The School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SoBE) at Dickinson State University (DSU) continues to expand and evolve, offering accredited business programs designed to prepare students for leadership in their fields. SoBE’s offerings include Business Administration, Accounting, Finance and Human Resource Management, all accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
SoBE’s mission is to educate and prepare skilled, principled and entrepreneurial graduates who positively impact their professions, companies and communities. The school continues to grow by delivering quality business education, retaining qualified faculty, promoting academic excellence and maintaining strong ties to the business community in southwest North Dakota.
Strategic Goals and Faculty Development
Dr. Ayodeji Arogundade, dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, has outlined key strategic goals focused on four areas: faculty recruitment and development, student retention and success, continuous curriculum evaluation, and enrollment growth.
To support these initiatives, Arogundade and Assistant Dean Kass will lead the faculty in pursuing these goals. Three of the school’s four vacant faculty positions have been successfully filled. Bright Quayson, Ph.D. (ABD); Jiayuan Tian, Ph.D. (ABD); and Claire Stewart will join the team this fall.
Program Growth and Innovation
The school is focused on strengthening its most popular undergraduate programs, including Business Administration, Accounting, and Finance. In addition, SoBE’s 4+1 accelerated Master of Business Administration program is gaining popularity among students.
Looking ahead, SoBE plans to launch a new degree program in Digital Marketing in Fall 2026. The school is also exploring partnerships with DSU’s School of Applied Sciences to create new degrees in Cybersecurity Management, Digital Financial Technology, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Technology, and Business Data Analytics. These high-demand programs are designed to equip students with skills that meet evolving industry needs.
New Faculty Spotlights
Bright Quayson, Ph.D. (ABD) brings international academic experience to DSU, with degrees earned across three
continents. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University for Development Studies
in Ghana, a master’s degree from Jiangsu University in China and is completing a Ph.D.
in Transportation and Supply Chain from North Dakota State University.
Quayson’s professional experience includes roles in Ghana’s financial sector as an internal auditor and banking and credit officer. “Joining Dickinson State University is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-quality, accessible and dynamic business program that values innovation, practical learning and student success,” said Quayson. “I’m passionate about equipping future business leaders with the skills and mindset to thrive in today’s evolving marketplace.”
Jiayuan Tian, Ph.D. (ABD) specializes in economics and finance. He is completing a Ph.D. in Financial Economics
at the University of New Orleans, with a research focus on the influence of cryptocurrency
stablecoins on the U.S. dollar.
“I aim to cultivate students’ growing interest in finance and economics, encouraging them to develop a sound investment mindset,” said Tian. “I hope they treat financial and economic knowledge as a practical skill for building their careers. I will do my utmost to draw upon my professional background to meet students’ thirst for knowledge.”
Claire Stewart, MBA, ME returns to DSU as a faculty member after previously working in the university’s admissions
office and later at Dakota Community Bank and Trust as a trust administrator. She
holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from DSU, including an MBA and a Master of
Entrepreneurship.
“I am excited to return to my alma mater to help grow the next generation of Blue Hawks,” Stewart said. “My goal is to prepare students to prosper in the business world.”
Looking Ahead
The School of Business and Entrepreneurship remains committed to academic excellence, innovation and collaboration with the regional business community. With new faculty joining the team and future-forward programs on the horizon, SoBE is well-positioned to continue providing a business education that meets the demands of today’s economy.
“We are thrilled to welcome these talented faculty members to Dickinson State University. Their diverse expertise and passion for teaching will be instrumental not only as the School of Business and Entrepreneurship launches innovative programs and strengthens its academic offerings, but for current majors.” shared Dr. Holly Gruhlke, DSU Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, “Their contributions will help shape a dynamic learning environment that prepares our students for success in the modern business world.”
For more information about the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Dickinson State University, visit https://dickinsonstate.edu/academics/fields-of-study/sobe/index.html