Joyce Russell is leaving her position as William O’Toole dean of the Villanova School of Business when she completes her tenure in May 2023.

She has led the business school for seven years, writes Rachel Ravina for Philadelphia Business Journal.

Russell will stay at Villanova, transitioning to dean emeritus, teaching in the business school’s department of management and operations.

“I’m energized to spend more time teaching our undergraduate, graduate, and executive students and working on research projects with companies and business boards,” Russell said in a statement.

The university is launching a nationwide search for her replacement as dean of the school. Provost  Patrick Maggitti, who preceded her as dean, is leading the search committee.

During her tenure, Russell has launched an office of diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.  Russell prioritized fundraising and upgrades of classrooms, labs, and study areas.

 U.S. News & World Report ranked the part-time MBA program at Villanova School of Business at No. 44 in the nation, higher than any part-time program in the Philadelphia area.

Another study ranks the program15th in return on graduate investment.

Read more at the Philadelphia Business Journal about Joyce Russell stepping down as dean at the Villanova University School of Business.

Joyce E.A. Russell, Ph.D., reflects on her time as dean of the Villanova College of Business.