Gene Smith, an assistant professor of accounting and chair of the Department of Accounting, Finance, Information Systems at Eastern New Mexico University, has been named dean of ENMU’s College of Business. His appointment is effective Jan. 2. He replaces interim dean Thurman Elder. “He has proven to be an excellent administrator and advocate for his faculty. Also, he is a strong role model for the college given his considerable accomplishments in teaching, research and service,” said Robert Vartabedian, vice president for Academic Affairs. “He will bring important stability and strong advocacy to the various programs in his college.” Smith has been at ENMU since 2002. He has bachelors and masters degrees from Case Western Reserve University, and a Ph.D. from North Central University.