Foster College of Business Announces New Associate Dean

By Lindsay Anderson

Effective June 1, management and leadership associate professor Dr. Jennifer Robin will transition to the newly created Associate Dean for Graduate and Executive Programs. The position will replace Dr. Rick Gretz’s previous position of academic director for the MBA and EMBA programs.

“In this new position, Jen will continue the vital role of academic director for these programs,” Dean of the Foster College, Dr. Darrell Radson said. “Robin’s new role will give her greater flexibility to coordinate graduate and executive education efforts as the College looks to increase enrollment and revenue.”

“There are amazing people in the Foster College of Business, and I look forward to working with them more closely in a new capacity to drive our strategic goals,” she said. “The students and alumni of our graduate and executive programs are inspiring, so I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with them and support programs that lead to their success.”

Her first priority will be to develop more partnerships with local organizations and groups. She hopes to strengthen ties with organizations in multiple industries and seek opportunities to collaborate for workshops, certificates, degrees and hybrid programs.

“I look forward to collaboration both with community leaders and our internal talent to generate integrated and cutting edge offerings,” Robin said.

In addition to her faculty role, Robin has expertise in consulting, has written three books and has served on a senior leadership team. Next year, she will continue to teach EMBA and undergraduate courses.

She has received numerous awards at Bradley University for her teaching and advising, including the Bradley University Caterpillar New Faculty Achievement Award for Scholarship in 2013, the Phi Chi Theta/Foster College of Business Professor of the Year Award in 2013, Outstanding Academic Advisor for the Foster College of Business in 2012 and one of the 40 Leaders Under 40 as noted in Peoria Magazines in 2011.

“When I look at the requirements of the Foster College strategic plan, I’ve had career success in many of the growth areas identified,” Robin said.  “While I have a lot to learn about trends in higher education, I look forward to bringing some of my industry experience to bear on the role.”