Dean of School of Management to step down

After five progressive years, School of Management Dean John Thomas has announced his impending resignation.

According to Thomas, when he applied for the position he knew the span of his tenure would only be five years. He says he is not leaving the School of Management, and wants to return to being a part of the School's faculty.

"Basically, it was a question of what I wanted to do with the rest of my professional career," Thomas said.

Thomas will continue to act as dean until a suitable replacement is found. A replacement is expected for Fall 2008.

"I'm going to stay until a successor is named; there are no plans for an interim dean," Thomas said.

Thomas believes that the School will have a good amount of high-quality applicants for the position.

Thomas advises the new dean to recognize the faculty that the School has and to utilize their talents when building the reputation of the School.

During his tenure, Thomas is proud to have been a part of the School of Management's increase in rank on various prestigious lists such as the Wall Street Journal's top business schools. The ratings help increase the School's visibility and also attract higher caliber students. He credits the success to hard work from senior staff and faculty.

"We worked closely (with students) to develop strategic initiative," Thomas said.

Another one of Thomas' successes includes the School of Management's development of the Office of Corporate and Community Relations. Through the office, management students are linked with not-for-profit agencies. This gives students the ability to apply their knowledge to help their community.

"Companies will likely ask this (in the future)," Thomas said.

Thomas' interests are now in developing international programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. His future projects will include the development of study abroad programs as well as overseas internships. These courses will develop an increase in understanding of other cultures.

"I will go back to the School of Management to help play a leadership role," Thomas said. "I don't expect to have a formal role."

With the School's growing national recognition, Thomas hopes to recruit an increasing amount of high caliber students.

According to Thomas, the School of Management aims to give these students a worthwhile learning experience and help them start their careers with top companies. The School will continue to widen the pool of junior faculty to increase the quality of students' education.