Mary Gowan, who has been dean of Elon University’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business since 2007, will step down as dean at the conclusion of the 2010-11 academic year. She will remain as a faculty member in the Love School of Business, teaching courses as a professor of management.
“The past four years as dean have gone quickly and been very exciting for all of us in the LSB. We have accomplished much in a short time,” Gowan said. “I have enjoyed my role in moving the Love School of Business to the next level, but I have some personal goals related to teaching, scholarship and professional service that I feel I can best accomplish as a faculty member.”
During Gowan’s tenure as dean, the Love School of Business reframed its vision and mission, developed and began implementing a new strategic plan, achieved reaccreditation by AACSB International, restructured and created new majors, added new endowed professorships and other endowments, hired outstanding new faculty, and increased the senior executive membership on its board of advisors. Collectively, these activities and others enabled Elon to reach an important goal of earning top rankings for both its undergraduate and graduate business programs.
Bloomberg Businessweek rated Elon among the top undergraduate business schools in its 2011 rankings, with a #26 ranking in academic quality and an “A” grade for facilities and services. Businessweek ranked Elon’s part-time MBA program the #1 school in the South and #6 in the nation in its 2009 rankings, and Princeton Review ranked Elon’s MBA program the nation’s fourth “best administered” program with the fifth best campus facilities in its 2011 ranking.
“I am grateful for the service that Mary has provided during a period of great growth and achievement for the Love School of Business,” said Steven House, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “I am also pleased that she has agreed to continue her work at Elon, devoting her energies to working directly with students.”
Scott Buechler, chair of the Department of Management, will serve as interim dean of the Love School of Business while a national search is conducted for Gowan’s successor. Buechler previously served as associate dean in the Love School of Business and received the school’s Exemplary Service Award in 2010.