Wilkinson named dean of YSU Williamson College of Business Administration

Kelly Wilkinson, associate dean of the Scott College of Business at Indiana State University, has been named the new dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University.

“Dr. Wilkinson brings experience and a proven track record of success in higher education administration, which will be invaluable as we continue to implement our strategic plan,” said Brien Smith, YSU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “She will be an excellent match for the Williamson College and a strong asset to the college, university and community.

The appointment comes after a months-long national search led by Phyllis Paul, dean of YSU’s College of Creative Arts. Wilkinson, who will join YSU on Feb. 1, 2022, replaces Betty Jo Licata, who retires this months after nearly 27 years as dean.

“I am honored to serve the students, faculty, university and community as dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration,” Wilkinson said. “The college plays such an important role in the Mahoning Valley and Ohio, preparing career ready students as well as partnering with the community with innovative initiatives. I look forward to being a part of the community.”

Wilkinson earned a PhD in Business Education/Vocational Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1997, a master’s in Business Education from Arkansas State University in 1994 and a bachelors in Accounting in 1987, also from Arkansas State University.

She joined the faculty at Indiana State University in 2003, was named the director of the Center for Instruction, Research and Technology in 2008, chair of the department of Management, Information Systems and Business Education in 2014 and associate dean in 2016.

She previously was an assistant professor of Learning, Teaching and Curriculum at the University of Missouri and an assistant professor of Technology Support and Training at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She also worked as an accountant in Georgia and Arkansas.

Wilkinson boasts a long list of published academic articles and book chapters, regional and national scholarly presentations and university, community and professional leadership activities and awards.