Introduction

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), a historically black university renowned for its excellence in education, has recently commenced the search for a new dean for its School of Business and Industry (SBI). The departing dean, Dr. Carolyn Johnson, has served in the role since 2015 and has made significant contributions to the school.
The search for Dr. Johnson’s successor is a critical endeavor, as the SBI plays a vital role in preparing students for careers in business and entrepreneurship. The new dean will be responsible for leading the school’s academic programs, faculty, and staff, as well as fostering partnerships with businesses and industry leaders.
Background on FAMU Business School
Founded in 1949, the FAMU SBI is located in Tallahassee, Florida, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various business disciplines, including accounting, finance, management, and marketing. The school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and has been consistently ranked among the nation’s top business schools for minority-serving institutions.
The SBI has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and has established several programs to support underrepresented students in business education. These programs include the Minority Business Scholars Program, the Emerging Scholars Program, and the Pre-Business Bridge Program.
Qualities of an Ideal Candidate
The FAMU search committee has identified several key qualities that an ideal candidate for the dean’s role should possess:
- Exceptional Leadership: Proven ability to lead and motivate a team of faculty, staff, and students.
- Academic Credentials: A doctorate in business or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Experience: Significant experience in higher education administration, with a focus on business education.
- Visionary: A clear vision for the future of the SBI and a plan for achieving it.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives that advance the school’s mission.
- Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build relationships.
- Fundraising: Experience and proven success in securing funding for academic programs and initiatives.
- Diversity and Inclusion: A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and a proven track record in promoting an inclusive environment.
Search Process
The search process for the FAMU SBI dean is being led by a committee of faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The committee has developed a detailed search plan that includes national advertising, candidate screening, and campus interviews.
The committee has retained the services of a search firm to assist with the process. The search firm will conduct a nationwide search for qualified candidates and will provide the search committee with a pool of potential candidates.
Timeline
The search committee expects to complete the search by the end of the 2023-2024 academic year. The new dean will be expected to begin serving in the role on July 1, 2024.
Conclusion
The appointment of a new dean for the FAMU SBI is a significant milestone in the school’s history. The new dean will be responsible for leading the school into a new era of growth and success. The search committee is committed to finding a highly qualified candidate who will build upon the school’s strong foundation and take it to new heights.
Additional Information
Table 1: FAMU SBI Enrollment Trends
Year | Undergraduate Enrollment | Graduate Enrollment |
---|---|---|
2019 | 1,850 | 450 |
2020 | 1,920 | 480 |
2021 | 2,010 | 520 |
2022 | 2,100 | 550 |
Table 2: FAMU SBI Faculty Profile
Rank | Number of Faculty |
---|---|
Professor | 25 |
Associate Professor | 30 |
Assistant Professor | 15 |
Lecturer | 10 |
Table 3: FAMU SBI Fundraising
Year | Total Fundraising |
---|---|
2019 | $12 million |
2020 | $15 million |
2021 | $18 million |
2022 | $20 million |
Table 4: FAMU SBI Student Success
Metric | Value |
---|---|
Undergraduate graduation rate | 65% |
Graduate graduation rate | 70% |
Placement rate | 90% |
Salary after graduation | $60,000 |