It has been announced that Michael Tidwell, dean of the College of Business at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, has been named the new dean of the College of Business at Eastern Michigan University. The current dean, David Mielke, will be stepping down in July after eight years in the position.

Tidwell was chosen from a pool of applicants from around the country and was offered the job after participating in interviews and open forums on campus as one of four finalists for the position.

“I’m excited and honored to accept this opportunity at Eastern Michigan University,” Tidwell said in a statement. “EMU’s College of Business has an excellent reputation, distinctive curriculum and programs, such as Ethos Week, and faculty who enjoy an exceptional relationship with students. I’m looking forward to leading the college and working with President Martin, Provost Schatzel and their university team.”

In a statement released by the university, EMU President Susan Martin said, “We are delighted to welcome Michael Tidwell to Eastern Michigan. We are proud of our business school and its global mission, and I’m confident Michael will continue its excellence and vibrant growth. I also want to thank Dean Mielke for his leadership and vision over the last eight years.”

Tidwell has been the dean at Bloomsburg’s College of Business since 2010. His annual salary at EMU will be $195,000, far below the national average of $290,700, according to an annual survey by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources.

Tidwell, originally from southern California, earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and master’s and doctoral degrees from Washington State University.

Tidwell brings to the position teaching and administrative experience from various colleges and universities, as well as experience outside the world of academia, as an assistant product manager in the marketing department of Epson America, and as a management consultant.