Southern Arkansas University is pleased to announce that Dr Gerald Plumlee has been appointed dean of the Rankin College of Business. Dr. Plumlee has been a temporary dean since June 2024 and now officially assumes the permanent role, following a period of leadership and hardying dedication in college.
Dr. Plumlee provides solid training in commercial education, student mentoring and academic administration in this position. He began his career in SAU in 1999 as an instructor of computer information systems and is currently holding the rank of associate professor of management. During his two and a half decades in SAU, he taught a variety of courses in management and information systems, winning a reputation as a student centered on the student who values learning beyond the class.
He holds an ed.d. In higher education at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock and both a BBA and an MBA from the University of the Central Arkansas.
One of the characteristics of Dr. Plumlee’s career was his dedication to experiential learning. He has been advisor and co-considering with student organizations recognized nationally, such as FBLA-Collegiate (formerly Phi Beta Lambda) and Enactus (formerly free-company students), and previously coordinated college study programs abroad. He accompanied students during international trips to Costa Rica and Mexico. This summer, four teachers and more than 20 students will go to Italy and Costa Rica, a testimony of college growth and investment in these opportunities that change life.
Dean of David F. Rankin College of Business, Dr Gerald Plumlee.
“We provide first -rate education to our students, but these experiences outside the class make a difference,” said Plumlee. “SAU and the Rankin College of Business have focused on leadership and professional development through student organizations, internships and study programs abroad. I am proud of what we have built and excited by what awaits us. ”
During his time as an interim dean, Dr. Plumlee successfully managed the Rankin College of Business through his AACSB continuous improvement exam, resulting in the reaffirmation of his accreditation for another six years. AACSB International is the first business accreditation organization around the world, and the SAU Rankin College has maintained accreditation since 2005.
Dr. Plumlee has been involved in AACSB accreditation efforts since 2003 and has become an accreditation director in 2018. As a associate dean from 2020 to 2024, he played an essential role in ensuring that the college has complied with or exceeded accreditation standards. He also sits on the SAU quality leadership team, contributing to university accreditation initiatives through the higher education committee.
“AACSB international accreditation is a brand of excellence, demonstrating the quality and impact of the programs offered to the Rankin College of Business,” said Plumlee. “I am so proud to work alongside the talented group of teachers and staff who ensure what we do every day in college makes a difference for our students.”
For the future, Dr. Plumlee said that the college will begin to develop a new strategic plan next year, which will guide its priorities over the next three to six years. “This process has helped us create successful initiatives in the past, the integration of new technologies in the study program abroad and career preparation programs. I can’t wait to work with our teacher and our staff to shape the next chapter of the RCB. ”
The Rankin College of Business, accredited by AACSB International, offers a wide range of undergraduate programs and higher education in fields such as accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain management, information systems and business administration. By focusing on experiential learning, career preparation and the commitment of student teachers, the college maintains a reputation for academic excellence and community impact.
Blanchard is home to the Rankin College of Business on the SAU campus.
“Dr. Gerald Plumlee brings an in-depth understanding of the Rankin College of Business, a strong commitment to the success of students and a clear vision of the future,” said Dr. Robin Sronce, vice-president of academic affairs. “His dedication to academic excellence makes him the right choice to guide the college. I am convinced that under its direction, the Rankin College of Business will continue to thrive and prepare graduates who will have a significant impact in their professions and communities. ”
“Dr. Gerald Plumlee served Sau with distinction for many years, and his leadership in the Rankin College of Business has already made a lasting impression,” said Dr. Bruno Hicks, president of SAU. “His in -depth knowledge of the college, his dedication to the success of the students and his stable advice during his time as an interim dean make him the clear choice to advance the RCB. I am delighted to continue working with him while we are looking for new opportunities and the continuous growth of the Rankin College of Business. ”
Plumlee describes the Rankin College of Business as a special place that changes the lives of those who choose to be part of the RCB family. For more information on the Rankin College of Business in Sau, visit www.saumag.edu/business.
SAU, located in Magnolia, AR, offers students a complete university experience in a service, innovation and community environment. With more than 100 degrees in four separate colleges and the school of higher education, SAU initiates new study programs to meet the needs of today’s professional and professional trends. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the next stage guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career advice and support for the college transition to their career or higher education. To find out more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.