Dean of the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics ( JCBE )
University of South Carolina Upstate
Spartanburg, South Carolina

The University of South Carolina Upstate seeks a flexible, highly collaborative leader to serve as thenext Dean of the George D. Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics (JCBE). This is an outstanding opportunity for a talented, experienced administrator to lead distinctive AACSB-accredited programs and strengthen further the University’s relationships with thriving corporations and small businesses in Spartanburg and across the Upstate region of South Carolina. Many of the key components of a successful business school are already in place: a remarkable building in downtown Spartanburg, continued accreditation by AACSB, faculty with excellent credentials and research, and regional infrastructure to support the many businesses in the community. What USC Upstate seeks is a dynamic leader who both embraces the academic world of business education and genuinely enjoys building and nurturing relationships with corporate and organization leaders in community. This is an opportunity to be part of true societal impact in a growing, thriving region. The new Dean is expected to begin by July 1, 2023.

At USC Upstate, the Dean will oversee academic programs, centers, and personnel in the JCBE and report to Dr. Pamela Steinke, Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. As a senior leader, the Dean will also serve on the Cabinet under the leadership of Chancellor Dr. Bennie Harris and engage across campus in interdisciplinary programs and initiatives. Importantly, the Dean will also connect with leaders of business and organizations in promoting the work of the JCBE and developing partnerships that build on strengths in the University and business community.

Currently enrolling 574 students (including 32 graduate students), the JCBE serves the region and state workforce with well-prepared graduates in accounting, marketing, management, economics, and finance and a graduate degree in business analytics. The College also addresses workforce needs through its distinctive programs in high-demand fields, such as entrepreneurship, logistics and supply chain management, and business analytics. The College also partners with area businesses and organizations to provide opportunities for students, faculty, and professionals for continued learning and impact. Accredited by the prestigious international Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the JCBE’s business programs meet the highest standards for preparing the next generation of leaders in a particularly robust region of economic growth and global business. The next accreditation review will occur in 2023-24, and preparations are well underway.

Therefore, the next Dean is expected to build on the shared vision that is now guiding the faculty and staff, who see their work as an essential, innovative part of the strong economic development in the Upstate region. And the Dean can join other leaders in addressing the key needs of the thriving business community of the Upstate, including talent development, attention to supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses, and engagement with international corporations that make their home in the Upstate.

The University and The Upstate Region South Carolina
The University. The University of South Carolina Upstate, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the largest comprehensive university in the USC System and the only public comprehensive university in the Upstate region. Independently accredited, USC Upstate currently offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. These programs include majors, minors, certificates, and pre-professional programs. As explained in this Fast Facts 2021-22 document, USC Upstate is known for its innovation, diversity, and student-centered practices and environment. This is accomplished not only through the vision and diligence of its leadership but through respect for and engagement in the shared governance culture at USC Upstate. As the faculty governance website explains, “Faculty Governance serves as a voice for the faculty in the decision-making processes that promote the achievement of these goals.”

The Upstate Region of South Carolina. According to the U.S. Census data for 2020, there has been significant growth in the combined population of Spartanburg County, Greenville County, and city of Spartanburg. The overall population of the ten-county Upstate region is more than 1.5 million, with further growth projected in the next decade. The Upstate has an impressive array of international and regional employers, such as Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Prisma Health, Spartanburg and Greenville County Schools, BMW Manufacturing, Amazon, Michelin, Wells Fargo, MP Cloud Technologies, Best Buy, Proterra, Siemens, SunTrust, Oshkosh Defense, Pall Corporation, Wal-Mart, and Milliken. A study of U.S. cities with the most economic growth in 2021 ranked Spartanburg as #1 for small cities, and Spartanburg ranked #2 on a list of the U.S cities with the best job markets in 2022.

The Upstate is clearly a thriving region with tremendous opportunity for the Dean of the JCBE to partner with regional and global businesses on programs and initiatives that benefit students, faculty, and the region. The economic impact of USC Upstate on the state of South Carolina exceeds $500 million annually, and a collaborative, engaging JCBE Dean can take pride inbeing part of that societal impact. People describe the business climate as highly collaborative and relational, and the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce was selected as the 2021 U.S. Chamber of the Year. Even a glance at the ongoing work of OneSpartanburg, its Vision Plan 2.0 and its Small- and Minority-Owned Business Development Strategic Action Plan shows the potential for a talented Dean of the JCBE to have an impact in a vibrant and growing community—everything from high-tech manufacturing technology to the healthy foods and sustainable practices of the Hub City Farmers Market.

Spartanburg is also ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report as a livable, affordable community. The mild climate, with four distinct seasons, allows for outdoor activities year-round. The area has lakes, rivers, parks, preserves, arboretums, and trails. Situated at the junction of I-85 and I-26, the city provides easy access to both the Blue Ridge mountains and Atlantic beaches. The city is 75 miles from Charlotte (NC), 93 miles from Columbia (SC), and approximately 175 miles from Atlanta (GA).

Dean of the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics
One of five academic divisions at USC Upstate, the JCBE provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to both embark on successful career paths in the global economy and to further their education in graduate business programs. Named for distinguished Spartanburg business leader, entrepreneur, and former State Representative George Dean Johnson, Jr., the JCBE boasts an impressive 60,000-square-foot, $30 million facility strategically located in downtown Spartanburg.

Affectionately known as “The George,” this distinctive building was built for specifically for the College of Business and Economics, which has been based there since construction was completed in 2010. Designed by David M. Schwarz Architects of Washington, D.C., in partnership with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture of Spartanburg as an important “part of the community’s plan to revitalize its urban core,” the George is a LEED-certified, award-winning facility that features a stock trading lab, computer lab, smart classrooms, a tiered business classroom, and three art galleries with rotating exhibits from The Johnson Collection. Students and faculty have opportunities to connect with the business community while enjoying the vibrant downtown cultural and artistic venues—such as the Chapman Cultural Center and Barnet Park—walking trails, shops, and restaurants with a variety of global and regional specialties within walking distance.

The mission of the JCBE is “to prepare diverse students to excel in the dynamic upstate and global economies through quality business education that emphasizes cognitive and experiential learning and engagement with the Upstate community.” The JCBE website identifies three strategic goals: 1) deliver an excellent business education that produces career-ready graduates; 2) attract, develop, and retain exceptional faculty and staff; and 3) positively impact the economic well-being of the Upstate community. The vision of the JCBE is “to be the regional College of Business of choice in South Carolina and a valued partner in the economic transformation of the Upstate.”

The College’s rigorous business education incorporates experiential learning opportunities and personalized attention from dedicated faculty and professional staff. Students benefit from first-class student services at The George, as well as at the USC Upstate Greenville campus. These services include academic advising, career counseling, a variety of active student organizations and honor societies, and numerous programs that support leadership and soft skills development. Additionally, the JCBE prides itself on strategic partnerships that promote internships, community engagement, and professional networking activities, as well as exciting study abroad opportunities around the globe. The diverse JCBE faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarly accomplishments, as well as their for real-world business experience with firms such as Milliken & Company, BMW Manufacturing Co., Price Waterhouse Coopers, Duke Energy, KPMG, Fuji Film, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The JCBE undergraduate programs lead to the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and students may choose from majors in accounting, economics and finance, management, or marketing. The concentration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is another option for students who seek to develop their expertise for high-demand careers in purchasing, inventory management, distribution, and transportation—essential for global manufacturers in South Carolina and beyond. The Master of Science in Business Analytics program was the first of its kind in South Carolina; since its inception, enrollment in the program has doubled with an impressive graduate placement rate. The JCBE also offers minors in business administration, business and entrepreneurship, and economics. All undergraduate and graduate classes are taught by highly qualified and engaged faculty who are active in teaching, research, advising, professional careers, and/or community enrichment projects.

The JCBE also includes the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation ( CEI ). Established in 2021, the CEI serves as an innovation hub for the Upstate’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and promotes access to entrepreneurial education, research, and community engagement and collaboration. A JCBE student chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization is sponsored by the CEI.

Another distinctive aspect of the JCBE is its Center for Applied Economic and Community Research( CAECR ). Launched in July 2021, the CAECR is active in a variety of community research projects, including data collection and analysis for a variety of for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Services offered include economic impact studies, community indicator projects, survey and focus group studies, and other collaborations with local businesses and nonprofits. Faculty from all disciplines represented at the University are welcome to participate in CAECR projects.

The journey to the next level of excellence is guided by aspiring goals in innovative academic program development, enhancement in student services, community engagement expansion, alumni involvement, continued AACSB accreditation, and quality improvement and innovation in teaching and scholarship.

Points of Pride In The JCBE*

• A recent alumni survey showed that 96% of JCBE students are either employed or furthering education within the first three months after graduation. Of these graduates, 76% are employed in their field of study.

• The JCBE has developed and nurtured close partnerships with major companies in the Upstate region, such as Johnson Development Associates, American Credit Acceptance, OTO Development, Milliken & Company, Northside Development Group, BMW, and Draxlmaier: JCBE provides these companies with interns, and many of these students are offered full-time jobs. In addition, many executives from these companies serve on the Dean’s Advisory Board.

• In AACSB accreditation, JCBE faculty are held to high standards for Intellectual Contributions (publications and professional presentations), as well as citations, service on editorial boards, and societal impact through consulting and collaboration. In each JCBE discipline, at least 80% of participating faculty produced Intellectual Contributions.

• The Johnson Innovation Speaker Series and The Wells Fargo Speaker Series offer free events to students, community members, and local business leaders. • Guided by faculty, JCBE students contribute to the Upstate region and beyond through their work on such initiatives as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Alternative Spring Break, BB&T Emerging Leaders Certification program, and collaboration with local businesses and non-profit organization on strategic marketing.

• The first Power of Analytics Conference in November 2021, presented by the JCBE and BMW Manufacturing, created a platform for business leaders to share their knowledge on the use of analytics to complement business strategy.

• The Zillow Group has partnered with the MSBA program to build its talent pipeline. In 2022, the Zillow Group established six graduate assistantships to assist the next generation of diverse students in entering the world of analytics.

• JCBE student organizations—such as Beta Gamma Sigma, Beta Alpha Psi, and Delta Sigma Pi—are recognized annually as Premier, Superior, and Best chapter, respectively.

• The JCBE hosts the Financial Literacy Series, a five-week “lunch and learn” program in partnership with the SunTrust Foundation. Led by a JCBE faculty member, the series walks college students, professional community members, and anyone with questions about finance through basic financial topics.

• As part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week Celebration, the JCBE offers several panel discussions led by experts from the business community. Topics have included Entrepreneurship in the Upstate, Women and Entrepreneurship, and Entrepreneurship in the Arts.

• Source: JCBE Continuous Improvement Review (CIR) report and 2022-23 CIR Application for AACSB

Agenda For the Next JCBE Dean
The next Dean will build on the momentum in the JCBE and at USC Upstate by addressing these priorities:

• Support, develop, and inspire the faculty of the JCBE in their research and teaching, collaborating with them to build even further on the reputation and strength of the JCBE;

• Become known as a visible, active, engaged leader in the growing Upstate region, collaborating with faculty, staff, and regional businesses to continue to develop innovative degree, certificate, and executive education programs that respond to the employment and economic needs of the growing Upstate region;

• Based on knowledge of best practices in marketing and in student enrollment and retention (including support for the diversity of the students who come to USC Upstate), lead strategic planning to increase enrollment in JCBE programs and courses;

• Seek opportunities for partnerships that benefit the College, University, students, businesses, and economy of the region;

• Continue efforts to attract, support, and retain diverse JCBE faculty;

• Continue to use data to measure and strengthen the impact of JCBE programs and to consider the feasibility of adding new undergraduate and graduate programs;

• Partner with USC Upstate colleagues on programs and initiatives across disciplinary boundaries.