UW Oshkosh College of Business Dean William Tallon stepped down from his position after five years, but will continue at UWO as a member of the department of management and human resources. Chancellor Andrew Leavitt said he is grateful to Bill Tallon for his service as dean of the College of Business. “He successfully navigated the college through an important accreditation process and created a number of new programs, including the Executive MBA program,” Leavitt said. “I thank him for his service and wish him well as he continues to service students through his teaching.” According to the announcement released by UW Oshkosh Today, Provost Lane Earns said Tallon positively moved the College of Business forward in numerous areas. Tallon launched multiple alumni events and activities, developing initiatives such as Business Living and Learning Community and Business Scholars to retain promising business students. “[Tallon] expanded executive education offerings to business leaders from the area and from Germany; and he represented his college and the University through his participation on a variety of community boards and committees,” Earns said. UWO accounting major Micaela Burns said she is satisfied with the accomplishments and advancements Tallon made for the College of Business. “He is moving on to a new chapter in his life which is great, and although he is no longer the dean, I am glad he is still a part of the College of Business,” Burns said. According to College of Business Interim Dean Scott Beyer he as a one-year appointment as acting dean. “An interim dean sometimes applies a short term, but in this case I am taking it very seriously as I would expect anyone in interim to do, and working toward the same end goal of delivering the highest value for the state quotas of this great institution,” Beyer said. Beyer said the first mission he hopes to tackle is reaffirming the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and also to enhance scholarship funds, grow revenue and strengthen relationships with the business community. According to Beyer he is excited to take on his new role and hopes to help the College of Business achieve its goals. “There is lots to learn and to understand, but I am looking forward to trying to bring a feeling of optimism on all fronts,” Beyer said. “We’ve got our goals, we know where we are at and where we want to go, but the question is how to motivate everyone to get there, so [we’re] trying to keep things as upbeat as possible.” Earns said they would like to form a committee to search for a potential dean by October and hope the new dean will be in place by July 1, 2016. “During the fall semester, we will begin a national search for a permanent dean of the College,” Earns said. Associate Dean of the College of Business Dr. Barbara Rau who is assisting in the transition said the committee formed will determine the qualifications both needed and desired in the new dean. “However, given the difficult budget times we are facing, I would expect that they will be emphasizing the need for strong financial management skills but also someone who is skilled at working collaboratively with the community to build partnerships between the Business School, area businesses, schools, nonprofits and our alumni,” Rau said. Earns said there is a number of desirable traits the search committee will look for in a potential dean. “I would say we need an experienced, innovative individual, with a clear vision of the future for the College, both in terms of academic programs and entrepreneurial activities,” Earns said. Burns said she is looking forward to seeing what the new dean brings to UWO. “I hope the new dean will be just as passionate as Tallon was in making the College of Business at UWO a successful and thriving program,” Burns said.