Provost

I’m pleased to announce that Dr. Rich Gentry has accepted our offer to be the next Dean of the School of Business Administration. Subject to approval by the IHL Board of Trustees, he will start on July 1, 2026. 

Dr. Gentry is an accomplished entrepreneur, teacher, and academic scholar. He joined the university in 2010 and currently serves as the FNC Founder’s Chair in Entrepreneurship, Professor of Management, and Chair of the Management Department.

He built the Center for Innovative Entrepreneurship (CIE) with Dr. Clay Dibrell and continues to help students launch companies to bring their ideas to market as CIE co-director. An entrepreneur himself, he has the drive and ability to develop successful innovations that will enhance academic opportunities for students. 

Dr. Gentry has taught thousands of students entrepreneurship in Mississippi, Finland, Denmark, and Nigeria. He chaired the largest entrepreneurship education conference in the country in 2019, and Ole Miss has recognized him four times for his innovative approach to teaching.

As a scholar of entrepreneurship and CEO succession, he has presented his research nationally and internationally. His research has been published in top journals including the Academy of Management Journal, Strategic Management Journal, and the Journal of Management. Additionally, his research has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Harvard Business Review. 

Dr. Gentry built several of the school’s larger programs: the General Business program, whose online portion is now ranked #15 in the country by U.S. News & World Report; the entrepreneurship major; the entrepreneurship minor, among the largest minors in the university; and the business school’s study abroad programs. He has also contributed as a faculty affiliate of the Center for Manufacturing Excellence.

Dr. Gentry holds degrees from the University of Florida including a B.S. in Industrial Engineering, M.B.A. Finance, and Ph.D. Business Administration. His entrepreneurial spirit, track record of building programs, and work ethic will all serve the School of Business Administration and University well. 

I am thankful to Dr. Paul Johnson for serving as Interim Dean of the school since January 1, and to Dr. Mark Wilder for chairing the search committee. 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Gentry and thanking Dr. Johnson for his leadership.

Sincerely,
Noel

Noel E. Wilkin, Ph.D.
Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor, and Research Professor
The University of Mississippi
Office of the Provost
137 Lyceum Circle
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677-1848
U.S.A.
+1-662-915-5317
nwilkin@olemiss.edu | www.olemiss.edu