Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business is establishing a Dean’s Faculty Advisory Council to strengthen communication, increase faculty engagement and support collaboration across the college.

The council will serve as a formal advisory body to the dean and will complement the Sorrell College’s existing executive and student advisory councils.

Dean Dr. Judson Edwards said the council was created to provide faculty members with a direct avenue to share ideas, raise concerns and help shape the future of the college.

“The purpose of the Dean’s Faculty Advisory Council is to provide a venue for the dean and representative faculty to share information, concerns and new ideas directly impacting the future of the Sorrell College,” Edwards said. “This council will support a culture of transparency, collegiality and continuous improvement.”

Each school within the Sorrell College of Business will elect two faculty representatives to serve on the council. Any full-time faculty member is eligible to serve, with terms lasting one or two years.

Representing the Carr School of Accountancy will be Dr. Ryan Dunn and Dr. Dena Mitchell. From the School of Creative Industries and Market Systems, Dr. Cali Davis and Dr. Frank Thompson. From the School of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management, Dr. Heather Lewis and Dr. Kwangho Park. Representing the School of Management will be Dr. Jing Hua and Dr. Christie Newman.

Edwards said the advisory council is intended to enhance communication rather than replace existing governance processes.

“It will not replace existing governance processes or faculty rights and responsibilities under Troy University policy,” Edwards said. “Rather, it will serve as an additional avenue for dialogue, consultation and communication.”

The Faculty Advisory Council will provide feedback on issues affecting the college, identify opportunities and concerns raised by faculty, and share ideas related to academic programs, faculty support, student success, operations and strategic planning.

Edwards said the goal is to ensure faculty perspectives remain central to the college’s growth and decision-making.

“My goal in creating this Faculty Council is simple: to ensure that faculty voices are heard, information of relevance to the faculty is shared openly from my office, and the Sorrell College continues to benefit from the collective wisdom, creativity and experience of our faculty,” he said.

The council’s organizational meeting is planned for the first week of May 2026, with regular meetings beginning in September.

Edwards said the council will help position the college to adapt to the rapid pace of change in business and higher education.

“I truly value the perspectives of our faculty, and I believe this new council will help us work together even more effectively as we continue to strengthen the college,” he said.