North Dakota State University Provost Bruce Rafert has announced that Gary Smith, dean of the College of Engineering, will be chairing a search committee for a new dean of the College of Business. A search committee is being created, and the goal is to have the position filled by Jan. 1.

Rafert has approved a request from Ron Johnson, dean of business, to transition to a faculty role at the end of the calendar year. Johnson has served as dean since 2005. Prior to joining NDSU he was dean and professor of management at the University of Scranton.

NDSU Provost Bruce Rafert said Johnson’s contributions to the college and the university, highlighted by continuous accreditation by the AACSB, are appreciated.