UNH Today

Deborah Merrill-Sands will take over leadership of the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire. Provost Lisa MacFarlane announced that Merrill-Sands, a leading authority on women’s leadership and women’s workforce issues, has been appointed dean of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited college. She is currently dean of the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at Mills College.

“Deborah brings a great variety of experience across the public and private sectors, and has been committed to the interdisciplinary work and strong research we value at UNH throughout her career,” said MacFarlane. “Her expertise and leadership experience will help us to develop the strategic partnerships we need to expand opportunities for experiential learning, student internships and employment as well as strengthen the college’s research portfolio. I am delighted that she agreed to take the position and will soon be working to advance the full mission of both the college and the university in serving the needs of the state.”

MacFarlane also recognized alumnus Arnold Garron for his service as interim dean. Founder and executive director of APG Organizational Consulting, Garron brought his strong ties to the university as well as a distinguished career in the private sector to the position.

Merrill-Sands will begin her role March 23, 2015, after serving as dean of the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at Mills College in Oakland, Calif., for more than four years and as dean of the Simmons College School of Management in Boston from 2005-2010. At Mills she worked to develop the MBA program into a full-fledged graduate school of business and prepare its programs for AACSB accreditation. She expanded the faculty, launched new joint degree programs, revitalized the MBA curriculum and expanded the school’s external partnerships and employer relations.

Merrill-Sands lived in New Hampshire for 20 years before moving to California for her position at Mills College. She earned her MA and PhD in economic anthropology from Cornell University, and her BA from Hampshire College, where she currently serves as a member of its board of trustees. Merrill-Sands conducted research in the field of international development for 15 years before returning to academia. She is an authority on women and leadership and gender dynamics in the workplace. Her recent work has focused on the areas of ethics, corporate responsibility and sustainability.

“It will be a privilege to serve as the next dean of Paul College,” says Merrill-Sands. “With its strong faculty, dedicated staff, extraordinary teaching facility, high-quality students and breadth of external partnerships, the college is poised to move strategically to the next level of excellence, engagement and impact. I am eager to work with the faculty and all stakeholders to further refine the college’s areas of distinction in order to bring enhanced recognition to the college and the university. And on a personal note, I am inspired to return to New Hampshire and serve the state in a leadership role at its flagship business school.”