Meet the new deans of Baylor’s Graduate School and Hankamer School of Business
Baylor is welcoming not one, but two new deans this summer, following the retirement of longtime Graduate School Dean Larry Lyon (BA ’71) and the hiring of Hankamer School of Business Dean Sandeep Mazumder as president of Berry College.
The new dean of the Baylor Graduate School is Dr. Michael E. Young, previously a professor and graduate program director at Kansas State. A cognitive psychologist with research interests in AI and decision-making, Young’s began his career as a computer scientist working for the Army Corps of Engineers, Procter & Gamble and Hewlett-Packard before returning to academia. His experience at Kansas State included leading the Department of Psychological Sciences and serving as Graduate School Faculty Associate.
“Dr. Young brings strong leadership experience to Baylor,” says Provost Nancy Brickhouse (BA ’82). “His commitment to very high-quality research, his sophisticated approach to data, his integrity in decision-making, and his leadership experience will serve Baylor well as we continue to strengthen graduate education. He is, as well, a particularly strong fit with our Christian mission. I have no doubt Dr. Young will serve Baylor well.”
“I’m so thrilled to join Baylor University’s Graduate School,” adds Young (pictured above left). “A hallmark of Baylor graduate education is the pursuit of excellence in our understanding of God’s creation in all its wonders and colors. I’m looking forward to working with the Graduate School staff as we build on the incredible legacy of Dean Lyon. The work continues — the higher education landscape evolves, and we must respond while staying true to Baylor’s mission.”
The Hankamer School of Business is now under the leadership of Dr. David M. Szymanski, a seasoned academic and administrator who previously served as president of the University of North Florida and as dean of the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business. His move to Waco is actually a return to the Lone Star State, where Szymanski taught at Texas A&M’s Mays Business School from 1987-2010 before moving to UC and then UNF.
“I am excited to welcome David Szymanski to Baylor,” Brickhouse said during the announcement. “He brings incredible leadership experience and expertise that will enable us to reach new heights as a Christian research university. He is eager to get to work on elevating undergraduate teaching, enhancing corporate relationships, building graduate programs and raising the academic reputation of Hankamer School of Business — and I am eager to both support and partner with him on these efforts.”
“This opportunity to enhance the already impressive national and international reputation of our outstanding students, faculty and staff is one that I hold dear, especially because of the school’s Christian-centered mission, which is the foundation of all our efforts,” says Szymanski (pictured above right). “I look forward to working closely with our alumni, institutional leaders and community partners as we uphold our spiritual commitment to shine the light on all our endeavors in Christ’s name, making the Hankamer School of Business the premier destination for exceptional students, faculty and business partners.”
Sic ’em, Deans Young and Szymanski!