Biography

Dr. Michael E. Busing serves as Dean of the College of Business at James Madison University and holds the Betty Coe ('64) & Paul J. Cinquegrana Endowed Chair in Business Ethics & Leadership. He leads one of Virginia's largest and most respected business schools, serving more than 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students through nationally recognized programs accredited by AACSB International. The College also includes the Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management and the School of Strategic Leadership Studies, home to JMU’s doctoral program in Strategic Leadership Studies. 

Since becoming dean in 2019, Busing has championed initiatives that strengthen student success, expand experiential learning opportunities, deepen employer and alumni engagement, and advance innovation across business education. Under his leadership, the College has enhanced career readiness initiatives, strengthened industry partnerships, expanded opportunities for hands-on learning, and positioned students to thrive in a data-driven and technology-enabled business environment.

A strong advocate for the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence in higher education, Busing has led efforts to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to leverage emerging technologies responsibly and effectively. His work has focused on ensuring that graduates can combine business expertise, ethical judgment, and technological fluency to address complex challenges and create value in an increasingly AI-enabled world.

Busing began his academic career at James Madison University in 1996 after earning a Ph.D. in Industrial Management from Clemson University. Over nearly three decades at JMU, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Director of MBA Programs. As Director of MBA Programs, he led significant growth in enrollment and program quality while helping elevate the program's national reputation.

A scholar in operations management and business analytics, Busing's research has focused on supply chain systems, quantitative decision-making, and management education. His work has appeared in leading academic and professional journals and has been presented at national and international conferences.

Busing earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from Purdue University, a Master of Science in Management Science from Ball State University, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Management from Clemson University. He remains committed to developing future business leaders, fostering innovation in business education, and strengthening partnerships among students, faculty, alumni, employers, and the broader business community.

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