To further solidify one of its key strengths, Villanova University’s School of Business has hired Joyce E.A. Russell as its new dean, writes Dan Norton for Philadelphia Business Journal.

Russell’s specialty is in professional development, the undergraduate program Bloomberg recently ranked as best in the country, as 98.4 percent of its graduates are placed into jobs with an average starting salary of $60,000.

Russell, the former senior associate dean of the University of Maryland, commented that during her tenure she will further reinforce this advantage for Villanova, while remaining as directly involved with students as she can.

“I don’t have to teach, but I really enjoy teaching,” she said. “I’ve always felt like it’s important to be connected to students.”

Russell was hired from a pool of nearly 400 candidates and is the first female dean of Villanova’s business school.

“We’re focusing like a laser beam on outcomes,” noted former dean, Patrick Maggitti. “She has a deep knowledge of curricular issues and she’s got great ideas around mentoring and executive coaching.”

Read more about the new hire in the Philadelphia Business Journal by clicking here.