UMW hires new business college dean

The University of Mary Washington named a new College of Business dean, Filiz Tabak, who will start July 10 at the Fredericksburg university, in an announcement this week. She comes from Towson University in Maryland, where she was acting associate dean of its College of Business & Economics most recently.

Tabak succeeds interim Dean Ken Machande, who led the business college’s AACSB International accreditation effort in 2018 during his first stint as interim dean. He has served as the college’s associate dean since 2012. UMW progressed from offering business degrees to establishing the college of business in 2010.

Tabak earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental engineering and marine physics and chemistry at Istanbul Technical University and Istanbul University, respectively, and received an MBA from Turkey’s Bogazici University while working at Henkel AG & Co., the German multinational chemical and consumer goods company. Then, Tabak received her Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University’s College of Business Administration and became an assistant professor at Towson in 1995. She ultimately became a full professor and served as chair of the management department.

“I am excited about Dr. Tabak joining our leadership team,” UMW Provost Tim O’Donnell said in a statement. “She believes in our mission, is enthusiastic about our future, understands the important work that lies ahead and brings a range of knowledge, experience and a competitive drive that will benefit both the college and the larger university.”