Dean Higgins leaving URI business school

OUTGOING DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Mark Higgins cited the redesign of the school's one-year MBA program and the creation of a supply chain management program as two highlights of his eight-year tenure heading the program. / COURTESY MARK HIGGINS
OUTGOING DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Mark Higgins cited the redesign of the school's one-year MBA program and the creation of a supply chain management program as two highlights of his eight-year tenure heading the program. / COURTESY MARK HIGGINS

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – University of Rhode Island College of Business Administration Dean and Alfred J. Verrecchia and Hasbro Inc. Leadership Chair in Business Mark Higgins is leaving to become dean of the John Cook School of Business at St. Louis University.
Higgins is leaving after 26 years at URI as a member of the business college’s faculty and eight years as dean. In a brief conversation about his tenure at the school, Higgins pointed to a number of highlights:

  • Two re-accreditations of the college by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • A redesign and relocation of the one-year Master of Business Administration program to Providence with a new emphasis on strategic innovation and connections to real-world experience through internships
  • A reinvigoration of the undergraduate curriculum
  • The creation of a joint Master of Science in oceanography and MBA degree with URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography
  • And the creation of a supply chain management program that is now ranked among the top 25 in the nation

“When I took the job [as dean], my goal was to leave the college in better shape than when I found it, and I think I did that,” he said.
“URI has unlimited potential. Hopefully with the state getting more behind it going forward, the university and the college will continue to grow,” he added.
“Dean Higgins has long been one of the university’s most dedicated advocates and big thinkers,” said Provost Donald DeHayes. “During his tenure at URI, he has supported the university’s mission and goals with professionalism, integrity and energy. We wish him well in his new position.”
DeHayes added that the university is in the process of forming a search committee for the next dean, with the purpose “to not lose the positive momentum in the college and to move swiftly and thoughtfully.”
“We are thrilled that Dr. Higgins will be joining the faculty of Saint Louis University,” said Ellen Harshman, interim vice president for academic affairs. “As an experienced dean, he is well prepared to move the John Cook School of Business forward.”
Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution founded in 1818, with 13,500 students in two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid.

No posts to display