New Dean Named to Lead Manning School of Business

06/12/2023

Media Contacts: Emily Gowdey-Backus, director of media relations and Nancy Cicco, assistant director of media relations

Bertie Greer, an expert in global supply chain management, will join UMass Lowell on Nov. 1 as its next Rist Family Dean of the Manning School of Business.

An outstanding scholar, researcher and accomplished administrator with professional industry experience, Greer currently serves as associate dean of the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University in Michigan, where she oversees strategic planning and general operations.

“Bertie’s achievements as a scholar, her leadership and industry experience and her vision and enthusiasm for advancing the Manning School of Business made her the clear choice to usher in the next era of business education and research for our students and faculty,” said Joseph Hartman, provost and vice chancellor of academic and student affairs.

Greer said she was grateful and honored to join a UMass Lowell family of great scholars and teachers with such a strong academic culture and who have such a significant impact on students’ socio-economic mobility. 

“The impact of the Manning School of Business extends beyond the institution’s doors, and its faculty and staff are having a meaningful impact on students, businesses, families, and communities,” Greer said.

“I am excited to embark on this journey, working with talented faculty, staff, students, strong leadership and external stakeholders to create opportunities and lead the Manning School into the future,” she said. “Together we’ll continue to develop innovative programs, degrees, and outcomes to help students realize their dreams and ensure the Manning School achieves new heights.”

Greer’s selection was also praised by two alumni deeply invested in the success of the Manning School and its students.

“After speaking with Bertie Greer, I’m so excited for UMass Lowell’s current and future business students,” said Rob Manning, a proud UMass Lowell alum for whom the business school is named. “The Manning School of Business has so much momentum and with Bertie’s leadership and an outstanding faculty, I’m confident the quality of instruction and research will only accelerate.”

It was a sentiment echoed by alumnus Brian Rist.

“It’s clear that with Bertie Greer as its new dean, the Manning School of Business will continue its ascent as one of the premier institutions for business education and scholarship,” said Rist who, with his wife Kim, has given generously to the business school and programs across UMass Lowell, including the Rist Family Foundation Endowed Deanship Greer will hold.

Prior to joining Wayne State in 2016, Greer spent 15 years as a faculty member, and ultimately chair, of the Northern Kentucky University Department of Management. Early in her career, she also spent time in adjunct and visiting professor roles at Bowling Green State University, University of Detroit-Mercy, University of Dayton, and as an assistant professor at Oakland University in Michigan.

She also brings with her professional industry experience, having served in engineering roles at Ford Motor Company and Chrysler/Jeep-Eagle and at Timken Roller Bearing.

Greer earned her Ph.D. in business administration from Kent State University and both a master’s of business administration and a bachelor’s of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo.

The appointment follows the departure of dean Sandra Richtermeyer, who will become provost at Rutgers University-Camden this summer. Steven Tello, vice provost for graduate and professional studies and a faculty member of the Manning School, will serve as interim dean until Greer’s arrival.