UTA names new College of Business dean
The University of Texas at Arlington has selected Brian Klaas as the next dean of the College of Business.
Dr. Klaas will join UTA from University of Missouri–Kansas City, where he currently serves as dean, professor of management, and Harzfeld Chair in the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, roles he has held since joining the university in 2017.
Klaas will assume his new role at UTA on July 1.
“Dr. Klaas is an experienced dean who will advance the College of Business’s strategic initiatives through curriculum innovation, research excellence, community engagement and fundraising,” said Tamara L. Brown, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “His energy and forward focused perspective will build on the college’s remarkable foundation, strengthen our student success initiatives and inspire new opportunities for growth and community impact.”
Prior to his arrival at UMKC, Klaas served as senior associate dean for research and academics and as director of the Riegel & Emory Human Resource Center at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. His earlier leadership roles at USC included chair of the Department of Management and faculty director of the Master of Human Resource program. Additionally, Klaas has an extensive publication record in human resources, dispute resolution and labor relations, with his work appearing in many of the field’s most respected peer reviewed journals.
In reflecting on his new role, Klaas shared his enthusiasm for the incredible opportunities at UTA.
“This is an exciting time to join UTA’s College of Business. There’s real momentum—new partnerships, innovative programs that build talent for the region, expanded opportunities for experiential learning, and growing faculty thought leadership,” said Klaas. “The University is also gaining traction with its focus on student success and on creating clear pathways to meaningful careers. I’m thrilled to be part of the effort to build on that momentum.”
Klaas earned his doctorate in industrial relations at the University of Wisconsin and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University.
He will succeed Harry Dombroski, who announced his retirement last year after leading the College of Business since 2018. Dombroski’s steady leadership and distinguished career as a corporate executive have strengthened and expanded the college’s impact in the region and beyond.
Founded in 1965, UTA’s College of Business has grown to an enrollment of more than 6,300 students and is among the largest colleges of business in North Texas, providing a wide variety of degree programs that serve students at every stage of their academic and professional development. Graduates enter the workforce as enlightened practitioners, prepared to succeed by applying their knowledge and technical ability with interpersonal skills, a commitment to ethical practice and a global perspective.
— Rachel Biggs, Office of the Provost
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.