Misiolek Named Interim Dean of UA Business School

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. Walter S. Misiolek has been named interim dean of The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration, replacing Dr. J. Barry Mason who has been named interim president at UA.

In making the announcement, Dr. Nancy Barrett, UA provost and vice president for academic affairs, said, “We are very fortunate to have an individual with Dr. Misiolek’s academic credentials and administrative background available on staff to lead one of the nation’s premier business schools. I am confident that Dr. Misiolek will provide outstanding and energetic leadership to the college during this interim period.”

Misiolek is senior associate dean and director of graduate programs for the business school and has been a member of the UA faculty since 1975.

“I am pleased that Walt Misiolek has agreed to lead our business school in my absence,” Mason said. “He has a solid grasp of business education and of what is required to produce the kind of business leaders that are crucial in today’s business environment.”

Misiolek earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Miami University in Ohio in 1968. From 1968-1971, he was employed by the Copperweld Steel Co. in his hometown of Warren, Ohio, where he served as a quality control chemist and as claims metallurgist. He completed his master’s degree in economics from Miami University in 1972, and his doctorate in economics from Cornell University in 1976. Since joining the UA faculty, he has served as graduate studies coordinator for economics and finance and as area coordinator for economics. He was promoted to professor of economics in 1987, and he received the Burlington Northern Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for Scholarship in 1988. His primary scholarly interests are in environmental economics and public finance.

As senior associate dean, Misiolek was responsible for academic programs, financial affairs, and day-to-day operation of the College, faculty development programs, and strategic planning.

Misiolek is married to Dr. Beverly Thorn, professor of psychology and director of clinical training at UA. He has four daughters, three of whom are UA graduates, and one stepson.