Niswander named dean of ECU’S College of Business

GREENVILLE, NC   (June 8, 2004)   —   Dr. Frederick Niswander, assistant dean for graduate programs in the College of Business and chair of the faculty at East Carolina University, has been named dean of the College of Business.

Niswander, who joined the ECU faculty in 1993, is an award-winning teacher and widely cited scholar in accounting. Before beginning his academic career, he was a successful financial officer in the private sector.

Dr. James LeRoy Smith, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs, said, “Rick Niswander is the ideal person to lead the College of Business. Our national search attracted a number of highly qualified individuals, but there is no question that the best candidate was already here at ECU.

“Rick is an accomplished teacher and researcher, an eloquent communicator and an innovative administrator. I am confident that he will be an outstanding dean and I am delighted to announce his appointment.”

Chancellor Steve Ballard said, “Dr. Niswander is a proven leader with great integrity and commitment. There is no question that he will make a difference at ECU.”

Niswander said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as dean of the College of Business. In my 11 years at ECU, I have been continually impressed by the quality of the faculty, staff and students in the college, and I have seen the college grow in size and stature. I am convinced that the College’s best days lie ahead, and I am excited to be able to share in that future.”

Niswander holds a Ph.D. in accounting from Texas A&M University and a B.B.A. from Idaho State University. He has been a CPA for 21 years and is certified in Arizona and North Carolina. He is the author or co-author of three books and 11 articles in scholarly journals. He has received the Board of Governors Distinguished Professor for Teaching Award, the School of Business Commerce Club Teaching Excellence Award and the accounting department’s Ruth B. Jones Excellence in Teaching Award. He currently serves as the treasurer of the North Carolina Association of CPAs, an 11,000-member statewide CPA organization, and was awarded the outstanding educator award in North Carolina.

Before coming to ECU, he was vice president and chief financial officer of Burns International Inc., a privately held real estate firm with $400 million in assets.

He will succeed Dr. Ernie Uhr, who is retiring after 21 years as dean of the College of Business. Niswander’s appointment is effective July 1, 2004.