“We are thrilled to welcome Ken back to Cedar Falls and the University of Northern Iowa,” said Provost José Herrera. “I am confident the Wilson College of Business will continue to build tomorrow’s business leaders in Iowa and beyond under his capable leadership.”

“What especially excites me about this deanship is the college’s momentum and clarity of purpose,” said Brown. “The Wilson College of Business has affirmed excellence through AACSB accreditation and is poised for the next phase of growth in ethics‑infused, experiential and globally aware business education. I am eager to advance that vision by integrating ethics and data‑driven practice into programs, strengthening pathways for professional credentials and applied learning, and deepening partnerships that expand opportunities for students and the Cedar Valley.” 

During his previous tenure at UNI, Brown was a faculty member in the Economics Department and held the Lawrence Jepson Professorship in International Economics. In 2012, he received the Iowa Board of Regents Award for Faculty Excellence. 

Most recently, Brown served as chief academic strategy officer at Missouri State University in Springfield. Even during that period, he says it was common to reflect on his time at the University of Northern Iowa.

“My love for UNI has never waned,” Brown said. “Rarely does a week go by that I don’t mention the great work we were doing while I was there, and which I know continued after I left.”

Brown succeeds former dean Leslie Wilson, who retired after more than a decade of leadership.