After a national search, the best candidate to head the College of Business Administration turned out to be right here on campus. Dr. Pat Cantrell has been named dean of the college.
She succeeds Dr. Gabriel Esteban who became provost at UCA after serving for a year and a half as business dean.
?I am pleased that Dr. Cantrell has agreed to serve as dean. After a national search and lengthy interview process, I am certain that she is the right person for the job. Pat has the strong support of faculty, the university community, and business constituencies. Her interpersonal skills will serve to strengthen the ties between UCA and the business community,? Esteban said.
Cantrell was named interim dean of business administration earlier this year. Previously at UCA, she served as associate dean, as department chair of economics and finance and as a faculty member.
Cantrell first came to UCA in 1984. She has also taught at the University of Dallas at Irving, Texas and worked as an advisor for undergraduate economics majors at Southern Methodist University.
Cantrell holds a Ph.D. in economics from Southern Methodist University. In addition, she completed two master’s degrees and a bachelor’s degree from SMU. She has numerous publications and presentations to her credit. Cantrell also has international experience in both teaching and grant writing.
As dean, Cantrell will oversee the seven undergraduate business programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the master?s of business administration and international master?s of business administration programs, 42 faculty and approximately 1,200 students majoring in business.
“I am most honored to serve as dean of the college of business at UCA. I look forward to leading the college toward greater involvement with Conway and the Central Arkansas business community, and providing opportunities for our students, past, present and future,” said Cantrell
-Jim Brosam
