The University of Tulsa is celebrating the successes of Collins College of Business as Dean Kathy Taylor announced Wednesday that she will retire in May following TU Commencement.
Collins College of Business has experienced growth and development among students, faculty, and staff under the direction of Taylor, who has served as the Genave King Rogers Dean of the college since July 1, 2021.
“Our commitment to academic excellence has resulted in increased enrollment, improved retention rates, and made notable advancements in research and scholarship. Additionally, our strategic partnerships with industry and community leaders have provided invaluable opportunities for experiential learning and professional development for our students,” Taylor said. “I am grateful for the support and camaraderie of the entire Collins College community and optimistic about continued success in the years to come.”
Since Taylor took the helm at the college, three interdisciplinary new centers – the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Center for Energy Studies, and Center for Real Estate Studies – have been created. The college also launched the Hurricane Venture Fund, raising millions to invest in student, faculty and alumni start-up businesses, revamped the energy management curriculum for a rapidly changing industry, and earned a prestigious AACSB reaccreditation.
An accomplished business executive and corporate attorney, Taylor has a record of transformational change in the public and private sectors. She is a tireless advocate for education and entrepreneurship, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In addition to Taylor’s service as Oklahoma’s secretary of commerce and mayor of Tulsa, she has served on several corporate boards, including Sonic Corp., Bank of Oklahoma, National Car Rental, and Dollar Car Rental. Taylor is currently active on the boards of the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority; 36°N, a basecamp for entrepreneurs; StitchCrew, a business accelerator; the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation; and VEST, a network for expanding the pipeline of women in positions of influence.
“Kathy has long been a proven leader in the corporate and philanthropic worlds, in our city and state, and – most recently – at TU,” said President Brad R. Carson. “Her business acumen and vast connections have benefited our students and alumni, while her insight and ingenuity have been a great resource to her fellow deans, our provost, and myself. Kathy elevates everything she touches, and we are grateful for her service at TU.”
The university will conduct a national search for the next dean of the Collins College of Business.