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Tesa Leonce Named Associate Dean of Turner College

Turner College Dean Deb Kidder announced on July 3rd that economics professor Tesa Leonce has accepted an offer to serve as the Turner College’s Associate Dean.  In making the announcement, Kidder stated, “Dr. Leonce has been an invaluable member of our institution since 2014, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to our community.  Her dedication to academic excellence and commitment to the success of our students and faculty make her the ideal candidate for this important leadership role.”  Dr. Leonce holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Wyoming and a BBA in Finance and Computer Information Systems from Midwestern State University.  Her training in computer information systems will be an asset as she works closely with our business and computer science students and faculty.  In addition to her impressive academic background, Leonce has demonstrated her leadership abilities through various roles and responsibilities within the university.   She serves on the CTC Advisory Board, showcasing her aptitude for navigating the business and technology landscape.  She has also been recognized for her exceptional teaching skills, being named a finalist for both the CSU Service Award and the CSU Teaching Excellence Award.  Moreover, she has received multiple teaching grants, supervised student projects and independent studies, and served as the Curriculum Chair for Turner College.  Leonce is also an active scholar, which helped her earn promotion to professor last year.  Her most recent publications appear in Empirical Economics and Tourism Economics.  She also serves the profession through ad hoc reviewing and serving on the editorial board of Compensation & Benefits ReviewLeonce’s service to the university extends beyond her college and research contributions.  She has been actively involved in numerous committees and task forces, including the Return to Campus Taskforce, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, and the CSU Strategic Planning Steering Committee, among many others.  Most recently, she served as Secretary for the CSU Chairs Assembly as well as being a member of the CSU Innovation Task Force and the CSU Master Plan Steering Committee.  Her dedication to these initiatives showcases her commitment to the advancement of our institution.  “Her exceptional qualifications and outstanding service to the university make her the ideal choice for this position.  Please join me in congratulating her on this well-deserved appointment and thanking her for taking on this important leadership role,” Kidder added.  Leonce replaces accounting professor Fonda Carter, who stepped down from the role of Associate Dean in June in order to return to the accounting faculty.  With this latest move, the Turner College is now in need of a chairperson for the Department of Accounting and Finance, which is a position most recently held by Leonce.  Stay tuned to Turner Business for news on this position.

 

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