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Fernando R. Jiménez Arévalo, Ph.D., began the Spring 2019 semester with a new position within the Woody L. Hunt College of Business: Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Jiménez is stepping in for Steve Johnson, Ph.D., who previously held the position for 13 years before returning to teaching full time.

Below, Jiménez talks with the Woody L. Hunt College of Business Blog about his new role at the Woody L. Hunt College of Business and the qualities that he believes make an effective student and teacher.

While research and teaching are a substantial part of academia, positions in academic leadership are often overlooked – but are a powerful force in a college. Simply put, what does the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs do for the Woody L. Hunt College of Business? 

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Woody L. Hunt College of Business oversees the college’s baccalaureate programs and the MBA program. Primarily, the Associate Dean assures that the learning objectives of the programs match the needs of the stakeholders (e.g., employers, accreditors), and that students accomplish excellence in learning outcomes.

Steve Johnson, Ph.D., has returned to teaching after previously serving as an associate dean. Did he offer any words of advice or encouragement?

Dr. Johnson is a great mentor. He encourages me to serve students, faculty, and staff with high quality standards. He believes in the potential of the students in our region and strives to achieve our UTEP mission of access and excellence.

How do you see the Woody L. Hunt College of Business and its graduates affecting the Paso del Norte region in the next 20 years?

Our College is one of the primary sources of talent for businesses in the region. In the next 20 years, our graduates will continue to attract businesses, which will generate economic development. Importantly, our college will be a source of entrepreneurs not only locally, but globally. Our students will create and grow new businesses in the Paso del Norte region and beyond.

What qualities make an effective teacher?

An effective teacher facilitates the learning process.  A teacher provides the environment, tools, and elements necessary to help students achieve learning outcomes. An effective teacher is also a role model regarding service, dedication, professionalism, ethics, and curiosity. An effective teacher inspires and leads students by example.

For you, what qualities make a good student?

For me, a good student is motivated to serve.  A good student is motivated to learn for a reason, to help others. Business is about understanding customer needs and helping customers satisfy those needs. Good students understand that the value of knowledge is determined by its application. A good student is not interested in learning how to do stuff, or accumulating knowledge for the sake of it. A good student understands why knowledge is important, and uses it ethically to improve the situation at hand. A good student has the intrinsic motivation to become a better person, to become a more useful individual.  The rest is secondary.

Jiménez earned his Ph.D. in Marketing from Oklahoma State Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é and began teaching at UTEP in 2009. His research interests include product/brand evaluations, international marketing, and research methodology.

Jiménez has taught marketing theory and international marketing at the doctoral level; marketing strategy at the MBA level; marketing research, principles of marketing, strategic marketing management, consumer behavior, and sales at the undergraduate level.

To learn more about Jiménez’s research, access peer-reviewed articles and further information,