Alum named Director of School of Accounting

Dr. John Lauck (‘06, ‘07M), CPA, joins the College of Business as the newly appointed director of the School of Accounting. A Double Duke himself, Lauck returns to lead the program that launched his career as a CPA and academic.

“Returning to JMU is a dream come true,” Lauck said. “I'm looking forward to making a positive impact on our students, department, college and university, and hope to give back to the school that has meant so much to me over the years.”

Lauck most recently served as director of the School of Accountancy at Louisiana Tech University, where he led academic programs, faculty development and accreditation efforts. He brings experience across teaching, research and professional practice, along with a commitment to student success and industry engagement.

As director, Lauck plans to prioritize listening and learning while building on the program’s strong foundation and adapting to changes in technology, regulation and practice. “We have to proactively embrace the future of our profession,” he said. “Students should expect cutting edge and innovative curriculum development in the classroom, along with the same commitment to educational quality and support of their personal and professional development that have existed at JMU since 1908.”

After serving in the role on an interim basis, Dr. Hui Sono has been named associate dean for academic affairs. She previously spent 10 years as academic unit head of the Department of Finance and Business Law, where she led faculty growth and strengthened the department’s academic direction and external engagement.

During her tenure, Sono helped expand faculty ranks, strengthen student support efforts and deepen engagement with alumni and industry partners.

“The goal wasn’t simply to make changes for changes' sake,” Sono said. “Rather, it was about what students want and need in order to be successful in their future careers.” She will continue to focus on curriculum development, student success and faculty support in the Dean’s Suite.

After a decade as a faculty member and then service as an interim, Dr. Jeremy Ezell has been named academic unit head of the Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics. During his time at JMU, Ezell has emphasized maintaining rigor and relevance in the curriculum while guiding students through applied, real-world learning experiences. He joined JMU in 2015 and has contributed to core coursework and the department’s capstone experience, playing a key role in sustaining and advancing the program during periods of transition.

He describes his leadership approach as “facilitating the innovative, creative and amazing work our faculty has done and will do.”

After serving in the role on an interim basis, Dr. Elias Semaan has been named academic unit head of the Department of Finance and Business Law. A longtime member of the JMU faculty, Semaan joined the university in 2005 and brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to student success.

During his tenure, Semaan has helped support the department’s growth while maintaining a focus on student outcomes and career placement. He remains committed to building on that momentum and preparing students for changes in the field, including the growing influence of emerging technologies.

“When you’re able to help them succeed and land dream jobs, it really makes you feel that you’ve done some good in this world,” he said. “At that point, the job truly becomes something like a calling.”