Long-Time Washington Foster Prof To Be School’s New Dean

The University of Washington Foster School of Business is about to get a new dean for the first time since 2005, as Frank Hodge has been tapped to take over in July 2019 from long-time Dean James Jiambalvo. File photo

The University of Washington’s Foster School of Business has a new dean for the first time in 13 years — and the school is trading one accounting prof for another. Frank Hodge has been named the next Orin and Janet Smith dean of the school, according to an announcement today (December 10) by the office of Provost Mark A. Richards. Hodge’s appointment is set to begin July 9, 2019, pending approval by the UW Board of Regents. He replaces current Dean James Jiambalvo, who has served since 2005.

Jiambalvo will return to the faculty as a professor of accounting, the department Hodge has chaired since 2013. But he has been involved in many other aspects of the university, as well, particularly in his role as the faculty athletics representative. Hodge’s areas of research include how managers disclose and individuals use accounting information to make decisions. He takes over a school ranked No. 21 in the United States by Poets&Quants and No. 22 by U.S. News & World Report. 

“Professor Hodge brings to the dean position an in-depth knowledge of and commitment to the mission and work of the Foster School of Business, as well as to its culture and operations,” Provost Richards said in the school’s announcement. “Throughout the search process, Professor Hodge discussed the need to advance innovation and diversity among faculty, staff and students.”

FOSTER ON THE RISE IN RANKINGS

Frank Hodge. UW Foster photo

The Foster School is the seventh-best public business school according to U.S. News, and the third-best according to Bloomberg Businessweek. The school’s MBA Class of 2020 is 125 students strong, with an average GMAT score of 696 and average GPA of 3.31. Women comprise 42% of the class, putting Foster in the upper echelons in terms of parity. The school also has a 99% placement rate three months after graduation.

Washington Foster climbed five places overall in the latest U.S. News ranking, and one place in Poets&Quants‘ ranking, as well as six spots in the latest Financial Times ranking (to 23rd) and seven spots, to 18th, according to The Economist.

“I am confident that Dr. Hodge will continue this momentum, while championing new opportunities for growth and distinction,” Richards said.

‘TRULY HONORED’ TO BE NEXT FOSTER DEAN

In Hodge’s role as the university’s faculty athletics representative, which he has filled since 2014, he “facilitates good relations between athletics and faculty and campus leaders, and monitors the well-being of student athletes, athletic and academic integrity, and compliance,” according to Richards’ announcement. Hodge also represents the school at the Pac-12 Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Academic performance of UW student-athletes is at an all-time high, according to Richards’ announcement.

Hodge earned his undergraduate degree from Carroll College in Montana. He received both his MBA and doctoral degrees from Indiana University before joining the faculty at the UW in 2000. Throughout his time at Washington Foster, Hodge “has embraced innovation and forged connections with business,” Richards said. “In response to increased demand for accounting students with data and analytics skills, Hodge initiated a complete curriculum update in the Master of Professional Accounting program,” which placed 97% of its graduates last year.

“Foster is one of the premier business schools in the world,” Hodge said in the news release. “I am proud to be a faculty member and truly honored to be its next dean. I am most excited to begin working with the wonderful people in the Foster community, both internal and external, to collaboratively explore ways to create futures and make a meaningful impact.”

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