Texas Tech has named a new dean of the Rawls College of Business.

Lance Nail comes to Texas Tech from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he served as the dean of the USM College of Business since July 2008.

While at USM, Nail restructured the college’s internal and external relations, increased private giving, and directed a revamping of the college’s undergraduate and graduate curricula.

Nail also implemented a five-year strategic plan, which included the construction of a new building for the college. USM broke ground on the new building last month.

“Obviously, I’m honored to serve in this role,” said Nail. “The Rawls College is a gem and that’s what attracted me…When I visited, I noticed the morale and collegiality of the faculty and staff, which lends to a very positive environment where everyone is working together with a common mission of advancing business knowledge and education.”

Texas Tech Provost Bob Smith discussed Nail, saying “His background, experience, and notable record of accomplishments will all be tremendous assets to the Rawls College and we are excited to place the college in his hands.”

Nail graduated from the University of Alabama in 1989, and earned his Ph.D. in finance at the University of Georgia in 1996. He is in his final year serving as the editor of the Elsevier journal International Review of Financial Analysis, a position which Nail has held for six years.

Nail is taking over for Allen McInnes, who served as the Rawls College of Business dean for 10 years.

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