MEDIA CONTACT: Kristine M. McGrath

561-297-1168, kmcgrath@fau.edu

FAU Names New Dean of the College of Business

            BOCA RATON, FL (February 3, 2006) - Florida Atlantic University Provost John Pritchett named Dr. J. Dennis Coates as the university’s new dean for the College of Business.  Responsible for overseeing one of FAU’s largest colleges that houses more than 120 faculty members, 34 degree programs and nearly 6,400 students, Coates brings institutional knowledge, experience and expertise to the position.

            “I truly look forward to leading the College of Business,” said Coates.  “It has been my home for the past 16 years, and I am sure I have the vision and experience to move the College to new levels of prominence.”

            Coates joined FAU’s faculty 16 years ago as an assistant professor in the College and rose through the ranks through his tenure at the university, eventually being selected as senior associate dean of the College in 1996.  More than a year ago, Coates was named interim dean for the College and has served the faculty, staff and students in that position since his appointment.

            “There was a superb pool of candidates for this position.  However, Dennis’ proven track record and significant support from our College of Business faculty set him apart from the others,” said Pritchett.  “We all have high expectations for Dennis and are sure that he will work hard to realize those expectations.”

            In a search that took approximately one year, 74 candidates applied for the position from around the nation.  Of those applicants, five finalists were chosen to interview with a cross section of the university, including College of Business faculty, an advisory committee and others.  Three of these finalists were invited back for more extensive interviews.  The selection of the dean came about in great part due to extensive faculty input and support.

            “The overall sentiment toward Dr. Coates by the faculty and staff is a very positive one,” said Dr. Paul Hart, associate professor and department chair.  “There is an appreciation that he has worked hard and had a positive influence on the college.”

            The College of Business has risen in prominence under the leadership of Coates.  Over the past year, the College has been the recipient of three major gifts – a $5 million gift from Barry Kaye to establish the Barry Kaye School of Finance, Insurance and Economics, as well as the “Barry Kaye Endowed Fund;” a $2 million gift from Office Depot to establish an executive education center; and a gift in excess of $1 million from Peter and Susan Stein in memory of their son Sean Stein to establish a scholarship fund and name the center structure of the newly opened College of Business complex. 

            “I have worked with Dennis over the past year, and as a result of his guidance, I have implemented a number of contributions and programs for the university,” said Kaye.  “I truly look forward to working with Dean Coates in the future.”

            Coates will begin his tenure as dean of the College of Business in February.   Coates earned his undergraduate degree in finance from Northwest Missouri State University and a doctoral degree in accounting from Louisiana State University.

- FAU -