School of Business welcomes second dean

Since the first of August, Dr. Robert Hite has been learning the ins and outs of his new position as dean of the ESU School of Business.

"I'm very pleased to be back in the Midwest with its strong community values," he said.

Hite replaces Dr. Sajjad Hashmi, who was dean since the School of Business was organized in 1983. Hashmi's accomplishments are reflected in the school's 2002 accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

AACSB recognizes programs that employ highly-qualified faculty, rigorous curriculum and strong community involvement. Only 25 percent of business schools worldwide have received AACSB's seal of approval.

"This accreditation was a huge step for our school. One of the things we want to do now is strive for continuous improvement and build public awareness of the quality of education you can get here at the school of business," said Hite.

Most recently, Hite was chair of the marketing and real estate department at the State University of West Georgia, a school of almost 10,000 students with a teachers college background similar to ESU. Hite believes his familiarity with regional universities will help him position ESU in the academic marketplace.

"One of our strengths is that, in terms of size, we can offer all the traditional degree programs larger universities have, but also offer a personal environment. As a student, you come into an environment where your professors know your name and pay attention to you. You would pay a lot more money for that experience at a private school," he said.

Hite says ESU also has a strong international flavor, both among faculty and students - something he appreciates from his years as an Air Force pilot. Hite has also gained practical field experience from 1995 to 1997 as a small business owner in Idaho.

Hite has a track record of boosting enrollment and creating opportunities for students to assist non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Humane Society.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>