In an effort to be chosen as dean of the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business, James Bean, University of Michigan College of Engineering associate dean for academic affairs, presented his vision for the college to about 40 students, faculty and community members on Tuesday afternoon.
In a multimedia presentation at the Lillis Business Complex, Bean stressed the importance of issues such as business sustainability, technology and faculty diversification.
“Lillis screams sustainable business,” he said. “We need to be considering more than just economics.”
Bean, a former Homart (real estate) Development company employee, and Kenneth Evans, the associate dean of the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Business, are the finalists being considered for the position, which current Lundquist College of Business Dean Phil Romero will be vacating in June.
Bean said one of his goals for the position is to enhance community involvement in the college’s activities.
“The best is when community collaborations lead to cutting-edge research,” the former Oregon resident said. “The Lundquist College of Business should be seen as an indispensable part in the Oregon economy.”
Bean said several of the challenges he would face as dean are learning about the different areas of business — such as finance, marketing and accounting — and expanding the faculty.
“Faculty need to have complimentary talents,” he said. “I can never make as good a decision myself as I can with faculty bringing different perspectives.”
Junior Josh Rose, one of the few students at Bean’s presentation, said he liked what the candidate had to say.
“I think he had a good talk, and I like what he said about sustainability,” Rose said.
College of Business Associate Dean Ray King shared similar sentiments, but said that no decisions have yet been made as to who the dean will be.
“I thought (the presentation) was first-rate and responsive,” King said.
In addition to the presentation, Bean’s six-day stay in Oregon included visits with University administrators, faculty and students. He said he is excited about the University’s small environment as compared to the University of Michigan, which he said will give him increased interaction with students.
“I feel very positively about (the visit),” he said. “Faculty, staff and students need to feel they are part of something that is building. This is a great time to be at Oregon.”