John M. Thomas, associate dean for international programs, replaced SUNY Distinguished Professor Jerry M. Newman of the Department of Organizational and Human Resources on Aug. 1 as interim dean of UB's School of Management.
Thomas, who holds a bachelor's degree from Yale University, a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a law degree from UB, previously served as interim dean of the business school after former Dean Frederick W. Winter was appointed dean of the University of Pittsburgh Katz School of business, according to a press release.
"John Thomas . has the experience and knowledge necessary to be interim dean," stated Provost Elizabeth Capaldi in an e-mail.
Thomas is credited with launching UB's MBA program at Remnin University as well as its Executive MBA program in Singapore, Latvia and Hungary, according to a press release. During his term as interim dean, Thomas said he would like to continue the school's initiatives in bioinformatics, "upgrade the quality of teaching" and "initiate the process of reaccredidation," which will take place in the near future.
"I think I have the support of the faculty to get these things done," said Thomas.
Newman, who could not be reached for comment, resigned from the position because "he was tired of doing it," stated Capaldi.
The search for a permanent dean, started a year ago after Lewis Mandell resigned his post as dean, continues. According to Capaldi, the administration is seeking a dean with "management skills, creativity and vision, communication skills, strong academic values and record, (and) administrative ability."
The search will end, the provost said, when UB finds "an individual who we believe can lead the school in its next stage of development." Thomas anticipates that this will occur by the end of the semester.
