Javier Reyes, an expert in global economic matters, an award-winning educator, an innovative leader in learning technologies, and an experienced relationship builder between industry and academics has been named the Milan Puskar Dean of West Virginia University’s College of Business and Economics, effective June 30, 2016.
President Gordon Gee says that Reyes will be a “tremendous asset” to the college of B&E as he is “committed to an energetic engagement with the business community and the people of the state that defines our institution. The partnerships and outreach efforts that he plans to develop will create a positive economic impact throughout West Virginia.”
Here are three reasons why Dr. Reyes was chosen for this leadership position:
His Educational Experience
Reyes is a tenured professor of economics and currently the vice provost for distance education at the University of Arkansas and the associate dean for undergraduate studies and executive education at that university’s Sam M. Walton College of Business. He joined the economics faculty of the University of Arkansas in 2003 and has served in a number of administrative roles for the institution, including as director of the Walton College’s honors program and associate dean for the College.
Provost Joyce McConnell describes Reyes as a significantly talented and proficient educator: “He has deep and broad expertise in international economics and in the specific economic issues we face as our rapidly-changing and increasingly globalized society. This expertise, combined with Dr. Reyes’s commitment to excellent education, make him exactly who we want leading the way as we educate the business leaders of tomorrow.”
His Professional Experience
Reyes has been an invited lecturer or visiting scholar at a number of institutions internationally, including the Clinton School of Public Service and the International Monetary Fund. He has served as a proposal reviewer for the National Science Foundation, as an academic scholar in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London, and as a research analyst for the investment firm Value Casa de Bolsa, headquartered in Mexico.
McConnel asserts that Reyes’s experience in the professional sphere also makes me an ideal choice for B&E’s Dean: “That’s what makes Dr. Reyes such a good fit for WVU. He understands what skills and knowledge bases our students will need to excel in business and economics fields and he knows how to get them there.”
His Dedication to Excellence
In addition to his experience as an educator and as a practiced professional, Reyes says part of his attraction to WVU’s B&E’s program is its desire to grow and flourish as a program in order to better prepare students for post-graduation career advancement.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the dean of the College of B&E and work closely with the College’s exceptional faculty and staff,” Reyes said. “It is thrilling to join a university with so much momentum—as a leader in education, as a partner institution with industry, and as an entity pushing for innovation. West Virginia University clearly understands that in this day and age, a research university needs to be dynamic, innovative, and entrepreneurial in all dimensions, but especially in the ways it is preparing the business leaders of tomorrow.”
Announcing Reyes’ appointment, McConnell also thanked interim dean Nancy McIntyre for her service. “We deeply appreciate Dr. McIntyre’s commitment to the College of B&E and her willingness to lead the College during the recent transition period.”
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