SRU names dean
SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University announced Wednesday that it has hired Lawrence Shao as dean for its College of Business.
Shao was a tenured professor at Marshall University’s College of Business in Huntington W.Va., and has also taught at the University of Tennessee, Fordham University, Fitchburg State and the University of Tampa.
He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Old Dominion University and a doctoral degree in finance from the University of Tennessee.
Amir Mohammadi, SRU vice president for finance, administrative affairs and advancement services, said in a news release that the search committee was impressed with Shao’s leadership style.
“His background, former studies and outstanding contributions to academic research clearly stood out, and he can hit the ground running. We welcome him to the SRU family,” he said.
As of Aug. 3 he will replace David Valentine, a business professor who was serving as the college’s interim dean.
Valentine took over for former dean Kurt Schimmel, who stepped down in January after 3½ years in the position.
The College of Business has a faculty and staff of more than 50 and has about 1,900 enrolled students.
Degree programs offered through the college include business as well as communication, hospitality, event management and tourism, safety management, sport management and military science.
