Amy Kristof-Brown, senior associate dean and Henry B. Tippie Research Professor of Management in the Tippie College of Business, has been named dean of the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She will begin on Dec. 1. Kristof-Brown has served as interim dean of the college since March 1.

Kristof-Brown succeeds Sarah Gardial, who was named dean of the Massey College of Business at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., in March 2020.

Since joining the Tippie faculty as an assistant professor in the Department of Management and Organizations in 1997, Kristof-Brown has served in numerous roles including director of the department’s graduate studies and department executive officer. She was named senior associate dean of the college in 2017.

“Dean Kristof-Brown has demonstrated tremendous talent as interim leader of Tippie, and I know she will continue to move the college forward as its permanent leader,” says Kevin Kregel, interim executive vice president and provost.  “I am delighted that she has agreed to serve the college and university in this way.”

Kristof-Brown was one of three finalists who participated in virtual campus visits in October and November. The search was led by a committee co-chaired by Amy Colbert, professor and department executive officer of management and entrepreneurship in Tippie, and Alec Scranton, professor and former dean of the College of Engineering.

Kristof-Brown earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology and business administration from the University of Richmond and a PhD in organizational behavior and human resource management from the Maryland Business School at the University of Maryland.

Her research interests focus on the compatibility or fit between individuals and their work environments. She is co-editor of the book Organizational Fit: Key Issues and New Directions, and has published more than 20 articles in academic journals, as well as several book chapters.

As a mentor, she has served on 30 doctoral and master’s thesis committees. Professionally, she served as an associate editor of the Journal of Applied Psychology and of the Journal of Business and Psychology. She is a fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the American Psychological Association. She presents regularly to companies and student groups on topics including finding a good fit during the job search, the millennial and Gen Z workforce, managing change, and negotiating for what you need.  

 “Working through the challenges of 2020 with my colleagues in the Tippie College and at the University of Iowa has been truly inspiring. I am humbled and thankful that the University of Iowa community feels confident of the path that we are on, and my capability to serve as the next dean of the Tippie College of Business,” says Kristof-Brown. “I am excited to continue to develop our research reputation, build meaningful learning experiences for students, and engage deeply with our corporate and non-profit partners. I’m ready to lead Tippie to the next level as a destination business school for faculty, students, professionals, and life-long learners.”

Kristof-Brown will receive an annual salary of $450,000. Her appointment must be approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.