Search committee examines candidates for dean of the Love School of Business

Elon University faculty, staff and students interviewed candidates for the position of dean of the Love School of Business, a position that serves the university on multiple levels, according to Art Cassill, co-chair of the search committee and professor of accounting.

The dean conducts business with organizations outside the university, representing Elon to the external institutions.

“The business school dean is uniquely situated to be the face of the university as well (as of the business school) because you are talking about the business community that serves all of Elon University and not just the Love School of Business,” Cassill said.

Business connections translate to support for the university, he said. Establishing relationships with local companies cultivates avenues for financial support, international programs and job opportunities. Recognition of the dean’s significance to the reputation of the university informed the search process.

“Being in the dean role is a position where that person can be in the spotlight, so it’s important we have a good fit to represent Elon well,” said Sarah Thomas, member of the search committee and director of undergraduate programs.

In order to support the university, Thomas said the dean would be expected to educate outside constituents about Elon, develop partnerships and sustain those relationships.

Students interacted with the candidates during their visit to Elon, walking the candidates to and from meetings and engaging in discussions with the potential dean.

“They bring a different perspective to a dean’s candidate,” Cassill said.

Although students are more concerned with more immediate results, such as job opportunities and programs, students’ messages are consistent with that of the faculty and staff, he said.

“At the end of the day, they are both interested in if this person is going to provide leadership and direction and going to make the school successful,” Cassill said.

Candidates recognize the continuity of the message as well, according to Thomas.

“The overall goal is the same, no matter who you speak to,” she said. “Our candidates have been impressed that Elon is a place where we say something, we mean it and we really want to live it.”

The search committee aims to make an offer to hire someone prior to the start of next semester, Thomas said.