History
A history of forward thinking.
For decades, classes in business, economics and accounting were taught at NC State through the Department of Economics and Business.
By the 1980s, that lone department was graduating more NC State students than any other, which highlighted an opportunity for a new college to be created in its place. In 1990, a committee was formed to explore that possibility.
Two years later, in September 1992, “College of Management” was carved into the granite above the front doors of Nelson Hall, and NC State’s tenth college was born. From the beginning, it was deeply rooted in the university’s strengths in STEM and other practical fields.
1990
A committee forms to assess the feasibility of a new college at NC State.
1992
The College of Management is established.
1993
Richard Lewis becomes the college’s first full-time dean.
1999
Jon Bartley becomes the college’s second dean.
2000
The college is accredited by the AACSB.
2002
The Master of Business Administration degree is created.
2004
Ira Weiss becomes the college’s third dean.
2007
Ben Jenkins III endows the college’s graduate programs.
2010
Lonnie and Carol Poole endow the Poole College of Management.
2014
Steve and Judy Zelnak endow the dean’s chair.
2016
Annette L. Ranft becomes the college’s fourth dean, serving through July 2018. Frank Buckless, associate dean for faculty and academic affairs and KPMG Professor of Accounting, is named interim dean effective August 1, 2018.
2017
The Poole College of Management celebrates its 25th anniversary.