Dr. Michael Busing named dean of the College of Business

Busing has been a member of the JMU community for more than two decades, arriving at the university in 1996 as an assistant professor. In his time at JMU, Busing has served as a tenured faculty member, director of the MBA Programs, associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Business and as the interim dean of the College of Business.

Busing’s vision is to build the business school’s national reputation by seizing opportunities to fully engage the student body with an alumni network of over 32,000 individuals representing AACSB programs, the Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management, and the School of Strategic Leadership Studies, a boutique doctoral program. He is also interested in implementing mentoring and coaching programs that result in increased career readiness for graduates. Part of this program will involve growing the internship program, as well as implementing a “high engagement practice” portfolio opportunity for all students.

Busing will also continue his leadership role in the development of the College of Business Learning Complex. Due to open in 2020, the complex will more than double the available space for the college and offer cutting-edge technology and productivity areas. The project is funded through a combination of state funds and private philanthropy, and JMU has raised $12.5 million to date toward its $16.6 million goal. “We need to finish strong with obtaining private financial support for the new Learning Complex,” said Busing. “I look forward to continuing to build enthusiasm for this project, while also focusing on raising endowed scholarship funds for students and faculty support dollars.”

Additionally, Busing plans to work with faculty and staff to design specialized master’s or certificate programs that offer alumni and others the opportunity to stay highly relevant in their professions. “Business education has evolved to become all about relationships,” said Busing. “As the life cycle of competitive skill sets decreases, graduates from all of our programs need to be in the habit of looking to JMU for retooling.”

Busing holds a Ph.D. in industrial management from Clemson University, a Master of Science in management science from Ball State University, and a Bachelor of Science in management from Purdue University. Dr. Busing will be the first recipient of the prestigious Betty Coe (’64) & Paul J. Cinquegrana Endowed Chair in Business Ethics and Leadership at James Madison University, established via a testamentary gift from the estate of Betty Coe Cinquegrana.