Three Finalists Announced for Dean of College of Business, Health, and Human Services at UA Little Rock – News – UA Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has announced three finalists for the next dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services.

“After a national search, we have selected three finalists for the position of dean of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS) at UA Little Rock,” said Dr. Brian Berry, dean of the Graduate School and chair of the search committee. “Each candidate brings a wealth of experience and expertise, and we look forward to their upcoming visits to campus.”

The finalists include Dr. Shannon Collier-Tennison, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs for faculty relations and administration and a professor of social work at UA Little Rock, who will visit campus on Oct. 31; Dr. Joshua Aaron, the Pam Wright Chair of Entrepreneurship and a professor of management at Middle Tennessee State University, who will visit campus on Nov. 4; and Dr. Myla Bui, professor of marketing at Loyola Marymount University, who will visit campus on Nov. 7.

Shannon Collier-Tenison

Dr. Shannon Collier-Tenison serves as associate vice chancellor for academic affairs for faculty relations and administration at UA Little Rock, where she oversees faculty support, academic personnel processes, and student support initiatives. A professor of social work, she also serves as the Provost Office liaison for a team of licensed social workers who provide student support and resources for emotional/mental health concerns, financial stress, academic support, and personal difficulties.

Collier-Tenison earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hendrix College and her master’s degree and Ph.D. in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. Her career spans over 20 years in higher education, including roles as associate dean, interim dean, and program coordinator. Her research focuses on interpersonal violence, social welfare policy, and student success. Active in the community, she serves on the boards of directors for Women and Children First DV Shelter and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

Joshua Aaron

Dr. Joshua Aaron, the Pam Wright Chair of Entrepreneurship and a professor of management at Middle Tennessee State University, has led record growth in the Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship program’s enrollment and external support. A University of Alabama alumnus with a Ph.D. in strategic management, Aaron joined MTSU in 2014 after teaching at Georgia State and East Carolina University.

Aaron serves on the boards of the Small Business Institute, the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, and the Finance Committee for the United Way of South Central Tennessee, and his research focuses on executive compensation, leadership, and small business strategy. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Business Research, Journal of Small Business Strategy, and Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship.

Myla Bui

Dr. Myla Bui is a professor of marketing at Loyola Marymount University with a Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Arkansas and an MBA from Loyola University New Orleans. At LMU, she held leadership roles including chair of the Department of Marketing and Business Law, cabinet associate to the Executive Vice President and Provost, and academic chair to the program development of the Doctor of Business Administration.

Bui has published more than 30 articles in journals such as the Journal of Marketing and Journal of Marketing Research, with interests in consumer decision-making, social marketing, and emerging technologies. She served as the associate editor for the Journal of Business Research, co-chair of the 2020 Marketing and Public Policy Conference, and co-chair of the 2024 Summer American Marketing Association Conference. She also brings industry experience in marketing and business development across sectors like fintech and health tech.

Visit this website to find out more information about the candidates.

The new dean is expected to start during the spring semester and will replace Thomas Clifton, who has been serving as the interim dean since 2023.