Dr. Len Frey, who has been serving since January as interim dean of the College of Business at Arkansas State University, has been appointed to the position on a permanent basis, announced Dr. Susan D. Allen, vice chancellor for Research and Academic Affairs.

Frey, an associate professor of management, was serving as chair of the Department of Marketing and Management before stepping into the dean's office following the resignation of Dr. Jan Duggar, who accepted a similar position at a private university in Florida.

"Len Frey assumed the leadership of the College of Business on very short notice last December and has done an excellent job in the difficult position of interim dean," Allen stated. "He has shown leadership in reaching out to the business community and in managing the challenging budget situation last fiscal year. I look forward to working with him and with the College of Business on the faculty's new initiatives and planning for the future."

Frey joined the ASU faculty in 2000 as chair of the Department of Management and Marketing, after serving in the same capacity at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. His academic teaching specialties, in which he also has been a consultant for business and industrial clients, include team building, management and leadership. He also has published several articles in professional journals.

"I am both honored and humbled to be asked to serve as dean of the College of Business," Frey commented. "I have a deep commitment to the College of Business, ASU, Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas. I look forward to working with the faculty and students to ensure that we remain at the forefront of business education."

Frey noted that the College of Business faculty members have been working hard in a strategic planning process that will yield many benefits in the future.

"We recognize our obligation to serve our students as well as our obligation to serve as a source of expertise to our business community," he explained. "I sense that all of us are excited about the future of the College of Business -- with the quality of our faculty and staff, I am confident that good things are on the horizon.”

Before entering higher education, Frey's business experience includes a variety of positions in the healthcare industry, including St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

His civic activities include serving on the leadership team for District 6150 of Rotary International, along with several offices with Jonesboro University Rotary Club. He also is active in the Greater Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce and is an alumnus of the Leadership Jonesboro class of 1987.

Frey completed his bachelor's and master's degrees at ASU, then earned his doctoral degree in business administration, with a major in organizational behavior, at the University of Memphis.