FAMU has begun a national search for the next dean for the School of Business and Industry, embarking on a pivotal leadership transition as the program looks to strengthen its standing among the nation’s top business schools.
The new dean will succeed Shawnta Friday-Stroud, who stepped down in September after 14 years at the helm. Dr. Friday-Stroud transitioned into a new role, the Sybil Collins Mobley Endowed Chair and assuming the role of executive director for Strategic Partnerships and Business Development.
Ira Bates, an associate professor and chair of Accounting, Finance and Business Law, has served as interim dean of the school since 2024.
The search comes at a time of significant change in both higher education and the global business landscape. In a statement, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Allyson L. Watson described the ideal candidate as “a dynamic and collaborative leader who will build upon SBI’s strong foundation in a time of rapid technological and societal transformation.”
She added, “I am eager to identify an exceptional candidate who will deepen our research impact, expand SBI’s reach, cultivate partnerships with the business community and strengthen the educational experience of our students.”
The position carries substantial weight. The new dean will be tasked with positioning the school to achieve AACSB accreditation, while also pursuing national rankings, and further deepening industry relationships.
Established in 1974 under the visionary leadership of its founding dean, Dr. Sybil Collins Mobley, the School of Business and Industry has long been a point of pride for the university. It enrolls roughly 1,000 students and has earned a reputation for producing polished, professional, highly sought after graduates by corporate recruiters.
Author and management expert Tom Peters once famously dubbed the school “the Marine Corps of business schools: pride, poise, excellence!”—a testament to its rigorous, discipline-oriented approach.
The school is known for its high-impact educational offerings, including a state-of-the-art Bloomberg Lab, extensive internship programs, and a record of success in national case competitions. SBI has an annual operating budget of approximately $9.3 million and is supported by 37 faculty members and 15 professional staff.
With three endowed professorships already in place, the new dean will have the resources to attract and retain top talent while shaping the future of business education at a moment when issues of equity, technology, and globalization are reshaping curriculums and corporate expectations nationwide.
The university has not announced a timeline for the search but emphasized its commitment to selecting a leader capable of honoring SBI’s legacy while boldly advancing its mission into a new era.