C. Aaron Kelley has been named dean of the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration and professor of management at Coastal Carolina University, effective Aug. 1.

Kelley comes to Coastal from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he has served as professor of management systems since 1993. While at Ohio University, he also served as dean of the College of Business from 1993 to 1996, and as assistant vice president of regional higher education from 1996 to 1997.

Prior to his tenure at Ohio University, Kelley was with the University of Louisville from 1981 to 1993. While at Louisville, Kelley served as associate professor of management, chair of the department of management, associate dean of the School of Business and associate dean of the College of Business and Public Administration.

Kelley earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, an MBA from the University of Utah, a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas, and completed the Harvard Management Development Program at Harvard University.

A native of Waxahachie, Texas, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a computer systems manager in Germany during the Vietnam War.

Kelley has also held a variety of management positions in business and is a consultant in the areas of strategic management, continuous improvement process, and multicultural diversity. He has traveled extensively throughout the world and taught at numerous universities, including the University of Louisville, University of Colorado, Chinese University of Hong Kong and Texas A&M University-Commerce. Kelley’s primary research and writing interests focus on strategic management, planning, multiculturalism, distance learning and competitive advantage.

“We are delighted to attract someone of Dr. Kelley’s ability and experience to Coastal Carolina University,” said John Idoux, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Coastal. “His previous assignments as a department chair and a dean, and his extensive involvement and review experience with the AACSB International - Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business accrediting organization will be valuable assets in his leadership position as dean of the Wall College of Business.”

More than 65 applicants applied for the position of dean.