A business professor at the University of Tennessee has been selected to become the new dean of LSU’s business school.
Russell Crook is set to take over as dean of the E.J. Ourso College of Business, effective July 28, pending approval by the LSU Board of Supervisors, the university announced Monday.
Crook has been head of the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business since July 2022. He also serves as the First Horizon Foundation Distinguished Business Professor and Cheryl Massingale Business Faculty Scholar.
Crook has been on the Tennessee business school staff since 2007. During that time, he received multiple teaching and service awards from the school.
Crook said he is thrilled to join the LSU staff.
“Together, we will not only elevate the college to new heights in student success and thought leadership, but also enhance its role as a catalyst for economic growth and opportunity across the state of Louisiana,” he said in a statement.
He earned a bachelor’s in economics from Florida State University, a master’s in business administration from American University and a doctorate in strategic management from Florida State. Before he earned his doctorate, Crook worked for several Fortune 500 companies, including American Airlines, US Airways and IBM in strategic planning and global procurement.
Crook is a fellow and a former president of the Southern Management Association.
LSU President William F. Tate IV and Executive Vice President & Provost Roy Haggerty praised Crook’s background and abilities.
“His leadership skills, scholarly expertise and industry experience make him the ideal candidate to lead LSU’s distinguished E.J. Ourso College of Business,” Haggerty said in a statement.
Crook will replace Jared Llorens as dean of the business school. LSU officials said Llorens, who has served as dean since July 2020, will return to a faculty position at the school’s Department of Public Administration.