School of Business faculty to serve as interim co-deans

Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Kahle-Piasecki and Doug Woods, CPA, who on Thursday were named interim co-deans to lead the School of Business until a permanent dean can be named.

Since the departure of Dean Scott Johnson in December, Provost Bryan Smith and Assistant Provost Courtney DeMayo Pugno have been working with School of Business faculty to determine the best path forward for the School of Business.

“Throughout the past few weeks, I have been continuously impressed by the collaboration happening in the School of Business,” Bryan said. “Business faculty have organized themselves into de facto task forces to tackle accreditation and program assessment, they have launched a newsletter to better promote the School of Business, they have banded together to team teach a course, they have worked to empower student leaders in the Business School, and they have distributed tasks across the School of Business to share the burden equitably among them.

“Their collaboration and collegiality is nothing short of inspiring, and I appreciate their work immensely,” Bryan said.

Over the past month, Bryan and Courtney have met with every member of the School of Business to gather input on the best path forward in the short- and long-term. After reviewing those conversations, there was clear consensus among the department that Lisa and Doug should lead in the interim. Heidelberg will also begin an external, nationwide search for the next permanent Dean of the School of Business as soon as possible.

Lisa, associate professor of business, has over 16 years of teaching experience which includes doctoral, master’s and undergraduate teaching, both nationally and internationally. She has several years of administrative experience in higher education and is active in research and service, serving on multiple boards in her community. 

In Doug’s over 30 years of teaching experience, in undergraduate and graduate business programs, he has taught at both liberal arts and state institutions. Doug, associate professor of accounting, has 20 years of administrative experience in higher education and oversaw all of the business course offerings at the branch campuses for his previous institution.  As a Certified Public Accountant, Doug has done tax consulting for several firms in various industries.