College of Business Dean Hugh Sherman announces intent to step down

The College of Business has experienced much success over the last several years including its recent reaccreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). In addition to recognizing the college’s positive culture and research progress, the accrediting team also commended the process and commitment to the college’s five-year strategic plan.

“Dean Sherman has been an outstanding leader for the college and our campus community,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Chaden Djalali. “Under his leadership, the college has more than doubled the number of students, all while increasing its focus on student outcomes including retention, professional competencies, experiential education, and career placement.”

Today, OHIO’s College of Business is home to more than 3,800 Business Bobcats, more than 150 full-time faculty and staff, and more than 30,000 alumni around the globe. The college has not only earned top rankings for its undergraduate and graduate programs, but also for its centers of excellence including the Schey Sales Centre, Center for Entrepreneurship, AECOM Center for Sports Administration, and Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership.

In a note to COB faculty and staff, Dean Sherman shared his confidence that the college is on the right track. “We’ve made great progress together,” Dr. Sherman said. “We’re recruiting more students, and more diverse students, than ever before. We’re launching new graduate and undergraduate programs every year, all while improving the student experience. Faculty are producing meaningful research and establishing important relationships with their students. Our retention and graduation rates remain some of the highest across campus, and our graduates are earning outstanding employment opportunities.”

After earning his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Guelph University and an MBA from Northeastern University, Sherman started his career in the private sector as a vice president with Swatch before becoming the founder of International Footwear. In 1995, he earned his Ph.D. in strategic management and international business from Temple University. Prior to becoming dean of the college, Dr. Sherman held roles as MBA program director, assistant dean and director of graduate programs, chair of the management systems department, assistant to the provost for strategic planning, and associate dean of operations and strategy. This background led him to understand the importance of recruiting and developing talent.

“As a result of our college’s strategic and talent management plans, we have a very accomplished leadership team of associate deans, chairs, and directors,” Sherman said. “They clearly are doing outstanding work.”

Sherman went on to state that the progress and reputation of the college as a top business program will position the COB to recruit the next dean. Additional information about the search process is expected to be shared in the coming weeks.

“I’m grateful to Ohio University for the opportunities I’ve been given to make a difference in the lives of our students,” Sherman said. “I’m confident that the college will continue to deliver an outstanding experience for our students.”