NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University has appointed Dr. Jason Reese as the permanent dean of the Nelson Rusche College of Business, effective May 1. This appointment follows Reese’s yearlong service as interim dean after the departure of Dr. Tim Bisping, who is now dean of the College of Business at the University of Central Arkansas.
“I am incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to lead the Nelson Rusche College of Business forward during such an exciting time at SFA,” Reese said. “We have tremendous momentum across the university and within the college, and I look forward to building on that success by continuing to focus on student success, academic innovation and building meaningful community partnerships.”
Reese brings more than a decade of academic and administrative leadership experience to the role. He began his higher education career at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2011 and joined the SFA faculty in 2014. Since arriving at SFA, Reese has served as assistant professor, associate professor and professor. He also has held several key leadership positions, including assistant department chair for the Department of Management and Marketing, director of the Master of Business Administration program and associate dean, before being named interim dean in March 2025.
During his leadership within the college, Reese led significant initiatives focused on student success, academic innovation, external engagement and strategic growth. Working collaboratively with SFA’s Division of University Advancement and divisional leadership, he helped secure more than $17 million in gifts and commitments through fundraising and corporate partnerships. He also guided the college’s continued efforts toward Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation and facilitated strategic discussions surrounding innovation, college reorganization, student affairs and long-term planning.
Under Reese’s leadership, the college expanded opportunities for students through the development and refinement of academic programs, including the Bachelor of Business Administration in sports business and the BBA in entrepreneurship, both designed to enhance career readiness and workforce competitiveness. He also supported increased access to professional development funding for faculty and launched a first-year startup initiative to strengthen faculty teaching and research efforts. Additionally, Reese helped prepare the college for the planned 2026 academic reorganization that will welcome SFA’s hospitality administration program into the college. He also is overseeing a 13% increase in Rusche College of Business student headcount for the 2025-26 academic year.
A dedicated scholar and educator, Reese has authored more than 30 publications, delivered over 60 professional presentations and contributed extensive service to the university and his academic field.
“Following a comprehensive review of feedback from faculty, staff and external stakeholders regarding both his leadership as interim dean and his vision for the future of the college, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Reese as dean,” said Dr. Jordan Barkley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at SFA. “His career reflects a strong commitment to faculty development, student achievement and institutional advancement, and my leadership team and I are thrilled to have him officially join us as we look to the 2026-27 academic year.”
For more information on the Rusche College of Business, visit sfasu.edu/cob.