Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University has announced the appointment of Amy Hietapelto as the new dean of its College of Business, with her tenure set to begin on July 16. Hietapelto joins EMU from the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), where she was dean of the Labovitz School of Business and Economics.

Hietapelto's career includes roles such as interim executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at UMD and previous positions at Northeastern Illinois University and Michigan Technological University. Rhonda Longworth, provost and executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at EMU, stated, “Dr. Hietapelto’s extensive background in academic leadership, strategic planning, and student success makes her an ideal choice to lead EMU’s College of Business.”

Hietapelto expressed enthusiasm about her new role: “During a time of significant challenges and opportunities for higher education, I am excited to continue that work at Eastern Michigan University.” She will focus on organizational planning, policy implementation, budgeting, program development, and serve as a liaison with various stakeholders.

Her achievements include leading accreditation efforts and revamping an MBA program that improved retention and graduation rates. She holds a Ph.D. in business administration from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and degrees from Michigan State University.

The search for Hietapelto was conducted nationally with assistance from Anthem Executive.

Eastern Michigan University is one of Michigan's oldest public universities, offering over 300 programs across various disciplines to nearly 13,000 students.