Illinois State University’s College of Business Dean Ajay Samant to Conclude Tenure, Return to Faculty in 2026
NORMAL, IL – After a distinguished decade of leadership, Dr. Ajay Samant will step down as Dean of Illinois State University’s College of Business on December 31, 2026, transitioning back to a faculty role within the institution. Since assuming the deanship on July 1, 2016, Dr. Samant has been instrumental in elevating the college’s academic standing, global presence, and engagement with key stakeholders.
Under Dr. Samant’s stewardship, the College of Business has experienced significant growth and achievement. His tenure is marked by a resolute commitment to strengthening academic programs, expanding experiential learning opportunities for students, and fostering robust connections with alumni, donors, and business partners worldwide.
"Ajay has provided a decade of leadership and service to the College of Business and Illinois State University," remarked Ani Yazedjian, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. "During his tenure, the college has strengthened its academic programs, expanded opportunities for students, and continued to build important connections with alumni, donors, and business partners. I appreciate his service to the students, faculty, and staff at Illinois State and wish him all the best as he begins this next chapter as a member of the faculty."
A cornerstone of Samant’s leadership was the successful maintenance of the prestigious AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting, achieved in 2017 and reaffirmed in 2022. This dual accreditation, a distinction held by fewer than 2% of business schools globally, underscores the college’s unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, curriculum development, faculty scholarship, and student outcomes. This rigorous evaluation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is a testament to the high quality and impact of the college’s programs.
Beyond accreditation, the college significantly expanded its academic portfolio under Samant’s guidance. Master’s programs in business administration, accounting, and marketing analytics were awarded STEM designation, reflecting their growing emphasis on analytical and technical skills. Furthermore, the college broadened its international reach by launching an undergraduate major in international business in Panama City, Panama, providing students with unique global perspectives and opportunities.
Experiential learning also flourished during this period, with a concerted effort to provide students with practical, real-world experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting. This included an expansion of internship placements, study abroad programs, student-led consulting projects, and various professional development initiatives designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary for success in a dynamic global marketplace.
Reflecting on his time as dean, Dr. Samant expressed his gratitude, stating, "It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as dean of the Illinois State University College of Business for a decade. I want to thank our wonderful staff and faculty for their ongoing collegiality and dedication, and the visionary donors who have contributed generously to support student success. Finally, I want to commend our students who made a wise choice to join the College of Business and wish them the best in their professional careers."
Prior to joining Illinois State in 2016, Dr. Samant brought a wealth of experience from his previous roles. He served for five years as dean of the Coggin College of Business at the University of North Florida. Before that, his career at Western Michigan University included leadership positions as interim dean, associate dean, and chair of the Department of Finance and Commercial Law.
As Dr. Samant prepares for his transition, the University has announced that an interim dean will be appointed to begin service on January 1, 2027. A comprehensive national search for the next permanent dean of the College of Business is slated to commence this fall. The university community anticipates a smooth transition as it seeks to build upon the strong foundation laid by Dean Samant and continue the college’s trajectory of excellence. The official announcement regarding Dr. Samant’s conclusion of service can be found on the university’s news page.
