Misty Johanson to step down as dean, Driehaus College of Business

By Elizabeth Clements / January 28, 2020 / Posted in: CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY / Twitter / Facebook

Dr. Misty Johanson, dean of the Driehaus College of Business, has declined a reappointment as dean and will step down at the end of the academic year. Johanson was named to a two-year term as dean in 2018, following her appointment as interim dean in 2017. She plans to take a one-year leave beginning in July and to return as a senior faculty member in the School of Hospitality Leadership in July 2021.

“My decision has been made with an unwavering faith that our collective efforts over the past three years have positioned our college well for future success under new leadership,” Johanson shared in a message to the college. “Together we developed an ambitious five-year strategic plan, launched market-driven programs to attract strategic enrollment growth, enhanced our rankings, exceeded revenue and fundraising targets and significantly improved the culture, connection and climate within our college community.”

She added, “I am so very grateful to have had a chance to work with you to build a brighter future for our college and the DePaul mission, and I will continue to support that future in my new role.”

During Johanson’s tenure, multiple academic programs were ranked among the nation’s best, including part-time MBA, accountancy and entrepreneurship. The college launched the John L. Keeley Jr. Center for Financial Services, thanks to a $3 million contribution from the family of the late finance executive John L. Keeley Jr. and the Keeley Family Foundation. The college also created the Women in Entrepreneurship Institute. Designed to empower women business founders to overcome roadblocks to entrepreneurial success, , the institute recently welcomed its second cohort to the Business Accelerator Program.

“The college has benefitted tremendously from Dr. Johanson’s leadership, expertise and, in particular, her positive energy,” Interim Provost Salma Ghanem says. “While I am disappointed she has declined the offer of a second term as dean, I understand and respect her decision, which I know was not easy for her to make. I am incredibly grateful for her many contributions, which include enhancing student success, supporting faculty development and increasing enrollment.”

The Office of the Provost is seeking nominations for an interim dean, whose appointment would be effective July 1. Nominations should be submitted to Vernita Calbert by Feb. 15. A national search for a permanent dean will launch in the 2020-21 academic year.