Jim Washam appointed dean of ASU’s Neil Griffin College of Business

Jim Washam has accepted an offer to become dean of the Neil Griffin College of Business at Arkansas State University, Provost Alan Utter said. The long-time Griffin College faculty member had been serving as the interim dean. He will take the permanent job on July 1.

“I am excited that Dr. Washam has agreed to be part of the academic affairs leadership team as our dean in the Neil Griffin College of Business,” Utter said. “I have enjoyed working with Dr. Washam as an interim dean over the last year. It is obvious to me that he is well-prepared to lead the college, prioritize teaching and student success, engage with the Jonesboro community and champion for the faculty in the Griffin College. I look forward to working with Dr. Washam in his new capacity.”

Washam said the opportunity humbled him.

“I would like to thank the search committee, the Griffin College faculty, Provost Utter, Chancellor [Kelly]  Damphousse, and President [Chuck] Welch for their confidence in me. I would also like to thank my wife Jana for her support and patience with me through the search process,” Washam said. “I look forward to working with our outstanding faculty, staff and community to pursue the opportunities that lie ahead. Together we will build a community of diverse learners, scholars and business professionals working in partnership to provide innovative solutions to problems faced by our communities.”

During Washam’s public presentation, he emphasized the Griffin College’s advantages through closer integration of its long-standing involvement with online degrees and its presence on Campus Queretaro in Mexico.

“We have always been a college that met its students where they are, with programs focused on helping them advance,” Washam said. “Serving our students here in Jonesboro and Queretaro, as well as across the nation, gives us an opportunity to build a unique, robust education that can open doors for all our students around the nation and world.”

Washam joined ASU as a finance instructor in 1989 and became an assistant professor in 1992. His teaching specialties include working capital management and financial risk management, and he has been considered an expert in treasury management. Promoted to associate professor of finance in 2000, Washam holds the McAdams Frierson Professorship of Bank Management.

Washam is a frequent speaker at national conferences and conducts treasury management seminars throughout North America. A member of the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), Washam also holds membership in the Financial Management Association (FMA), Mid-South Association of Financial Professionals and the American Risk & Insurance Association (ARIA).

Washam received his bachelor of science in finance from ASU in 1986 and his master of business administration the following year. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Mississippi in finance in 1993 and holds professional certifications in corporate treasury management (CTP) and corporate financial planning and analysis (FPAC).