Dawkins interim School of Business dean

July 19, 2012

Dr. Louis Dawkins, a former Henderson State University faculty member and former dean of the university’s School of Business, has returned to serve as the School of Business’ interim dean. His appointment was effective June 30 and follows the recent departure of Dr. Jeffrey Hamm.

It is Dawkins’ third time to serve as the School of Business’ dean. His appointment covers the 2012-13 academic year or until a replacement is found. Dawkins recently retired as director of the Adkerson School of Accountancy and interim dean of the College of Business at Mississippi State University.

“I have many years invested in Henderson and them in me; I love this place and want to give back in any way I can,” Dawkins said. “I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to work with President Glendell Jones who I know has a great heart for Henderson as well.”

Dawkins first came to Henderson in 1964 as an instructor in the accounting department and, in 1972, was named dean of the School of Business. In 1981, he moved to Mississippi State University, where he was director of the School of Accountancy. Dawkins returned to Henderson in 1987 as the first holder of the Cecil W. Cupp Chair in the School of Business.

Almost a decade later, Dawkins was named dean of the Henderson School of Business a second time when the school was pursuing accreditation with The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The school received its initial accreditation with AACSB. Dawkins was later appointed to the national Candidacy Committee of AACSB to assist schools who were applying for and pursuing initial accreditation. He also served on numerous campus peer review teams for AACSB. Dawkins retired from Henderson in 1999. The Louis Dawkins Accounting Professorship was later established.

Dawkins came out of retirement in 2007 to serve again as director of the Mississippi State University School of Accountancy, and later, as interim dean of the College of Business at the same institution.

"I am very grateful for Dr. Dawkins’ willingness to disrupt his retirement to serve Henderson during this time of transition in the School of Business,” Henderson President Dr. Glendell Jones said. “His proven character and outstanding leadership will serve the School of Business very well as we prepare for the AACSB accreditation visit this fall and develop a foundation for even greater success in the future. We are excited to have him back on campus and are looking forward to working with him over the next several months.”

Dawkins and his wife Anita have two sons, Roben and Randy, and three grandchildren.