The University of Connecticut has named an interim dean for the School of Business as the university begins searching for a new dean.
Robert Day will be serving as the interim dean for the school starting on May 15, according to UConn Today. Day was an associate dean in the School of Business and a professor in the Operations and InformationManagement Department at UConn, and has taught at UConn for 22 years.
During his time as associate dean for the School of Business, the school had three associate deans overseeing three areas: research and faculty, graduate programs and undergraduate programs. Day served in the role of associate dean for undergraduate programs for approximately five and a half years.
Day also served on the Senate Executive Committee, which “works closely with university leadership.”
“That role has given me a broad understanding of how the university operates at the institutional level,” Day said.
UConn Today reported that the School of Business enrolls around 4,500 students in total, with over 3,300 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate students.
Day mentioned that a lot of what the School of Business leadership and administrative team work on isn’t always directly visible to students.
“One important goal is making sure the right faculty are in the right roles and that they are properly supported and compensated for additional responsibilities,” Day said. “I also want to continue supporting programs like FLIP, which helps high school students, especially first-generation students, gain exposure to college and feel more comfortable applying and attending.”
Another key priority is strengthening collaboration across departments and schools, helping ensure they are working together rather than in isolation.
Day said to UConn Today that he is excited to strengthen artificial intelligence education, as well as further developing experiential learning and broadening access for the increasing number of students interested in the business field.
“AI is similar to calculators,” Day said. “Calculators are useful, but students still need to understand the fundamentals first. Likewise, students should learn core skills before relying on AI tools.”
Day said he tends to approach problems analytically because of his Ph.D. in applied mathematics, but also values being approachable and collaborative.
“Leadership involves balancing difficult decisions, limited resources, and different perspectives. I try to listen to all sides, avoid rushing to judgment, and find solutions that work for as many people as possible.”