The E.J. Ourso College of Business Administration recently appointed a new dean, Robert T. Sumichrast. Sumichrast comes to the University with many credentials and accomplishments from his previous position at Virginia Tech.
“He’s leaving behind an awful lot of friends,” said Barry O’Donnell, associate director of the business MBA program at Virginia Tech. “He came in here with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.”
O’Donnell said during the three years Sumichrast worked as associate dean of the business graduate and international program at Virginia Tech, the school moved up in the ratings from 78 to 58 nationally.
“A lot of that was his new direction,” O’Donnell said. “Prior to his arrival [at Virginia Tech] we were not establishing goals. He set a vision for recognition in the top 50.”
Along with his position as dean, Sumichrast will teach information systems and decision sciences courses.
Chancellor Mark Emmert said he is confident in Sumichrast’s ability to lead the business college.
“I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Robert Sumichrast to LSU,” Emmert said. “With his background and understanding of business schools, he will be able to build upon the many strengths of the college and press it further ahead in national stature.”
Sumichrast received a bachelor’s degree in physics from Purdue University and a doctorate from Clemson University in management science.
Wendy Osborn Luedtke, director of alumni and recruiting relations, said a committee comprised of faculty and staff conducted a national dean search. The committee narrowed the search to two candidates, and Emmert made the final decision.
“Dr. Sumichrast will continue the strategic vision of the college to be nationally recognized among the top quartile of public accredited schools of business,” Luedtke said.
William Lane, interim dean of the business college, said he believes Sumichrast shares the same goals as the existing faculty and staff of the business college.
“He’s an excellent choice for the college,” Lane said. “He’ll have new agendas, but I don’t think there will be any problems with us adjusting to him or him adjusting to us.”
Lane said he would like to see a continued increase in pubic relations for the business college.
“One of the elements is getting the word out [about the business college],” Lane said. “I did accomplish an increase in promoting of the business college nationally, and I feel when the ratings come out we’ll see an increase.”
Sumichrast officially will take over the position July 1.
He could not be contacted by press time.