Welcome Donald Gibson, New Dean of Saint Mary's School of Economics and Business Administration (SEBA)
A message to the Saint Mary's Community
Please join me in welcoming Donald E. Gibson, PhD, to Saint Mary’s College as the new Dean of the School of Economics and Business Administration (SEBA) beginning June 1, 2024.
Dean Gibson has a demonstrable record of successful leadership in achieving strategic goals, developing institutional and corporate partnerships, and cultivating philanthropic giving. He joins Saint Mary’s after serving at Manhattan College as Dean and Professor of Management and Marketing at the O'Malley School of Business.
His many accomplishments there include leading a faculty strategy task force to develop new mission and vision statements for the school; working closely with the president and advancement colleagues to raise funds to enhance faculty, facilities, and programs, including the celebration of a $25 million naming gift for the school at the beginning of his tenure as dean; and contributing to enrollment growth with a 33 percent increase in freshman and transfer students in 2022. His colleagues at Manhattan describe him as an innovative and collaborative leader.
Dean Gibson previously served in leadership roles as vice provost for academic affairs and dean of the Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University. His research examines emotions in the workplace, mentoring and role modeling, and conflict management. He has articles published in a range of leading journals, including Organization Science, Journal of Management, Academy of Management Perspectives, Journal of Business Ethics, and a book for practicing managers, Managing Anger in the Workplace.
He offered some insight as to why he’s looking forward to joining Saint Mary’s. “I'm really excited to be part of the Saint Mary's SEBA community of faculty scholars, energetic staff, and inquisitive, curious students. I'm drawn to the School's emphasis on developing students as business leaders who care. In these turbulent economic times, society needs ethical, tech-savvy business leaders more than ever before. SEBA's combination of liberal arts excellence with cutting-edge business skills is precisely what's needed for today's jobs and careers.”
A values-driven educator and leader committed to student success, and to ongoing engagement with faculty, staff, and students, Dean Gibson joins Saint Mary’s at a pivotal time for SEBA. Given his impressive background and experience, I know he will build upon the outstanding work of Dr. Natasha Munshi, who served so capably as interim dean.
I am immensely grateful to the search committee members for their extraordinary dedication and contributions to the future of SEBA through their work on this search: SEBA staff and faculty members Anh Nguyen (Chair), Dan Avina, Judith Hermis, Steve Hernandez, Eric Kolhede, and Grant Rozeboom; and SEBA advisory board members Rich Bechtel, Janiece Evans-Page, and Matt Rogers.
Dean Gibson will visit the campus in April, in advance of his permanent arrival in June. I hope you will join me in extending a warm Saint Mary’s welcome when you meet him on campus.
Sincerely,
Corey Cook
Executive Vice President & Provost