UI relaunches search for Tippie dean

The University of Iowa has decided to start a new search for a dean of the Tippie College of Business.

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated delaying in-person finalist visits from the spring search until the fall. Given that delay, university leadership, in consultation with the search committee co-chairs, has decided to immediately relaunch the search and recruit a new and diverse pool of strong candidates. Candidates previously considered for the position will need to reapply. This also will align the search with the more customary timeline within the academic calendar.

Amy Kristof-Brown will continue to serve as interim dean.

“We would like to thank the applicants and in particular the three finalists who participated in virtual campus visits during late April and early May,” says Executive Vice President and Provost Montse Fuentes. “And we appreciate Amy Kristof-Brown’s leadership and her willingness to continue in this position.”

Fuentes has asked the current search committee members to continue in their roles. “I am grateful for the work of the committee and am pleased the members have agreed to extend their service,” says Fuentes.

The committee will continue to be co-chaired by Amy Colbert, professor and department executive officer of management and entrepreneurship in the Tippie College of Business, and Alec Scranton, professor and dean of the College of Engineering.

Members of campus who would like to submit nominations for the position should email UIowaTippieBusinessDean@wittkieffer.com or reach out to a search committee member.

The search for a new dean began in January after Sarah Gardial announced she was leaving Iowa to become dean of the Massey College of Business in Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, effective March 1.

Three finalists participated in virtual campus visits during late April and early May, but the search committee determined in-person visits are preferable and extended the search to allow for on-campus visits. However, for the reasons outlined above, the search committee determined it is best to launch a new search.

The search firm WittKieffer will continue to assist the committee.