Jennifer Mueller-Phillips was named Harbert College of Business Associate Dean for Academic Affairs on Tuesday, February 5.

“I’m thrilled to have Dr. Mueller-Phillips join the deans group in this capacity,” said Harbert College Dean and Wells Fargo Professor Annette L. Ranft. “Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, as well as a passion for students. Not only was she a fellow to the SEC Academic Leadership Development Program, but her past dedication to accreditation matters is an important asset to the college. We’re fortunate to have Dr. Mueller-Phillips in this new role.”

Mueller-Phillips, who has served as Director of the Auburn School of Accountancy for the past three years, noted, “Our vision is to be among the elite business schools, so we must strive to offer the student an elite business school educational experience. Our academic advising, professional development curricula, and placements are as strong as they’ve ever been. We will continue to benchmark ourselves against the best to achieve our vision.”

Mueller-Phillips, originally from Hokes Bluff, Alabama, parlayed a music scholarship at Jacksonville State University into an undergraduate accounting degree. She earned a Master of Accountancy and PhD at Virginia Tech before taking a faculty position at Auburn in 2000. She succeeded DeWayne Searcy as SOA Director in 2016. Prior to that role, she served the college as Director of Quality Assurance, reporting to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs on assurance of learning and accreditation matters.

She follows Norman Godwin, now Auburn University’s Assistant Provost for Academic Effectiveness, as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Despite serving in administrative roles, Mueller-Phillips continues to have a passion for teaching. “When I moved into the (SOA) Director’s role, I was in the classroom less, but I made sure that I kept a foot in the classroom so that I would have valuable class time with students. I expect that I will continue to teach as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.”

 “Our employers ‘hire Harbert’ because of their confidence in our career-ready graduates. Our students must be ethical, professional, and ready to work. They are going to advance in their careers quickly and become the global business leaders of tomorrow.”

She begins her new duties on March 1.