Timothy Wilkinson was appointed as the new dean of Whitworth’s School of Global Commerce and Management on April 20. Wilkinson is the former interim dean of the College of Business at Montana State University.

Wilkinson will serve as dean for undergraduate majors in accounting, economics, business, international business and marketing. He will also be in charge of activating the community advisory board for the school in the fall. Senior Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Barbara Sanders said she thinks Wilkinson is a good match for Whitworth.

“He’s well qualified for the position and a strong Christian man,” Sanders said. “He has a history of proven leadership at his current institution and strong interpersonal skills. We are very excited and feel he is a good fit for the school.”

The search for a new dean was conducted on a national level through a private search firm. Faculty members who were in charge of choosing Wilkinson included Beck Taylor, Barb Sanders, Craig Hinnenkamp, John Hengesh and Heather Rogers.

Wilkinson worked as an associate director of the Institute for Global Business at the University of Akron and is a member of the Academy of International Business. Sanders said she thinks he will be able to bring his global expertise to the campus.

“Wilkinson has traveled a lot internationally and recruited international students to his current campus,” Sanders said. “I think his understanding of global business markets and travel experience will be beneficial. I am excited about his international connections that he can bring to us.”

Wilkinson has taught undergraduate courses in consumer behavior, market research, principles of marketing and entrepreneurial marketing.

Wilkinson will also help Whitworth in its attempt to ascertain accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

The AACSB would connect Whitworth with peer educators and institutions worldwide. Accreditation would consist of a long process that includes self-evaluations, peer-reviews, committee-reviews and the development of in-depth strategic plans for curriculum.

Wilkinson has experience with the AACSB and helped Montana State with the process of accreditation. Sanders said his experience will be beneficial when and if Whitworth decides to apply.

“He has strong [experience with] AACSB accreditation,” Sanders said. “He has worked with his current institution to take them through the AACSB program.”

Benefits of the program include the assurance that programs for students include relevant material and an allowance for a school to access funding.

Wilkinson has received many grants and awards for his work both on campuses and internationally.

He received the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs Research Award from Boise State University in 1997. Wilkinson also received a grant for Research and Creative Activities from Online Advertising in Romania in 2008.

Wilkinson’s bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming and Ph.D. from the University of Utah were just the beginning of his extensive career. Wilkinson is expected to be seen on campus beginning fall 2012.

Contact Sandra Tully at [email protected].