Donald Andrews Will Step Down as Southern Business Dean
The long-time academic leader plans to vacate his role as dean at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
Donald R. Andrews will step down as dean of the College of Business at Southern University at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 academic year. He will transition to the role of G. Leon Netterville/Kellogg Endowed Professor after departing his administrative position.
Why it matters
Andrews has played a foundational role in the growth of the business program at Southern University, overseeing its accreditation by AACSB-International and helping establish national partnerships for HBCU business schools.
Andrews joined Southern University in 1974, becoming a tenure-track faculty member in 1980 and attaining the rank of full professor of economics in 1994.
The players
Donald R. Andrews
He is the current dean of the College of Business at Southern University who has served the institution since 1974.
Southern University
It is a public historically black university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Andrews has spent his entire academic career.
The details
During his tenure as dean, Andrews co-founded the National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable to foster collaboration across similar institutions. He will continue his long association with the university by remaining on the faculty in his new endowed professor role.
Timeline
1974: Andrews began his career at Southern University.
1980: He became a tenure-track faculty member.
1994: He earned the rank of full professor of economics.
1998: He was appointed dean of the College of Business.
End of 2026-2027 academic year: He will step down as dean.
Market Landscape
Andrews' work helped solidify Southern University's standing within the broader ecosystem of the National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable. This transition marks the end of a pivotal era for the institution's leadership within this specific collegiate network.
Students and faculty at the College of Business can expect a transition in leadership following the 2026-2027 academic year. Andrews will continue to influence the academic environment through his new role as an endowed professor.
The takeaway
Andrews' move from the dean's office to an endowed professorship ensures that his decades of institutional knowledge remain available to the university. This career evolution highlights the lasting impact long-tenured faculty can have on an institution's growth and academic standards.
Further reading
For more on administrative changes in the region, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education.
