Dr. Jim Washam to serve as interim dean of College of Business
Dr. Jim Washam, associate dean, director of undergraduate programs and associate professor of finance, has been named interim dean of the College of Business at Arkansas State University. Washam, who accepted the duties of dean Friday, July 13, follows Dr. Len Frey who was recently appointed to the position of vice chancellor for Finance and Administration.
When faculty, staff and students return to campus in the fall, a committee will be formed to conduct a national search to fill this position.
Washam will oversee the departments of Accounting, Computer and Information Technology, Economics and Finance, and Management and Marketing. The College of Business also works closely with the Delta Center for Economic Development and the Small Business and Technology Development Center.
“Jim has a wealth of institutional knowledge that will serve him well in his new position. He is respected throughout the local financial community and among professional financial organizations across the nation. He is an excellent teacher and has mentored many students who have gone on to prominent positions with international organizations. The faculty of the College of Business hold Dr. Washam in high regard,” said Frey.
Interim provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Lynita Cooksey said Friday, "Dr. Washam will be a great addition to our leadership team. He joins a group of peers who understand the current landscape of higher education and who are poised to help elevate the status of Arkansas State University."
Washam joined the ASU faculty in 1987 and has also served as chairman of the Department of Economics and Finance as well as the Department of Accounting, Finance and Law. He is a frequent speaker at national conferences and conducts treasury management seminars throughout North America.
His seminars have attracted participants from leading organizations including Hilton Hotels, JP Morgan Chase, Sprint, MasterCard International, Bank of Montreal, Metavante, Google, Harvard, Tiffany and Company, Columbia University, General Electric, and NASCAR. Washam has also developed customized treasury management programs for Scotiabank, Proctor & Gamble, Fidelity National Information Services, Wells Fargo, eBay and the United Nations.
“I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for ASU and the College of Business,” said Dr. Washam. “During the upcoming academic year, our faculty will be refining our plans for the future. I look forward to taking a leadership role as we determine the best ways to serve our students and the business community.”
After completing his bachelors degree in Finance and his masters degree in Business Administration from Arkansas State University, Washam earned his Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Mississippi. His teaching specialties include working capital management and financial risk management.
A member of the Association for Finance Professionals (AFP), Washam also holds membership in the Financial Management Association (FMA), the Mid-South Association of Financial Professionals, Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) and the American Real Estate Society.
He is married to Jana Washam (ASU Alum 1987) and they have two children. Alex will be a freshman at ASU this fall and Rachel is a sophomore at Jonesboro High School.
