Mays Business School will welcome its sole candidate for dean, Eli Jones, to campus Friday.
Jones, Class of 1982, who is dean of the Sam Walton College of Business and Leadership at the University of Arkansas, will kick off his two-week visit with a lecture entitled “Respecting the Past: Writing the Future,” which is open to the public. Cady Auckerman, chief of staff in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said this is Jones’ opportunity to introduce himself and talk about his ideas for Mays.
“Traditionally what the candidates talk about is what their vision for the Mays Business School would be,” Auckerman said. “He’s coming as a potential candidate for the dean, to become dean of the Mays Business School, so this is his one public seminar that he’ll be able to talk about himself and his vision for Mays.”
While a decision won’t be reached tomorrow, Auckerman said to be on the lookout for an announcement in the next few weeks.
“He’ll visit the next two weeks, the faculty then have a minimum of a week to take a vote and then the search advisory committee will meet again to make a recommendation to the provost,” Auckerman said. “Then the provost can choose based from there. I would say the near future, but it’s hard to give an exact timeline.”
While the decision still remains to be made, Auckerman said Jones is a promising candidate to take over for Jerry Strawser, who is now A&M vice president for finance and administration.
“His background and his bio kind of speak for themselves,” Auckerman said. “He’s a very impressive candidate.”
William Dugas, acting dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and chair of the search advisory committee, said students and faculty should make an effort to attend Jones’ lecture.
“The search advisory committee is excited to welcome Dr. Jones to Aggieland,” Dugas said. “I encourage the campus community to attend his seminar to learn more about his unique leadership style and vision for business education.”
Jones’ lecture will run from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Friday in Ray Auditorium, Wehner 113.