I continue my updates of our academic transformation plan with our College of Business (COB). As you’re aware, COB is one of the largest business colleges in the region.
The key changes taking place in COB will help to synergize its programs and ensure it remains the university of choice for business education in the Midwest.
Remaining mission-focused
The first change in the college takes effect July 1 – economics joins the newly named department of finance, economics and risk management. The program will move to Glass Hall, but the Behavioral Economics Lab remains in Strong Hall.
This move makes sense. Economics and business are closely related fields and many of our business students already take economics as a minor or second major.
The next major change involves moving the merchandising and fashion design (MFD) program into the technology and construction management department. This move will become official July 1, 2024.
Earlier this year, work began to relocate MFD (and the interior design program) from our Park Central Office Building downtown to Glass Hall. I’m happy to report that new lab spaces in Glass Hall are completed and the relocation is already in progress! We believe MFD’s move will enhance its academic profile and attract more students.
Creating more experiential learning
Beginning this fall, MFD will deliver much of its coursework in a new, modern and fully equipped 3D design lab in Glass 229B. It’ll give students the opportunity to:
- Learn and use the most up-to-date and innovative 3D software, such as Browzwear, MockShop and Daz 3D.
- Move with the fashion industry into a more sustainable, efficient and creative future.
Glass 229 will also house newly renovated space for accounting and interior design students – the Judy and Mike Breeding Accounting Analytics Lab and the Linda Bailey Interior Design Studio.
The hands-on experience our business students will gain in these new spaces with state-of-the-art software will equip them with the requisite skills to excel in their future careers.
Leading COB forward
Dean Dr. David Meinert and associate deans Drs. Kent Ragan and Elizabeth Rozell will continue to lead the college. Supporting them will be the current department heads and the School of Accountancy director.
- School of Accountancy – Dr. Kimberly Church.
- Department of finance, economics and risk management – Dr. Jeff Jones.
- Department of information technology and cybersecurity – Dr. Xiang Guo (interim).
- Department of management – Dr. Luis Perez.
- Department of marketing – Dr. Ismet Anitsal.
- Department of merchandising and fashion design – Dr. Elizabeth Rozell (interim).
- Department of technology and construction management – Dr. Richard Gebken.
I’m proud of everyone’s efforts to date in making our transformation plan a reality. I look forward to the positive results these changes will bring about in the months and years to come.
Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.
Clif