SU announces new leadership structure at the Whitman School

Both appointments are effective immediately. Haynie’s appointment to executive dean is for two years, during which time the search for the next Whitman dean will resume.

The new structure is “designed to advance and accelerate growth opportunities and cement the school’s position as a preeminent provider of business education,” SU said in its Monday announcement.

“The Whitman School has a storied history of producing well prepared, entrepreneurial and successful graduates,” Syverud said in the school’s news release. “To continue building on that success and to enhance our competitiveness in business education, a new leadership structure is necessary. Under Mike’s strategic direction, and with Alex’s continued leadership, I am confident the Whitman School will continue to build on its legacy and create new opportunities for growth, innovation and excellence.”

Haynie and McKelvie — both of whom are “recognized thought leaders” in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises — will work with the Whitman faculty and staff and the Whitman advisory council to “advance the school’s strategic plan in alignment with the University’s academic priorities,” SU said.

In this new role, Haynie will report directly to Chancellor Syverud and McKelvie to Haynie. The processes, norms and policies associated with shared academic governance will not change, and academic personnel issues will continue to be coordinated through the Office of Academic Affairs, the school noted.

“This is a pivotal moment for the Whitman School, presenting a unique opportunity for our faculty and staff to think differently about how we deliver an innovative, best-in-class business education that prepares our students for success in a fast-evolving world,” Haynie said in the release. “The changing landscape of business education demands outside-the-box thinking and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. Together with Alex and the Whitman community, I am excited for the work ahead and look forward to creating the conditions that will allow Whitman and our students to succeed and thrive long into the future.”

The search for the next dean will resume in late 2024 while Haynie, McKelvie, and their Whitman colleagues continue to develop the school’s strategic plan and begin implementation under this new leadership model, SU said.