Sullivan to Leave Business School

Sullivan informed the business school faculty and staff of his resignation Tuesday after making his final decision to accept a position at the University of California-San Diego on Saturday.

Julie Collins, senior associate dean of the business school, will serve as interim dean upon Sullivan's departure.

During his five years as dean, Sullivan carried the business school into the realm of national recognition.

Provost Robert Shelton said national rankings soared under Sullivan's leadership. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the business school's undergraduate program fifth nationally.

Sullivan, however, said he could not miss the opportunity to create from scratch San Diego's new Graduate School of Management, beginning Jan. 1.

"It's a unique time to rethink what a graduate business school should be," Sullivan said. "I like to innovate and create new things."

Sullivan pushed for imaginative plans to further the business school's standing during his tenure at UNC.

In hopes of furthering international relations, Sullivan supported the development of a Kenan-Flagler satellite branch in Qatar, a country in the Middle East. Chancellor James Moeser opted to abandon the plan in February after disagreements with Qatari officials.

The recent success, national ranking and positive momentum of the business school were factors that Sullivan said helped him make his decision.

After achieving such improvements at UNC, he sought a new challenge.

"I like to do the extraordinary," Sullivan said.

The search for Sullivan's replacement will be through the office of the provost.

Collins will hold the position of interim dean until the search for a permanent dean has been completed, Shelton said.

"My primary goal is to keep the school in the very positive direction it's been going in," Collins said.

Shelton said he hopes to find a dean with experience in either academia or the business community and a strong understanding of academic priorities. He will consult faculty and the business community for suggestions.

Shelton stressed the necessity of a collaborative spirit in the new dean. "One of the real strengths of Carolina is how well we work together," Shelton said.

Sullivan said he has tackled many issues during his tenure, including the problem of the state legislature's funding and the challenge of finding top-rate faculty.

Sullivan's hopes for the future of the business school after he leaves can be summarized in two words -- brand recognition.

Whether it be Boston, Berlin or Beijing, Sullivan said, he wants the Kenan-Flagler Business School to be recognized by people everywhere.

"I do expect it will continue to gain national and international recognition."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.