Jorge Haddock.
According to Director of Business Student Organization and Diversity Michelle Thomas, the search committee is looking for a dean who will take this school to the next level of excellence in terms of faculty and students, as well collaborate with Miami's other colleges such as Arts and Sciences.
"A dean must believe in the their product or brand which in this case are the students, and they must embody that and strive to make our institution the best it can be, its important we find someone who is the right fit to do this," Thomas said.
The first FSB dean candidate is Mark Dawkins who received his Ph.D. in Accounting at Florida State University in 1994 before making his way into teaching at a variety of schools including his current employer University of Georgia (UGA). There he is a professor of accounting in conjunction with serving as Associate Dean for Academic Programs at UGA's Terry College of Business.
Dawkins spoke to a room full of students in FBS Monday, Nov. 4, sharing a PowerPoint about why he is interested in becoming FSB's new dean, possible future opportunities to strive for and challenges that may face him if he is elected. A lot of discussion centered around his belief that by obtaining support from alumni, corporate partners, donors and parents, students will be able to gain the necessary resources to succeed not only at Miami, but also in the professional world.
After his presentation, Dawkins opened the floor to questions, focusing on one alum's inquiry regarding increasing diversity in FSB students. Using a metaphor about finance students, he explained that in his mind, diversity is a strong component in a good education. He also demonstrated his passion for this topic by bringing up an upcoming Diversity Dinner he will be holding at his house.
"It's important for students to find their own identity and where they fit in," Dawkins said. "The objective is, if you come to Miami I want you to not only feel comfortable and stay but to also graduate. By working to develop a strong support system of student organizations devoted to diversity I will be able to encourage people to engage with others from diverse backgrounds and find their identities."
Another student's question about his reason for applying for the dean position at Miami sparked interest and subsequent chatter within the room. Dawkins explained that he had actually been nominated by an unknown source for the dean position but is glad they did so because it gave him a chance to learn more about what Miami has to offer.
The next open forum will feature Matt Myers and will take place 5 p.m. Wednesday in FSB 0019.
Read More
How one professor and her classes are preserving Oxford’s Black history
By Sean Scott | March 20, 2024Jazma Sutton, an assistant professor of history, teaches The Black Midwest (HST 350Q) and Black Women in America (HST 450D) classes. In both courses, she has students working with the Smith Library of Regional History and Miami’s archives to document and preserve Black history in Oxford.
Miami faculty members recount Freedom Summer in new documentary
By Luke Macy | February 25, 2022After seven years of work, “Training for Freedom,” a documentary highlighting Oxford’s involvement in the Freedom Summer of 1964, premiered on PBS Western Reserve on Valentine’s Day.
“Documenting the COVID-19 Pandemic”: History in the making
By Alice Momany | August 29, 2021In March 2020, Miami University’s archives launched “Documenting the COVID-19 Pandemic,” a collection focused on life during the COVID-19 pandemic.