Gowan named dean of Mike Cottrell College of Business

Dr. Mary A. Gowan has been named dean of the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Mike Cottrell College of Business (MCCB). She began her new role Feb. 4.

Gowan comes from James Madison University (JMU), where she had served as professor of strategic leadership studies since July 2018. Before that, she was dean and Kenneth R. Bartee endowed professor from 2013 through June 2018 at JMU's College of Business.

"Dr. Gowan brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served as a dean at both James Madison University and at Elon University," interim Provost Chaudron Gille said. "We are happy to have her join UNG at this exciting time in the development of the Mike Cottrell College of Business."

Gowan has known both of her predecessors, Dr. Donna Mayo and previous dean Dr. Max Burns. She said she has always been impressed with their and MCCB's efforts at UNG. She also enjoyed meeting MCCB faculty and staff during the interview process.

"I was impressed with their spirit, their energy and their commitment to continuing to build quality programs," Gowan said.

The MCCB is among the less than 5 percent of the world's business schools to have earned the hallmark of excellence with accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.

Gowan noted UNG's leadership in accounting, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship and supply chain logistics. Gowan is excited to help build on the strong foundation in those and other areas in the college.

"A lot of good seeds have been planted," Gowan said. "I get to come in and help them to flourish."

A first-generation college student herself, Gowan is delighted to serve a large number of first-generation students at UNG.

"I have a special affinity for working with first-generation college students and building career preparedness," Gowan said. "UNG opens doors for students that might not otherwise be there."

Gowan previously was dean and professor of management at Elon University's Martha and Spencer Love School of Business from 2007-2011, then continued as a professor through 2013. She was associate dean for undergraduate programs at George Washington University's School of Business from 2005-2007.

Other schools Gowan has served on the faculty for include the University of Maryland, University of Central Florida, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of Texas at El Paso, and Mercer University.

Gowan earned her Doctor in Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia, a master's degree in counselor education from Appalachian State University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Southwest Baptist College.

She said she looks forward to working with UNG President Bonita Jacobs, Gille and her fellow deans. Gowan replaces Mayo as Mayo steps into a faculty role with the college. Dr. Anne Duke served as interim dean in January during the transition.

The Mike Cottrell College of Business, in support of its vision to build strong graduates and strong communities, serves more than 4,300 of UNG's nearly 20,000 students in an array of undergraduate and graduate programs across four of UNG's five campuses.