Lamar University welcomes Dr. Joby John as new College of Business dean

Lamar University is excited to welcome Dr. Joby John as the new Dean of its College of Business. With a career spanning multiple continents and industries, Dr. John brings an impressive breadth of knowledge and leadership experience. His expertise in business models, process design, operations, and marketing will play a crucial role in shaping the future of business education at Lamar.

“I was immediately struck by the warm, supportive atmosphere at Lamar University,” Dr. John shared. “During my interview, I saw how approachable and collaborative the leadership and staff are, from the Provost's Office to the President, who is incredibly down-to-earth. The positive energy here is palpable, and it makes all the difference. I’m also very excited about the growth of our online programs and the prospects of new and cutting-edge programs at all levels well-suited for the regional market needs.”

Dr. John’s global experience—working in countries ranging from Argentina, Egypt, Estonia,  Finland and Spain —gives him a unique perspective. His clients include major names like Arabella Insurance, L.L. Bean, Volvo North America, and Mico-BOSCH in India, a testament to his ability to bridge academic theory with real-world business application. This blend of professional consulting and academic contributions has made him a highly respected figure in the field of business education.

Before coming to Lamar, Dr. John served as dean of the B.I. Moody III College of Business at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Over his eight-year tenure, he launched several impactful initiatives, including the Executive MBA program, the MS in Accounting and the first online programs at the college. Under his leadership, the university also created opportunities for students and faculty alike, establishing the Northwestern Mutual Sales Training and Research Lab and the Acadiana CFO Roundtable.

A hallmark of Dr. John’s leadership at UL Lafayette was his ability to build strong community and industry partnerships. He co-founded the city of Lafayette’s business incubator and the launch of the university’s Office of Innovation, underscoring his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. His efforts earned prestigious accreditations for the university’s programs, including AACSB for its accounting division and ACPHA for its hospitality management program. These achievements helped elevate the university’s reputation on a national scale.

Beyond his administrative leadership, Dr. John has made significant academic contributions. He has authored over 50 scholarly papers and multiple books, including Customer-focused Management: Competing through Service, on how service-driven businesses compete in the marketplace. His ongoing research on blockchain applications, business model innovation, and social media marketing ensures that Lamar University’s College of Business remains at the cutting edge of industry trends.

Outside the academic realm, Dr. John is deeply involved in civic leadership, serving on numerous boards and organizations in Lafayette, such as the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the advisory council of the World Trade Center of New Orleans. His involvement with healthcare initiatives, including serving on the Board of Trustees and Directors of Ochsner Lafayette General and the University Hospital and Clinics, further demonstrates his commitment to community service.

“As the new dean, my first 100 days will focus on understanding the people, culture, and community that define Lamar University,” Dr. John explained. “I’ll be engaging with key internal and external stakeholders to align their priorities with the goals of the state and the institution. During this time, I plan to focus on three key areas: conducting a comprehensive review of our programs to ensure they meet market demands, revitalizing the Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship, and overseeing the continued growth of our online programs. My goal is to foster meaningful collaboration and position the College of Business for long-term success.”

With Dr. John’s leadership, Lamar University’s College of Business is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, innovation, and community impact.