Stephen F. Austin State University Names Dr. Jason Reese Dean of Nelson Rusche College of Business
By PAULA JIMENEZ
“His career reflects a strong commitment to faculty development, student achievement, and institutional advancement.”
Dr. Jordan Barkley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at SFA
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Stephen F. Austin State University has announced the appointment of Dr. Jason Reese as the permanent dean of the Nelson Rusche College of Business, effective May 1. Dr. Reese assumes the role after serving as interim dean for the past year, following the departure of Dr. Tim Bisping, who now leads the College of Business at the University of Central Arkansas.
“I am incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to lead the Nelson Rusche College of Business forward during such an exciting time at SFA,” Reese said. “We have tremendous momentum across the university and within the college, and I look forward to building on that success by continuing to focus on student success, academic innovation, and building meaningful community partnerships.”
With more than a decade of academic and administrative leadership, Dr. Reese began his higher education career at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2011 before joining SFA’s faculty in 2014. Since then, he has held numerous key positions, including assistant professor, associate professor, professor, assistant department chair for the Department of Management and Marketing, director of the MBA program, associate dean, and, most recently, interim dean.
Throughout his tenure at SFA, Dr. Reese has championed initiatives centered on student achievement, curricular innovation, and strategic partnerships. Notably, he worked with the Division of University Advancement and other leaders to secure over $17 million in gifts and commitments, strengthening the college’s external engagement and resources. He has also steered the college’s continuous efforts toward AACSB accreditation and led important conversations on college innovation, organizational restructuring, student affairs, and long-term planning.
Under Dr. Reese’s direction, the college has grown opportunities for students, launching and enhancing academic programs such as the Bachelor of Business Administration in sports business and entrepreneurship—both designed to bolster career readiness and workforce competitiveness. He also supported to increase professional development funding for faculty and launched a first-year startup initiative to further enhance faculty teaching and research efforts. Dr. Reese is guiding preparations for the college’s planned 2026 academic reorganization, which will integrate SFA’s hospitality administration program into the college, and is currently overseeing a 13% increase in Rusche College of Business student enrollment for the 2025-26 academic year.
A respected scholar and educator, Dr. Reese has authored over 30 publications, delivered more than 60 professional presentations, and made significant service contributions to both the university and his discipline.
“Following a comprehensive review of feedback from faculty, staff, and external stakeholders regarding both his leadership as interim dean and his vision for the future of the college, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Reese as dean,” said Dr. Jordan Barkley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at SFA. “His career reflects a strong commitment to faculty development, student achievement, and institutional advancement, and my leadership team and I are thrilled to have him officially join us as we look to the 2026-27 academic year.”
Courtesy photo Stephen F. Austin
