Saint Mary’s College Introduces Donald Gibson as New Dean of School of Economics and Business Administration

In coming to Saint Mary's, he says, “I’m drawn to the School’s emphasis on developing students as business leaders who care.” He recently served as at Manhattan College as Dean and Professor of Management and Marketing at the O'Malley School of Business.

by Office of Marketing & Communications | February 26, 2024

Donald E. Gibson, PhD, has been named as the new Dean of the School of Economics and Business Administration (SEBA) at Saint Mary's College of California. He will begin his new post on June 1, 2024. SMC's Executive Vice President and Provost, Corey Cook, made the announcement in a February 20 message to the Saint Mary's campus community.

Gibson has a demonstrable record of successful leadership in achieving strategic goals, developing institutional and corporate partnerships, and cultivating philanthropic giving. He joins Saint Mary’s after serving at Manhattan College as Dean and Professor of Management and Marketing at the O'Malley School of Business. 

His many accomplishments there include leading a faculty strategy task force to develop new mission and vision statements for the school; working closely with the president and advancement colleagues to raise funds to enhance faculty, facilities, and programs, including the celebration of a $25 million naming gift for the school at the beginning of his tenure as dean; and contributing to enrollment growth with a 33% increase in first-year and transfer students in 2022. His colleagues at Manhattan describe him as an innovative and collaborative leader.

Gibson previously served in leadership roles as vice provost for academic affairs and dean of the Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University. His research examines emotions in the workplace, mentoring and role modeling, and conflict management. He has articles published in a range of leading journals, including Organization Science, Journal of Management, Academy of Management Perspectives, Journal of Business Ethics, and a book for practicing managers, Managing Anger in the Workplace. 

“In these turbulent economic times, society needs ethical, tech-savvy business leaders more than ever before,” says Donald Gibson. “SEBA's combination of liberal arts excellence with cutting-edge business skills is precisely what's needed for today's jobs and careers.”

He offered some insight as to why he’s looking forward to joining Saint Mary’s. “I’m really excited to be part of the Saint Mary's SEBA community of faculty scholars, energetic staff, and inquisitive, curious students. I'm drawn to the School's emphasis on developing students as business leaders who care. In these turbulent economic times, society needs ethical, tech-savvy business leaders more than ever before. SEBA's combination of liberal arts excellence with cutting-edge business skills is precisely what's needed for today's jobs and careers.”

A values-driven educator and leader committed to student success, and to ongoing engagement with faculty, staff, and students, Gibson joins Saint Mary’s at a pivotal time for SEBA. He is expected to build upon the recent work of Natasha Munshi, PhD, who served as interim dean. 

Gibson plans to visit the Saint Mary's campus in April, in advance of his permanent arrival in June. 


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