Ourso College Welcomes New Leaders
August 07, 2026
BATON ROUGE - The LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business announces two leadership appointments to support the college's mission.
Faik Koray has been appointed associate dean for research, faculty and academic affairs. In this role, Koray will oversee the college's research functions, institutional effectiveness, and academic departments. Koray will continue to serve as chair of the Department of Economics. Koray holds a PhD in Economics from Duke University. His research interests include international finance and monetary and fiscal policy.
Dana Hart has been appointed to the newly created role of senior assistant dean and director of operations. The role will oversee a range of academic support and administrative functions, including budget and finance, as well as alumni and corporate relations. Hart, the longtime director of the Flores MBA Program, previously served as assistant dean overseeing the Office of Graduate Business Programs. He holds a PhD in Leadership, Research & Counseling from LSU. Hart will continue to serve as director of the MBA program until a new director is named, a process the college hopes to conclude this fall.
These appointments follow Helmut Schneider's decision to retire from the college's executive associate dean role as of mid-August. Schneider will continue to serve as executive director of the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety, support the college's upcoming AACSB reaccreditation and teach.
"Dr. Koray and Dr. Hart bring a wealth of capabilities and experience," said Russell
Crook, dean of the E. J. Ourso College of Business. "Their appointments strengthen
areas essential to the college's goal of maximizing return on investment for our students
and of producing high-impact research and programs. I am grateful for their willingness
to serve, and I look forward to the years ahead. Please join me in congratulating
them and in thanking Dr. Schneider for his many years of dedicated service on the
college's leadership team."
These appointments are effective as of August 15.
About the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business
Established in 1928, LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business is committed to advancing the university's research and reputational ambitions, maximizing our students' return on investment and impacting the business community.