After serving since January 2018 as Interim Associate Dean, Dr. Kent Ragan became permanent Associate Dean of the College of Business (COB) effective January 1, 2020. He joins Dr. Elizabeth Rozell, as one of two Associate Deans in the College. His primary areas of responsibility are international programs (China Campus, Executive Option MBA Program, and Study Away for COB students/faculty), building, technology, and recruitment.

“We are excited to have Dr. Ragan as an Associate Dean, his educational background combined with experiences as both a faculty member and an administrator represent the ideal skill set for this position,” said David Meinert, Dean of the College of Business. “His institutional knowledge and familiarity with College policies and procedures will be an asset as he supports our students, staff, and faculty.”

Record of service, teaching

Dr. Ragan joined the COB faculty in 2000 as an Assistant Professor of Finance. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2005, assumed duties as Department Head of Finance and General Business (FGB) in 2006, and was promoted to Professor in 2008. Ragan is a two-time graduate of Missouri State, earning a B.S. in Finance in 1986 and an MBA in 1993. He earned his Ph.D. in Finance from The University of Missouri-Columbia in 2000. He also completed his Graduate Certificate in International Business from MSU this past December.

Dr. Ragan’s primary teaching responsibility has been FIN 380. He is pleased to have co-authored the textbook for that course FIN 380/600 with Dr. Jeff Jones, current Department Head of FGB. Dr. Ragan is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and was instrumental in establishing the CFA University Scholars Program upon joining the MSU faculty. He has been recognized at MSU with University teaching awards in 2003 and 2006, the 2017 Award for Excellence in Study Away Programming- Cultural Competence, and the 2019 Online Teaching Award.

Dr. Ragan’s main research interest is in Financial Education, having published in numerous financial and business education journals including The Journal of Financial Education, Advances in Financial Education, Journal of Economics and Finance Education, Journal of Education for Business, and others. His research interests also include international finance where he has published in International Journal of Economics and Finance, Journal of International Markets, Institutions, and Money, and Journal of Accounting and Finance Research.

Ragan said of his appointment, “International programs are mission-critical at Missouri State. I am excited to continue working with faculty who deliver our China Campus program, Executive Option MBA program, and our many Study Away programs that provide some of the richest learning opportunities that our students have. I am also looking forward to coordinating COB’s student recruitment efforts. I graduated from COB twice myself, so it’s easy for me to describe the opportunities and rewards that come from being a Business Bear!”

This appointment is subject to Missouri State University Board of Governors approval.  The Board of Governors is scheduled to meet February 21, 2020.