Published:
Dr. Lisa Frank will serve as the next dean of the School of Business. She will begin her tenure as dean immediately.
Frank's appointment follows a national search for candidates. She served as interim dean of the school for two years prior to her appointment.
“We are proud to appoint Dr. Lisa Frank in this pivotal role," President Zulma R. Toro said. "Together, we are committed to fostering innovation and moving the school toward our university’s collective goals.”
Frank joined the faculty at Central in 2007. As interim dean, Frank introduced several new academic programs through the curriculum process, including a Bachelor of Science in Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Business Administration – Sports Management, and minor in Artificial Intelligence.
Among many other accomplishments, Frank also supported the development of a career accelerator program that connects students with professional presenters; launched the inaugural College-to-Career Summit in 2023; and established an in-person tutoring program for Business students.
Earlier in her career at Central, Frank served as chair of the Department of Finance and associate to the School of Business dean. In 2021, she was selected as a Presidential Fellow and worked closely with Academic Affairs to strengthen student learning and support student success across the university.
As the university’s assessment and accreditation coordinator and later as interim dean, Frank led the School of Business’ successful accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
“I am honored to accept the role of dean of the School of Business,” Frank says. “I’m eager to lead our faculty, staff, and students into a promising new chapter, focusing on our core mission and elevating the School of Business to new heights of academic excellence and innovation.”
Central’s provost, Dr. Kim Kostelis, adds, “I look forward to continuing to work with Dean Frank and the School of Business as we strive toward a financially sustainable student success-centered institution. Under her leadership, interdisciplinary academic programs have grown, which will offer students unique opportunities to prepare them for the complex challenges of today's business environment.”
Frank holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut; a Master of Business Administration with Distinction from Hofstra University; and a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy from Stony Brook University.