Topics: Administrative, Miller College of Business
March 14, 2016
After an extensive national search, Ball State University has named Jennifer Bott dean of its Miller College of Business.
Bott has served as interim dean since last June and is a member of the university’s Strategic Planning Leadership Team. As interim dean, Bott started a transformation process in Miller College based on her strengths in relationship building, collaboration and strategic planning as well as a deep understanding of the programmatic requirements needed for the school accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
“Dr. Bott has a dynamic vision for the Miller College of Business and all its programs that will unite the college with business partners, alumni, donors and friends,” said Terry King, acting president of Ball State. “Miller College has nationally recognized programs, including entrepreneurship and accounting, as well as some of the best one-on-one classroom teachers who are among our top research faculty. Under her leadership, the college will be elevated to the next level.”
King thanked the search committee for its diligence in reviewing potential candidates for the position.
As interim dean, Bott built a collaborative and inclusive leadership culture through the creation of the College Leadership Team and revitalized fundraising efforts, including the creation of a comprehensive plan and development team.
Bott said her leadership style is founded on trust, driven by data and communicated in a transparent, direct manner.
“In an academic setting, success is possible only through repeated, collaborated effort, as nothing sustainable is achieved alone,” she said. “With this approach, I know that I can continue to bring positive change in the Miller College of Business.”
Since arriving at Ball State in 2004 as an assistant professor of management, Bott has steadily risen through the academic and administrative ranks. She previously was associate provost for learning initiatives from 2013-15 and assistant provost for learning initiatives from 2011-13.
Bott, who was granted tenure in 2011, was promoted to full professor in 2015 and served as the executive director of the Master of Business Administration and Graduate Certificate Programs in Miller College from 2010-11.
She served as program chair for the human resource management undergraduate degree and adviser for award-winning student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management from 2004-10. The university also honored her in 2009 with the Outstanding Junior Faculty Award.
Bott earned her bachelor’s in psychology and communications from DePauw University in 1998. She received her master’s and doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Akron in 2001 and 2004, respectively.