Dr. Dale R. Funderburk has been named the interim dean of the College of Business and Technology.

Funderburk, who has been associated with A&M-Commerce since 1968, is filling the vacancy created with the retirement of Dr. Lee Schmidt. Funderburk’s appointment was effective Sept. 1. Funderburk is a professor of economics who received a bachelor’s degree from A&M-Commerce and master’s and doctoral degrees from Oklahoma State University.

Regarding the professor’s appointment to the post, A&M-Commerce President Keith D. McFarland said, “Dr. Dale Funderburk is one of the most respected individuals in the College of Business and Technology, and we know he will do an excellent job.”

Funderburk said he looks forward to the challenges in the job of interim dean. “I am honored that Dr. McFarland has provided me the opportunity to serve the University and the College of Business and Technology in this capacity. I look forward to working with our faculty and students as we move forward,” Funderburk commented. The new interim dean said he anticipates an “exciting, but busy year. Our top priorities will be to continue to offer quality undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of business and technology while at the same time continuing to expand our role in the areas of scholarly research and regional service.”

Funderburk added that he appreciated and respected Schmidt and the “outstanding” job that he had done during the past four years as dean and he was grateful that Schmidt “has agreed to make himself and his expertise available to me and to the College as we move ahead.”

Schmidt served as dean for four years and worked a total of 31 years in higher education. He and his wife will continue to live near Commerce.