UMKC’s Bloch School Has New Dean

The University of Missouri-Kansas City announced today that Brian Klaas, dean of research and academics at the University of South Carolina, would be the next dean of the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, succeeding David Donnelly.

Klaas is also the director of the Riegel & Emory Human Resource Center at South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, ranked among the top 75 graduate business schools in America U.S. News & World Report. His duties there also include professor of management. His appointment was announced by UMKC Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer.

“The Bloch School is Kansas City’s source for management education in both the for-profit and not-for-profit spheres,” she said. “Dr. Klaas is a distinguished educator and a proven leader from a highly regarded school of business who has been very well received by the faculty, students and staff at the Bloch School. Dr. Klaas comes with strong references and recommendations. He has the knowledge and skills to lead the Bloch School into the future, and to help us achieve the goals we have set for the school.

“We are preparing our students to be tomorrow’s leaders in Kansas City and beyond, and Dr. Klaas understands this responsibility. We are excited that he sees the opportunity and potential that is in the Bloch School and in Kansas City.”

Klaas holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, and has published extensively in such areas as human resources, dispute resolution and labor relations, the university release said.