The University has announced plans to relaunch its search for a permanent dean of the School of Business.

Management professor Greg Reilly, who has filled the interim dean position for more than a year, will return to the faculty in mid-May, and OPIM professor Robert ‘Bob’ Day will take the top leadership post until a permanent dean is named.

“Executive level searches are, by nature, complex and often lengthy,’’ said Pamir Alpay, interim Provost, in a letter to employees and stakeholders on Wednesday. “Please know that this work has been undertaken with great care and with the long-term interests of the School at the forefront. It is essential that we take the time necessary to identify the right individual to lead the School into its next chapter.’’

The School of Business serves approximately 4,500 students, including more than 3,300 undergraduates, and more than 1,200 graduate students pursuing MBAs and specialized masters degrees.

“There is a great deal of important work happening across the School, and it is clear how much people care about its direction and future,’’ Alpay said.

‘We’re Not Going to Shrink; We’re Going to Grow’

Day, a former associate dean in the School of Business and a professor in the operations and information management department, said his top priorities will include preparing for the AACSB accreditation visit in November and implementing the university’s new budget transformation initiative.

From an academic viewpoint, Day said he is excited about enhancing artificial intelligence education in business, continuing to grow experiential learning, and expanding access for the growing number of students interested in business. He is committed to student retention, recruiting domestically and abroad, and supporting innovative programs on the regional campuses.

“We’ve had some challenges, but at the School of Business we’re in a good position,’’ Day said. “Our programs are in high demand because they are very good, they are transformative, and they deliver value. The people who work here want to be part of a team that does great things.’’

“We’re not going to shrink, we’re going to grow,’’ he said. “We are very proud of what we do here, what we teach, what our students learn, and the career-focused experiences they have.’’

Day said since his tenure as an associate dean for undergraduate programs, from 2017 to 2022, he has become increasingly involved in university-wide initiatives. He currently serves as the Chair of UConn’s Senate Executive Committee, where he meets regularly with top university leadership and all the deans. He is active in the university AI Governance Committee, helping to form a soon-to-launch AI Council, has served on key hiring committees, and was active in the formation of the Senate’s new university-wide Common Curriculum. Those experiences have given him a broader connection to the university and enhanced his ability to unite people from varied academic backgrounds.

Reilly Celebrates Team Momentum

The dean position became available in early 2025 when longtime dean John A. Elliott stepped aside. Reilly stepped in to lead the school and strengthened its engagement with corporate partners and alumni, advanced key program initiatives, and expanded experiential and employer-connected learning opportunities for students, Alpay said.

Reilly described the assignment as a privilege, saying he has been deeply grateful to work alongside committed and talented faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and is proud of the collective momentum that they established.

“As the School enters its next phase, I am confident that this strong foundation will continue to grow,’’ said Reilly, who will return to the faculty at the end of the semester.

“I want to thank Greg for his leadership and contributions during this period and for his continued commitment to the School and the University,’’ Alpay said. The Provost will hold a town hall in coming weeks to discuss plans in greater detail.