By James Kennedy
Staff Writer
The faculty, staff, and administration of the College of Saint Rose have been searching extensively to fill a vacancy for the position of dean for the Huether School of Business. That extensive search has paid off.
As of March 9, an official announcement was made, via email, by college president Dr. Carolyn Stefanco, announcing that Dr. Suzanne Wilhelm will be the new dean for the school of business. Wilhelm will take the position effective July 1, 2015. Wilhelm will fill a one-year vacancy, which had been temporarily filled by Dr. Hadi Salavitabar, as interim dean, and Dr. Michael Mathews, as interim associate dean.
As with any new member of the College, Wilhelm will bring a level of change – new perspectives, ideas, and beliefs.
Dr. Christopher Lucarelli, current chair for the school of business, believes that Dr. Wilhelm is an excellent candidate for the period of transition that the school of business, and The College of Saint Rose itself, is starting to engage in.
“I felt she was a very strong person, and she has the “skillset” to help facilitate the strong change, and transition for both the School of Business and the College,” Lucarelli said.
“I wanted to see a future dean who would be extremely good for the growth of the College and for the school of business,” said Dr. Khalid Mehtabdin, senior professor of economics for the school of business. Mehtabdin was involved in the search committee, which was arranged by Salavitabar. As a representative for the College, he had three interests that he believed the next candidate would need to “take us to the next level.”
“We need someone who could increase enrollment from local to more international markets, someone who would help us to obtain the AASCB accreditation and fundraising efforts for the School of Business,” Mehtabdin said.
After seeing her credentials and work, Mehtabdin believed that she did possess the requisite characteristics and features to do so, and that was the reason he voted for her.
According to Mehtabdin, there were numerous applications, and several potential candidates who were called for the position. Ultimately, though, the search committee felt Wilhelm would be an excellent fit and would assimilate well with the College.
Mehtabdin asked Wilhelm how she could help the College, looking specifically at achieving accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
“My train of thought, particularly, was following this direction: How would she increase enrollment for The School of Business, and bring in more international students to the campus? How would she help the College to received AASCB accreditation, and how would she help the School of Business through fundraising?” Mehtabdin said.
Through her résumé and experience, Mehtabdin believes that she possesses all of these elements. She not only worked on them, but was also successful in these efforts at her previous institutions.
Mehtabdin felt, through meeting her, that she was confident she could facilitate growth for the school of business. She was also adamant about how long she thinks it would take to do so.
“I think, given five to seven years, Dr. Wilhelm should be able to accomplish these objectives. However, I also believe that, for this to occur, we must help her along by facilitating an environment of teamwork and preparation,” Mehtabdin said.
The hiring of Wilhelm is just one step the College is taking to face the challenges of competition in the business marketplace.
Mehtabdin trusts that Wilhelm will enhance the positive aspects of Saint Rose. He believes that the College’s biggest advantages over other colleges are the small student-to-faculty ratio, the availability of professors for assistance, the smaller class sizes, a friendly atmosphere, and a caring and close-knit community.
“She will fit because her chemistry is in tandem with the Saint Rose values,” Mahtabdin said. “I hope she will be a good addition to us, as I am expecting a great deal of change for the betterment of the school of business through her future direction, and will make sure that good learning takes place through the future faculty and direction that the school will be taking as a whole.”
Wilhelm is currently at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where her résumé states she has been a faculty member since 2001. She serves as the associate dean for the school of business there. Wilhelm’s full, detailed résumé is readily available through the “Community” tab on The College of Saint Rose Blackboard Website.
“It is my privilege to take the Huether School of Business to the next level of excellence. I am passionate about this endeavor,” Wilhelm said.
