Dr. John Kooti, dean of the John L. Grove College of Business, has been named Beta Gamma Sigma 2021 Dean of the Year. Issued by the international business honor society for AACSB-accredited schools, this award recognizes one outstanding dean who has made significant contributions to the organization and its missions.
Dr. Allison Watts, associate professor of management and marketing, is the advisor for Ship’s Beta Gamma Sigma chapter and nominated Kooti for the prestigious award. He was selected as the 2021 winner out of more than 615 universities in 38 countries.
“Dean Kooti has always been committed to ensuring our students have a high-quality academic experience. Under his leadership our programs have received national recognition and our graduates have excelled in their profession and served their communities,” explained Watts.
He is in his eleventh year at Ship and under his leadership the college has been ranked by both US News & World Report and the Princeton Review. He heads the College Advisory Board, Finance Council and Supply Chain Council, which includes alumni, local business leaders and friends of the university in an effort to enhance programs, improve student engagement and retention and offer professional experiences for students.
“Without question Dean Kooti is a very worthwhile recipient of the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma Dean of the Year Award. He is committed to academic excellence, a valued member of the Academic Affairs leadership team, a person of integrity and a leader who always puts students first,” said Dr. Tom Ormond, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
His commitment to student success is most evident in the college’s job placement data, with 90 percent of students finding employment within three months of graduation.
“It is an honor to be recognized by BGS on behalf of our students, faculty and staff. It is all about the success of our students through our collective efforts,” said Kooti.
