Dean of Monfort College steps down

Robert Lynch resigned from his position as Dean of the University of Northern Colorado’s Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business on Tuesday.

“It’s been a pretty good run,” he said. “Now it’s time to turn over the baton.”

Lynch’s history with the university dates back to 1973 when he joined as a professor. More than two decades later he was named dean of the college of business. Although he is leaving the administrative side of academia behind, Lynch is staying at UNC. He will return to the classroom in August to teach information technology and statistics courses. “It’s the important work of the university,” he said.

In his resignation letter to Provost Marlene Strathe, Lynch outlined the advancements the college has made during his seven-year tenure as dean. Under his direction the school was re-accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and designated as a Program of Excellence by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. He also said that graduates of the Monfort College place in the top 10 percent nationally on business administration exit exams.

Lynch played an integral role in bringing the Monfort name to the college. He approached Ken and Myra Monfort, one-time owners of Monfort of Colorado and pillars of the Northern Colorado community, in 1994 to ask for their help in developing a plan for the college. Along with the name, the Monforts gave a $10.5 million endowment to the college of business. Lynch said the name recognition and the funding have made a world of difference. “Their generosity allowed us to attract faculty and develop facilities that make us the envy of every business school in the state,” Lynch said. The 57 year old said the move is not a step towards retirement — he just wants to get back to working with students.

Associate Dean Joe Alexander will act as interim dean until a replacement is found.

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