Volume 8, Number 2, 1999


B&E dean dies

Dana J. Johnson, dean of the College of Business and Economics, died Feb. 18 after serving for three and a half years as head of the college.

Kenneth R. Biederman has been named interim dean of the College of Business and Economics until a national search can be conducted.

Biederman, professor of finance, served as dean of the college from 1990-96. A search committee for the new permanent dean will be created later this spring.

While at the University, Dean Johnson oversaw the construction of MBNA America Hall and renovation of Purnell Hall, homes of the college; the receipt of a gift of $1 million to the college by Chaplin Tyler of Hockessin, Del.; and the establishment of the Edgar S. Woolard Jr. Chair of Corporate Government, in honor of the former DuPont Co. leader.

"Dana Johnson contributed greatly to the University and the College of Business and Economics through her unique combination of knowledge, leadership, professionalism and enthusiasm," UD President David P. Roselle said. "Her forthright manner and her commitment to education won the University--and her college--many friends and supporters and increased the visibility of both in professional circles. She will be greatly missed."

"In her short tenure, she initiated significant changes to unite the interests of the college with that of our alumni, friends and the corporate community," Biederman said. "Her leadership, dynamism and commitment to excellence are a great loss to the college and business education,"

After stepping down from the deanship in 1996, Biederman directed the London Semester Abroad program and taught undergraduate courses in fianance. Last fall, he taught in the UD Executive MBA Program.

Before coming to Delaware in 1990, Biederman was chairman and CEO of Westchester Financial Services Corp., which
was acquired by Marine Midland Bank.