Mark Morris elected as SIU Dean of Business Analytics

April 12, 2024

Mark Morris elected as SIU Dean of Business Analytics

Written by Christy Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Mark E. Morris, one of three Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates, has been elected dean of the School of Business Analytics. He has served as interim dean since January 2023 and is a long-time SIU faculty and administrator.

Cheryl A. Tucker, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the faculty and staff who worked with Morris and those who met with him are grateful for his years of service to SIU.

“Dr. Morris has extensive knowledge of SIU Carbondale and how it works, which will be a valuable asset in taking our School of Business Analytics to the next level,” she said.

“I would like to thank the search committee, chaired by Bob Morgan, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, and the campus and community for their active participation in the search process. Thank you very much for your hard work.”

Long-standing connection with SIU

A native of Carbondale, Morris earned his undergraduate degree with an emphasis in business administration from SIU, as well as a master’s degree in business administration in finance and a doctorate in accounting. He also holds a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He joined the SIU faculty in 2004 as a lecturer and by 2008 became an assistant professor of accounting with a concurrent appointment with Simmons Law School. Mr. Morris was promoted to associate professor in 2016 and appointed interim director of the School of Accounting in 2018. The following year he became permanent director and was promoted again to professor in 2021. From 2021 to 2022, he served as interim vice president for academic affairs and in 2023, he served as co-provost.

Morris was the 2022 recipient of the SIU Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed by the SIU Alumni Association.

“Growing up on the northeast side of Carbondale, I never dreamed I would become dean of the College of Business Analytics,” Morris said. “This is a real honor and a responsibility that I value very much. I always have a sincere desire to do the right thing and help people be the best they can be. I am thrilled to help. As Dean, I will continue to explore ways to encourage, support, and recognize excellence in others.”

Morris has taught a variety of courses at SIU, including undergraduate and graduate courses on corporate taxation. Partnership taxation. Government and nonprofit accounting. Economic Organizations; Corporations, Agency and Partnership Law. Corporate finance, law and accounting.

He has served on various committees and task forces, including chair of the Graduate Council, chair of the Research Task Force, and member of the Provost’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and the Provost’s Leadership Council. Morris also engages in community service, including serving on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois and the Uma C. Hayes Center.