Indiana State University has tapped a longtime college business professor and administrator to serve as dean of ISU's Scott College of Business.
Brien N. Smith, professor of management and associate dean of the Miller College of Business at Ball State University, has worked at the Muncie university since 1989, including roles as assistant to the dean for graduate programs and assistant chair of the department of management. Since January 2010, he has served as associate dean of the business college, which includes oversight of the college's budget and financial resources and maintaining oversight of the curriculum.
"Dr. Smith brings an impressive experience in academic leadership and many connections to business and industry, which will be significant assets to the Scott College of Business," Jack Maynard, Indiana State's provost and vice president for academic affairs, said in making the announcement. "He is profoundly aware of the strengths of the college, its dedicated faculty, and the important role the Scott College of Business will continue to play in the future of Indiana State University; he is will prepared to lead the college as we address our opportunities and challenges."
From 2002 to 2009, Smith served as the chair of the department of marketing and management at Ball State, a position which included determining course offerings and oversight of department staff and resources. While at Ball State, he also raised external funds for programs and facilities, and co-wrote the university's Senate Constitution.
"We are pleased that Dr. Smith's knowledge, expertise and experiences will only build on the past traditions of excellence in the Scott College of Business," said Brad Balch, dean of the Bayh College of Education at Indiana State and chair of the search committee for the Scott College dean position. "We look to an exciting future for the college that has come to be expected by the business community at large."
Smith joins the Scott College of Business as it is already undergoing significant change. This summer, the college is moving from one of the 15-story Statesman Towers to Federal Hall, the former downtown Terre Haute federal building that has undergone a more than $20 million transformation.
He also was impressed with Indiana State's strategic plan, which offers a long-term vision of the university priorities and goals.
"With so many great faculty and facilities, including the grand opening of the Federal Hall, it seemed to me a great opportunity to build on current successes and really have an opportunity to enhance the visibility of the Scott College and even ISU as an institution," Smith said. "I really feel that the Scott College is well-poised to assume a position of prominence in the Midwest and nationally."
He already has experience articulating a long-term plan for a business college, as he assisted in developing the vision and mission statements for the Miller College of Business at Ball State. He also has managed numerous foundation and grant accounts.
"Because of my experience at Ball State, I have a broad perspective of not only running a college, but developing world class programs and working with the community and alumni," Smith said. "I feel that my perspective and experience will serve me well in leading the Scott College."
Smith received his bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's and doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology from Auburn University. He has worked at Ball State for more than two decades.
"I look forward to working with students and faculty at the university, and I'm committed to increasing the visibility of the Scott College," Smith said. "I'm ready to tell this fantastic story that I think a lot of people already know, but in my opinion, not enough people know it."
Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/i-BWx8tvh/0/L/i-BWx8tvh-L.jpg (Submitted photo)Brien N. Smith
Media Contact and Writer: Austin Arceo, assistant director of media relations, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3790 or austin.arceo-negrich@indstate.edu