Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business has named Joe B. Hanna, Interim Dean of the nationally ranked business college. The internal appointment solidifies current college leadership while Harbert embarks on a national search to replace Dean Annette L. Ranft, who recently agreed to accept the position of Dean of the School of Business at Wake Forest University, where she previously served as a faculty member.

Interim Provost of Auburn University Vini Nathan pointed to the selection of Hanna as Interim Dean as an example of Auburn’s commitment to continuing the success and growth of Harbert’s leadership, curriculum and the high value being placed on Harbert grads in the business world.

Since joining the Harbert College of Business in 1999 as a faculty member of supply chain management, Hanna has held various academic and administrative appointments. After serving as department chairperson and playing a key role in the growth and development of the supply chain program, Hanna began serving as associate dean for research and outreach in 2011. He also briefly held the position of interim dean in 2018 during a prior leadership transition. Working with leaders in the college, Hanna has helped to advance the college through a period of continued growth in student enrollment, faculty and staff and has supported the development of several new academic programs and research initiatives. 

 A supply chain management researcher who focuses on third-party logistics strategy and performance issues, Hanna is the current Regions Bank Professor and remains active in his professional field as an educational advisor to numerous companies, industry organizations and government entities on supply chain topics.

Hanna has published more than 60 refereed journal articles, is co-author of multiple books and has made numerous presentations at various academic and practitioner conferences. Before his academic career, Hanna had a successful business career working for Phillips Petroleum Company (now ConocoPhillips), Phillips 66 Chemical Company (now ChevronPhillips Chemical Company) and Coopers and Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers). Hanna holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting and a doctorate in business from New Mexico State University.

About the Harbert College of Business

The Harbert College of Business is a nationally ranked hub of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing business education that is inspiring the next generation of business leaders. Our world-class faculty deliver unparalleled academic rigor in the classroom, while our research-driven scholarship advances thought leadership and best practice in emerging business disciplines. Our alumni and industry partners actively engage our faculty and students to integrate business theory with practical experience and to instill the level of proficiency and integrity demanded by employers around the globe.  https://harbert.auburn.edu/