FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Susan Hammons–April 13, 2004

(936) 468-2041

SFA names dean for College of Business

Stephen F. Austin State University has named Dr. Violet Rogers dean of the Nelson Rusche College of Business effective June 1, Dr. Mary Cullinan, SFA provost and vice president for academic affairs, has announced.

Rogers, who had served as interim dean of the college since 2002, was among four finalists interviewed by a search committee during March.

“I am delighted that Dr. Violet Rogers has agreed to serve as the dean of the College of Business,” Cullinan said. “We had a strong pool of candidates, and Dr. Rogers emerged as a top choice among faculty, administrators, students and community members.

“She has done an outstanding job as interim dean. She is truly committed to the mission and goals and the continued excellence of the College of Business. Her vision and skills are a great asset to Stephen F. Austin State University.”

Rogers earned her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from SFA and a doctorate with a major in accounting and a minor in economics from the University of North Texas. She served as associate dean of the College of Business at SFA from 1999-2002 and has been a member of the faculty since 1991. She also was a lecturer at the university from 1986-1988 and a graduate teaching assistant from 1984-1986. While studying at UNT, she was a teaching fellow. Before starting her career in academia, she worked for six years as a CPA.

Rogers served as co-chair of the planning council that produced the university’s recent strategic plan and as editor of the university’s self-study in preparation for its reaffirmation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The other three finalists were Dr. W. Randy Boxx, dean of the School of Management at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss.; Dr. Charles H. Davis, dean of the School of Business and Economics at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C.; and Dr. Douglas T. Grider Jr., dean of the School of Business Administration at Lander University in Greenwood, S.C.

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