Eastern Michigan University recently announced the appointment of Michael Tidwell as the new dean of the College of Business. Tidwell, currently serving as dean of the College of Business at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, brings both academic and personal experience he feels will prepare him for his position at EMU.
“EMU and Bloomsburg share a very common history,” Tidwell said.
Both public universities have long histories, and a legacy of educating future teachers, according to Tidwell. He also said the two schools share a similar student profile.
“The alumni base here will be very representative of the alumni at Bloomsburg,” he said.
Tidwell also spent time as the assistant dean of the Business School and associate professor of management at Clayton State University, near Atlanta, Georgia.
“EMU represents a lot of what Clayton State does,” Tidwell said.
He said both Clayton State and EMU excel at “connecting with the business community and maintaining those connections.”
Beyond his experiences in academics, Tidwell also feels his early life of growing up in southern California prepares him for life in Ypsilanti.
“I have a real heart for people who come from metropolitan areas,” he said.
Tidwell expressed admiration for EMU and his desire to start his new position.
“I’m excited about the opportunity and to work with the students at EMU,” Tidwell said.
He also praised the university’s “focus on training students, not just placing them.”
“EMU is working on several innovative projects. These are the types of things I enjoy,” he said.
Tidwell said he is looking forward to having a “strong team” of faculty and administration to work with.
Part of that team includes EMU Provost and Vice President Kim Schatzel, who Tidwell said has been a colleague for some time now.
Schatzel, in a statement released to the university, also spoke highly of Tidwell.
“Dean Tidwell distinguished himself through his strengths in fundraising and building relationships with the business and alumni community,” Schatzel said. “He is a very collaborative leader who will work effectively with the college’s faculty, staff and alumni to advance the college even further.”
Going forward, Tidwell said he plans to evaluate all the programs within the College of Business.
“Nobody’s perfect” he said. “We’ll tweak what needs to be tweaked and strengthen what needs to be strengthened.”
But, Tidwell said he doesn’t have specific changes planned out.
“All those things will happen on the ground” he said. “I don’t come with a plan other than working hard, and maintaining strong relationships with faculty and students.”
Tidwell’s appointment is effective July 1, subject to approval by the EMU Board of Regents.
