Catherine Carey, economics department chair for the WKU Gordon Ford College of Business, will serve as the college’s interim dean, effective July 1.

Carey replaced Jeffrey Katz, former GFCB dean, after he resigned and announced his decision to continue teaching in management and business. Katz announced his resignation on March 23, 2018, and it took effect on June 30. Carey will serve as interim dean for one year.

Provost David Lee said the search for the next official dean for GFCB has not started yet, but he said the incoming provost, Terry Ballman, will most likely start the search in the fall semester. Ballman will replace Lee as provost and vice president of academic affairs on Aug. 1.

Carey has been at WKU since 1992. She serves as director of the WKU Center for Applied Economics and holds a Dugas Family professorship. She received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Kentucky, according to the news release.

“I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to serve the Gordon Ford College of Business as we enter a new and exciting era in WKU’s history amid a challenging environment for higher education in Kentucky,” Carey said in the news release.

“Dr. Katz will be a hard act to follow, but the College has a strong leadership team, awesome faculty and staff, and impressive students. We will continue serving our community by providing an excellent applied business education and turning out students with degrees and skills that are in high demand.”

Nicole Ziege can be reached at 270-745-6011 and [email protected]. Follow Nicole Ziege on Twitter at @NicoleZiege.