The fall 2022 semester is just around the bend, and new beginnings are happening at New Mexico State University, specifically in leadership at the College of Business.

Following a national search, NMSU selected Bryan Ashenbaum as the next dean of its College of Business in May, and he officially began his role on July 5.

“My time has been wonderful, as my new colleagues have given me and my family a warm welcome to Las Cruces and to NMSU,” Ashenbaum said. “As in any transition to a completely new place, I’ve done a fair amount of basic ‘reconnaissance work’ – figuring out where everything is, who does what, how it all fits together. I’ve been taking my leadership team out for one-on-one lunches – I buy, but they have to pick a restaurant I haven’t visited yet!”

“Dean Ashenbaum has landed and is ready to launch. He has unique ideas and is not bashful about sharing them,” said Dorothy Campbell, interim provost and chief academic officer.

“His enthusiasm is refreshing, and he is already earning the confidence of his peers as he begins to take on challenges such as the AACSB accreditation, promotion and tenure cases, and connecting with the surrounding business community.”

Ashenbaum earned his Ph.D. in business administration from Arizona State University in 2006. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in supply chain management and a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from ASU.

Before making the move to NMSU, Ashenbaum served as the associate dean for Curriculum and Graduate Programs in the Farmer School of Business at Miami University.

Colleagues in the College of Business are already looking forward to working with Ashenbaum, and shared they are confident in his leadership.

“Dean Ashenbaum has become a significant influence on the College of Business in his short time at NMSU,” said Mary Jo Billot, associate dean. “His prior position as Associate Dean has prepared him well for the needs of college leadership. I am looking forward to furthering the college’s connection with our students, faculty, staff, supporters, and communities through Dean Ashenbaum.” 

“Dean Ashenbaum appears well-positioned to lead the College of Business forward to meet the needs of our diverse student body, faculty, staff, and the larger business community,” said Daniel James, associate dean. “He appears to have already had a positive influence in a number of ways. I look forward to working with Dean Ashenbaum and assisting him in accomplishing his mission and that of the College of Business. I appreciate the fact that Dean Ashenbaum served his country in the U.S. Navy."

The new dean’s vision for the College of Business, NMSU, and the region is very optimistic.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected as dean of the College of Business,” Ashenbaum said. “World events are upending decades-old assumptions about supply chains, risk, and business networks, making areas like the Borderlands the logical places for economic development and renewal. And here in the heart of this vital region, we have this wonderful university, with talented and dedicated faculty and staff, and students eager to go into the world armed with the experience they have gained. When interviewing, I expressed my vision of the COB becoming the ‘Destination Business College in the Southwest and Borderlands,’ and I’m beyond enthusiastic to be here and join my colleagues on this journey.”

With one month already down at NMSU, Ashenbaum is looking at the long run and staying focused on his larger goal: engagement.

“I’m planning to reach out to more recruiters to come and hire students, to organizational leaders to come and give talks, to serve on our various boards and centers. I’m also planning trips to cities with alumni groups to re-engage them with their alma mater and the next generation of Aggies. Other goals include assessing the curriculum for foundational competencies and experiential learning and focusing on our AACSB re-accreditation,” he said.

Ashenbaum added that he’s extremely excited and energized for the start of the school year, while looking forward to getting to know the students, their motivations, what works for them, and what can be improved. “I’m planning to be very visible to them, in many ways. I’ll be meeting with the student clubs and organizations, stopping by to chat in the hallway, and hosting some ‘Dean’s Office Hours’ to hear their voice. NMSU is a vibrant community and I want to see it in all its glory. Go Aggies!"

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