Leadership Update: School of Economics and Business Administration

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to share that Donald E. Gibson, PhD, will be departing Saint Mary’s College and his role as Dean of the School of Economics and Business Administration (SEBA). His last day at the College will be May 29.

Since joining Saint Mary’s in June 2024, Dean Gibson has provided thoughtful leadership in advancing SEBA’s academic programs and strengthening connections between the School and the broader business community. Among his many contributions, he spearheaded an initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into the classroom, helping equip both faculty and students to engage thoughtfully and ethically with emerging technologies in their work and learning.

Dean Gibson also inaugurated the Dean’s Executive Speaker Series, bringing accomplished business leaders to campus for conversations with our students. He supported the continued growth of the Entrepreneurship program, including the re-launch of the Gaels Ignite Startup Pitch Competition and student entrepreneurship club, and led AACSB continuing accreditation efforts. 

During his tenure, Dean Gibson worked to strengthen the SEBA student community by establishing a new Dean’s Student Advisory Council, expanding participation in student clubs—including new organizations focused on Latinx business leadership and real estate—and launching an annual Student Awards Ceremony to celebrate student achievement.

With Associate Dean Aksu and the SEBA faculty, he also oversaw important refinements to undergraduate majors and helped sustain and grow enrollment across SEBA’s graduate programs, while expanding the School’s Advisory Board to create new opportunities for corporate partnerships and engagement.

Following his departure from Saint Mary’s, Dean Gibson and his wife will be returning to the East Coast to rejoin their family and pursue new professional opportunities. Please join me in thanking Dean Gibson for his service to the College and in wishing him all the best in the next chapter of his career.

In the coming weeks, I will share additional information regarding interim leadership for SEBA and next steps as we begin planning for the School’s future leadership.

Sincerely,

Carol Ann Gittens, PhD, MBA
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost