AMES, Iowa -- The search for the next dean in the Iowa State University College of Business will be temporarily halted until the university's next provost has been selected. The decision was a joint one announced March 6 by President Steven Leath and Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Hoffman.
Michael Crum, associate dean of graduate programs in the college and inaugural holder of the Ruan Chair in Supply Chain Management, will serve as interim dean and recipient of the Raisbeck Endowed Dean position, effective July 1. Labh Hira, dean of the College of Business since 2001, announced in October that he would step down on June 30. Later in October, Hoffman launched the search to find his successor.
"I am so pleased that a faculty member with such a distinguished record in teaching, research and administration has agreed to lead the College of Business in the interim," Hoffman said. "We are grateful to Mike for his willingness to take on this responsibility.
"The president and I are in agreement that this is the appropriate order for these searches. Business dean candidates will want to know the provost with whom they will work," she added.
Crum will serve as interim dean for up to two years.
"I was very happy to learn that Mike was asked to serve in this role, and I'm very happy for Mike personally," Hira said. "He has been an excellent associate dean for nearly seven years and is more than prepared to serve as dean. I can't think of anyone better suited and more in touch with the needs of our students, faculty and supporters."
Last month, Hoffman announced her plans to step down from her position no later than the end of the calendar year.
The new provost will determine the next steps in the search for the new dean of the College of Business.
