College of Business Dean Steve Williams has resigned his position at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith to accept a position as the dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Texas A&M University - Commerce.

Dr. Williams, whose resignation is effective Dec. 31, has been the dean of the College of Business at UAFS since 2008, where he has overseen the growth of the college and helped it earn accreditation from AASCB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a prestigious association whose accreditation has been earned by less than five percent of the world’s business programs.

Williams, who also holds the Joel R. Stubblefield Endowed Chair of Business, was selected as a National Society of Collegiate Scholars Distinguished Member in 2006 and in 2005 was one of 10 instructors worldwide to be inducted as a BSG-Online Hall of Fame Master Professor.

Williams said he is leaving Fort Smith with mixed emotions.

“I can truthfully say that the faculty and staff of the College of Business have been the most collegial, hard-working and most talented group of individuals it has been my great pleasure to work with,” he said. “I can also say that the support from the business community for the College of Business is the strongest I have ever seen in my 25-plus years of higher education experience.”

Dr. Paul B. Beran, UAFS chancellor, acknowledged the work Williams has done at UAFS.

“Dr. Williams has worked hard in an effort to advance our University, and we wish him all the best in his new position,” said Beran, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Ray Wallace, provost and senior vice chancellor.

“Steve has been a great asset to our University, and he will serve Texas A&M-Commerce well,” said Wallace.

Dr. Marta Loyd, vice chancellor for university advancement, agreed.

“In addition to his academic leadership, Dr. Williams was quite adept at engaging area business leaders and alumni with his students and faculty,” said Loyd. “He created a culture of collaboration that will have ongoing benefits for students, UAFS and the community for many years.”

Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Metropolitan State College, a master’s degree in business from Colorado State University and a doctorate in business administration from the University of Nebraska. Before coming to UAFS, he was the dean of the College of Business and Leadership at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan.

Wallace has appointed Dr. Margaret Tanner, professor of accounting, as interim dean of the College of Business. Dr. Latisha Settlage, associate professor of economics, will assume the role of interim department head for the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance.