Western Michigan University names new dean of business school

Following a national search, Dr. Kay M. Palan has been named to the leadership position of Western Michigan University’s Haworth Business College effective July 1. Her appointment was made pending approval by the WMU Board of Trustees. She comes from Iowa State University where she was associate dean for undergraduate programs for the College of Business.”Dr. Palan’s academic and professional background, her engaging manner and her clearly communicated shared values and commitment resonated with members of this campus community,” says Dr. Timothy Greene, WMU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “There’s a genuine sense of excitement about the direction the college will go under her strong leadership.”During her tenure at Iowa State University, Palan managed and coordinated both an undergraduate minor in entrepreneurial studies and a graduate certificate program in the same field. She also undertook a number of marketing-related consulting projects with civic, nonprofit and corporate entities throughout the state. Those projects dealt with marketing strategy, market opportunity analysis, feasibility studies, communication branding strategies, marketing plan development and customer satisfaction and loyalty.The Haworth College of Business, WMU’s second largest college, is the academic home to nearly 5,000 students studying in six departments.”I’m really very excited about leading the Haworth College of Business,” Palan says. “The faculty, staff, students, alumni and community leaders all impressed me with their passion for the college and their desire to move forward. My experience and background are a good match with the college’s and University’s mission and direction.” Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Cheryl Roland, WMU