Eastern Michigan University has named Thomas Traynor as the new interim dean of the College of Business.
Traynor started his position on August 15 and will hold the position until the school’s national search for a new dean is complete.
Traynor will focus on programming and accreditation for the College of Business while assisting with the transition to find a permanent dean, according to Interim Associate Provost and Vice President of Academic Programs and Initiatives, Doris Fields.
“Based on his background, experience, and expertise, I think he will be a wonderful dean to help us during this transition,” Fields said.
Traynor has served as the Raj Soin College of Business dean at Wright State University in Ohio.
“Wright State University is similar to Eastern Michigan University,” Fields said. “The student body parallels Eastern, so his experience makes him a good asset.”
Traynor received his doctorate degree in economics from Purdue University and worked at Wright State University for over 35 years, according to Fields.
“He began his career as an assistant professor, and along the way, he received several promotions, including professor, department head of economics, associate dean for graduate programs, and of course, dean,” Fields said.
The school is set to start a national search for a permanent dean once Traynor is accustomed to his position.
“After we put a national call out, we have a search committee that will look at the applications, develop questions, and essentially go through an entire interview process to fill the position,” Fields said.
What impact might this change have on students in the College of Business? According to Fields, none at all.
“I think because the faculty and associate deans are in place, there will be little to no impact on students,” Fields said. “His job isn’t to create anything new, but rather to make sure everything transitions smoothly.”
Students will be involved in the selection process for a permanent dean down the line, says Fields.
“Once the candidates are narrowed down, they will be asked to come on campus,” Fields said. “They will have several interviews in which they will meet with students and faculty, and students will be asked to give feedback on a potential dean.”
The previous dean of the College of Business, Kenneth Lord, retired effective July 31.
“He did a lot for the College of Business,” Fields said. “We want to thank Dean Lord for his leadership over the past six years. The school was recognized in several national and global program rankings due to his efforts.”
