Friends,
This week, as we welcome students back to campus and onto our computer screens, we are excited about the potential of a new academic year, despite the challenges we face. To return safely to campus, we are following the University’s OU Together guidelines, which include mandatory masking and social distancing policies for all. We are also learning how to anticipate and adapt to an ever-changing environment. Rather than approach this year from a place of anxiety, we are determined to fulfill our Purpose and provide the highest quality education and learning experience possible. With your continued support, we will make the 2020-21 academic year one of the most memorable to date.
I am excited to share with you the latest updates since our June e-Newsletter. As you know, I joined the Price College family on July 1, after moving my family halfway across the country from Montreal. As the new Dean of the Michael F. Price College of Business and a newcomer to OU, one of my first objectives was to assemble a top-notch leadership team. I did not have to look far. I am pleased to announce the following appointments of four key Price College faculty members to important administrative positions:
- Wayne Thomas has been named Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Research Innovation.
- Laku Chidambaram has been appointed Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Engagement.
- Karen Hennes has been named Director of the John T. Steed School of Accounting.
- Chitru Fernando has been reappointed as the Director of the Finance Division.
Each has shown exemplary leadership during a time of uncertainty and transition. I look forward to working with and leveraging their deep experience with Price College and OU. Please join me in congratulating each of them.I am also pleased to share with you some new additions to Price College. Ally Thrash has joined the Tom Love Innovation Hub team as a Managerial Associate, where she will provide administrative and financial support to the I-HUB, including the numerous grants supporting the Oklahoma Catalyst and Startup Programs. Jenn Ille has joined Price College as the Division Assistant for the Division of Management Information Systems. Jenn, an OU alum, has spent the past several years in a similar role for the OU Naval ROTC. Please join me in welcoming them to the Price Family.
Please take a moment to watch the following short video, where you can learn more about what’s in store this semester at the Price College of Business. And if you haven’t already done so, please feel free to watch my short introductory video, where you can learn a little more about my background and my hopes for the College.