As of July 1, 2021, Dr. Jennifer Robin is the new dean of Southern’s School of Business. Robin comes to Southern from her role as associate dean of, and professor in, the Foster College of Business at Bradley University, where she oversaw AACSB accreditation and an array of student programs and services.
Previously, she served as associate dean for Graduate and Executive Programs while serving as a faculty member through all the ranks. Also at Bradley, Robin served as the executive coaching lead for the Theresa S. Falcon Executive EMBA Program and as the mission criterion lead for the Higher Learning Education Accreditation Steering Committee. Her community work extends from Peoria Public Radio to The Community Foundation of Central Illinois Women’s Fund Grant Committee. She is also an approved AACSB Accreditation Mentor.
Robin said that she looks forward to “building on Dean Ellen Durnin’s exemplary leadership as we move forward with initial AACSB accreditation and the completion of our new building. And, I am eager to work with the impressive faculty, staff, and students to deliver on Southern’s mission and build strong relationships, support, and recognition for the school.”
Robin is well published, with her works including the popular books No Excuses: How you can Turn Any Workplace into a Great One and The Great Workplace: How to Build It, How to Keep It, and Why It Matters (translated into nine languages). Robin is also a popular speaker, with more than 50 engagements to date. Her most recent teaching has included courses in “Diversity in the Workplace” and “Interpersonal Relations.”
Dr. James Thorson has been serving as interim dean of the School of Business since early January.
