New Mexico State University has named Mary Jo Billiot acting dean for the College of Business.
Provost Carol Parker announced the appointment to faculty and staff in the college on Sunday, Aug. 22, along with Las Cruces campus leadership, members of the College of Business Advisory Council and college supporters. Billiot will fill the position vacated by James Hoffman, who will return full-time to his faculty role as a professor of marketing.
Billiot serves as interim associate dean for finance and research in the College of Business, and as an associate professor of accounting with 20 years of service to the university. She holds a doctorate in business administration and accounting from Mississippi State University. Billiot is a 2007 recipient of the Donald Roush Award for Teaching Excellence at NMSU, and has received teaching awards from the NMSU College of Business and the New Mexico Society of Certified Public Accountants. Billiot will serve as acting dean until an interim dean is appointed.
“During this transition period, I am committed to continuing the business of the College of Business by educating our students and supporting our research endeavors,” Billiot said.
Parker praised Hoffman’s contributions to the success of the College of Business during his leadership role.
“As dean, Dr. Hoffman has worked tirelessly on behalf of the college and implemented many beneficial initiatives during his seven years of service,” Parker said. “His legacy is one of innovation as well as stability during what proved to be a period of numerous challenges to the university, including economic uncertainty and significant change for the NMSU system.”
Parker noted that Billiot will have the support of an experienced administration in the college during her role as acting dean.
“Dr. Billiot will continue to work with our excellent college leadership team of associate deans and department heads,” Parker said. “The college is fortunate to have this cohesive, experienced team in place to maintain leadership and administrative operations through the transition.”
Parker said she plans to initiate a national search to identify the next permanent dean for the College of Business, while seeking input and feedback from faculty and staff in the college.
“The college is an integral component of NMSU’s plans for achieving its strategic goals,” Parker said. “The Provost’s Office is committed to providing support and resources necessary to ensure the college remains successful and competitive, and has strong leadership well into the future.”