Jackie Rees Ulmer to step down as College of Business dean, Katie Hartman to serve as interim dean

Jackie Rees Ulmer will step down as dean of Ohio University’s College of Business in June 2026 after 5 ½ years in the role and return to teaching. Katie Hartman will serve as interim dean starting on July 1, 2026, while a national search for the next permanent dean is conducted.

Under Rees Ulmer’s leadership, the College of Business experienced strong undergraduate enrollment growth, launched a fully accredited online bachelor of science in business degree, created the Applied Finance Center, established a dedicated Executive Education unit, and received significant philanthropic support for experiential learning. 

As vice provost for faculty development, Hartman designed and launched a university-wide faculty development framework and the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment. She also has been instrumental in leading many components of our Advance Ohio Higher Education Act compliance. A professor of marketing who joined the College of Business in 2012, she served as Marketing Department chair for four years. She helped lead the development of OHIO’s BRICKS general education program.

“I want to thank Dean Rees Ulmer’s for her leadership of the College of Business,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Donald J. Leo. “I am looking forward to continuing the college’s strong momentum and working with Dr. Hartman while we search for the next dean.” 

EVPP Leo will launch a national search for the permanent College of Business dean this semester. WittKieffer will support the search, and its representatives will conduct listening sessions with College of Business leadership, faculty and alumni this semester. The Faculty Handbook process for electing faculty to serve on the search committee will begin this week, and the search committee will be formed after spring break.