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About JMSB Business Division

John Massey School of Business

Brief History  

The JMSB Business Division at SE received initial AACSB accreditation in 2008, and reaffirmation in 2013, and 2018. Prior to AACSB accreditation, accreditation was achieved with ACBSP in 2000. Founded as a self-standing School in 1973, the School of Business has a rich history at SE, with a Business Department added in 1918, just nine years after the founding of the University. Key historical milestones for the School as it relates to the Business Division include:

  • 1918: A Business Department was added in Spring at Southeastern Normal. Miss Markel was named as the Head of the Department. “A thorough course is offered in bookkeeping, typewriting and shorthand. The room for this department is well furnished with every convenience for the work, containing [ten] new Smith Premier typewriters, tables and easy chairs.” The school “links business and school life closer together, making a wider selection of elective courses and giving pupils business opportunities at a minimum cost” (Yearbook 1918).
  • 1949: Mr. H. L. Palmer served as the Head of the Department of Commerce.
  • 1964: Dr. Linnie Ruth Hall named Business Department Head serving  until 1973, having taught business education at SE for the previous 22 years. One of her star students was John Massey.
  • 1968: Regents for Higher Education designated SE as an “Area Community College adding new majors in business, technology, aviation and others”  (David L. Norris, Southeastern  Since 1909, Vol. 1, 1986).
  • 1973: Founding Dean of the School of Business and Industry appointed.  Dr. C. Henry Gold named by president, Dr. Leon Hibbs (Oklahoma Higher Education Historical Society). Dr. Gold assumed additional title of Dean of Academic Affairs in 1986.
  • 1977: Master of Administrative Studies (MAS) approved by Regents.
  • 1987: Academic Schools were organized by new president, Dr. Larry Williams. Dr. Austin Hamilton named Dean of the School of Business serving until 1990.
  • 1990: Dr. Richard Buckles named Dean of the School of Business, serving until 1993. Dr. Joe Wiley, VPAA, served as Interim Dean from 1993-1994.
  • 1995: Dr. Robert Masters, named Dean of the School of Business, serving until 2000.
  • 1997: MBA approved by Regents.
  • 2000: ACBSP Accreditation (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs).
  • 2000s: John Massey and Massey Family Foundation endow seven chairs and two professorships in the School of Business.
      • John Massey Chair in Finance
      • John Massey Chair in Accounting
      • John Massey Chair in Business
      • John Massey Chair in Management
      • John Massey Chair in Marketing
      • John Massey Chair in Entrepreneurship
      • John Massey Chair in Business
      • John Massey Professor in Business
      • Kay Massey Professor in Business
  • 2001:  Dr. Walter Gaster named Dean of the School of Business serving until 2011. From 2011-2019 School Deans were replaced with an Executive Dean for Academic Affairs.
  • 2005: John Massey School of Business named in honor of Mr. Massey, formally dedicated in 2006.
  • 2008: Accreditation achieved with Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the premier accreditation for business schools.

Business Division Purpose

The JMSB Business Division dynamically transforms lives and organizations, and positively influences the well-being of society.

Business Division Vision 

Engaging all stakeholders, the JMSB Business Division will be recognized for outstanding and innovative business education opportunities that transform lives, organizations, and the communities we serve.

Business Division Mission 

The JMSB Business Division engages all stakeholders to prepare a diverse population of learners for meaningful careers and lives through AACSB accredited, innovative and affordable business education, real-world research, and positive societal impact.

Business Division Values 

Excellence: We strive to meet high standards and are committed to continuous improvement in all areas of academics. research, and service, and encourage our stakeholders to be the best version of themselves.

Integrity: We communicate clearly and consistently with all stakeholders and hold ourselves accountable to encourage a sense of conscious capitalism and personal responsibility to all we serve.

Unity: We are committed to fulfilling our mission and vision through collaboration and collegiality while treating all members of the JMSB community with respect and dignity.

Innovation: Through innovative programs and research, we seek to promote a problem solving mindset in all stakeholders that creates lifelong learners who are resilient, resourceful, and solutions oriented