Berkwood Farmer    

When Raj Soin College of Business Dean Berkwood Farmer, Ph.D., talks about Wright State University, he reflects an enthusiasm one might expect from someone recently selected for the position.  But even though he was named dean in 2001, a decade later his infectious enthusiasm for the university, its faculty and its students continues.

Farmer stays motivated by having the capability to develop new, collaborative programs for the Dayton area businesses and getting more faculty and students involved with the business community. “I was attracted to Wright State because it had a named business school  and was accredited by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business),” he explains, “and I haven’t been disappointed in having made the choice to come here.”

His four main goals are short, to the point and carry significant impact for the future of the university and regional business community.

“First, we want the Raj Soin College of Business to maintain AACSB accreditation for all business and accounting degree programs.  Second is to strengthen our graduate programs and expand our locations to deliver these educational opportunities. Third, we want to establish a graduate school for business programs in a new campus facility. Finally, it is my hope to develop and implement an executive MBA program,” he outlines.

Farmer’s background and experience of more than 25 years in business education has prepared him for these tasks. Farmer came to Wright State after ten years as dean of the College of Business and Economics at Longwood University in Virginia. He has taught at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the University of Richmond and served as chief agricultural economist for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He holds a doctorate in economics from North Carolina State University and has been active with AACSB through committee work and peer review teams for several years.

The Wright State dean is active in several economic development and community organizations, including the Miami Valley Venture Funds Board of Advisors, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Dayton, Boys & Girls Club of Dayton Board, and Greater Dayton Area Commission on Minority Inclusion. During his Virginia years, his duties included serving on a bank board of directors and also as a member of the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors. He is a former Army officer who served in Vietnam.

When Farmer wants to get away from his duties as dean, he heads for the golf course.  “I enjoy getting out with my buddies, and I also use the opportunities playing golf presents as a means to establish and further business relationships.”