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.

2017

The Poole College of Management celebrates its 25th anniversary.

2019

Frank Buckless, associate dean for faculty and academic affairs and KPMG Professor of Accounting, is named dean effective July 1, 2019.

2020

The Poole College of Management Launches the Business Analytics Initiative (BAI).

2021

The Poole College of Management launches the online Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA) program.

2022

The Poole College of Management launches the online Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program.

Poole Timeline: Look Back on 30 Years of Poole

As we celebrate our 30-year anniversary, we’re reflecting on the important milestones and achievements that underpin the rising reputation of the Poole College of Management.

Learn more