Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Jay Coats will serve as interim dean of West Virginia University’s College of Business and Economics, effective Aug. 16, Provost Gerald Lang announced Tuesday (Aug. 14).

Dr. Coats, who also directs the undergraduate programs, replaces Lee Dahringer, who announced his resignation late last month to take a similar position at Loyola College in Maryland.

“Im looking forward to serving the college in this position and keeping things going while we search for a permanent dean,”said Coats, who has been at B&E for 30 years.”Its a challenging and interesting time for the college, and I enjoy a challenge, so Im looking forward to it.”

Provost Lang said,”I am very pleased that Dr. Coats has agreed to serve as interim dean. He has my utmost confidence and the support of his colleagues in the College of Business and Economics. In responding to my query, many noted his day-to-day efforts in running the college and strongly supported his candidacy for this position. I believe Jay has the credentials and the experience to serve the college well.”

Coats joined WVU s accounting department in 1971 and also served as director of graduate programs for a number of years. He has been associate dean at B&E since January 2000.

Dr. Coats’research interests focus on accounting education, human information processing systems and decision-making. Publications include case studies, resource manuals and other material to accompany accounting textbooks, industry association publications and accounting education computer software. His primary teaching areas are managerial accounting, financial accounting and accounting information systems.

He has also served as a consultant to educational institutions and the federal government and is a member of the American Accounting Association.

He received the Colleges Outstanding Service Award in 1995.