University names campus dean for business school

SARASOTA — Jean Kabongo was named the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus dean for the USF Muma College of Business.

Kabongo, a professor of strategic management and entrepreneurship, joined the faculty as an assistant professor in 2010, according to a press release. 

Campus dean positions, established as part of the consolidation of the three USF campuses that took effect July 1, are responsible for the delivery of academic programs on their specific campus. College deans have university-wide oversight responsibility for all three campuses.

Students selected Kabongo as the recipient of the campus’ Outstanding Professor Award four times since fall 2015. He also received an Excellence in Teaching Award from his colleagues during the 2014-15 academic year.

“It is a great honor to have been appointed as the Muma College of Business campus dean at Sarasota-Manatee under One USF to succeed Dean Becker,” says Kabongo in a statement. 

Kabongo partnered with Jessica Grosholz, associate professor of criminology at USF Sarasota-Manatee, to develop and deliver an entrepreneurship program for inmates at Hardee Correctional Institution. His current research focuses on the analysis and promotion of sustainable practices in organizations, sustainable entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education in developing economies.

“Dr. Kabongo has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities during his time at USF," says Muma College of Business Dean Moez Limayem in a statement. "He understands the needs of our students as well as the business community in the Sarasota-Manatee region and beyond.”

The University of South Florida serves more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee.