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Larry Wall, associate dean of the College of Business and Technology at Western Illinois University, will retire this May after 28 years at WIU.
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End of an Era; CBT Associate Dean Larry Wall Retires after 28 Years at WIU

April 27, 2009

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MACOMB, IL -- This May members of the Western Illinois University community and the College of Business and Technology (CBT) will say a sad goodbye, as Larry Wall retires as associate dean and professor of management after 28 years. A retirement reception for Wall is slated for 3 p.m. Friday, May 8 in the University Union Lincoln Room. It is open free to the public.

His academic career started in 1977 with the completion of his doctorate in organization theory and business policy at Oklahoma State University. After graduating, he taught for four years at New Mexico State University, and in 1981, he and his wife, Linda, packed up and came to WIU.

As an associate professor of management, Wall followed in the academic footsteps of his father, Lewis Wall, chairperson of, and professor in, management information resources at Western. Wall was named acting associate dean in February 1984 by then Dean David Beveridge. Throughout his 28 years, he has served under the leadership of eight deans and worked directly with seven of them.

"Looking back, I can think of no greater honor than working with my dad," Wall said.
"I remember long-time finance faculty member Ed Sims asking Dad if he was going to take orders from me. Dad laughed and said he had not done so up to this point and saw no reason to begin now. It was an interesting experience when I became his boss."

Wall's contributions to CBT have been significant through the years. He assisted in the reaffirmation of the college's accreditation status on three separate occasions and has served as interim department chair in five of the college's eight departments. Wall said some of his proudest moments have been those when he was able to provide stability in times of change and serve as a sounding board for administrative leadership in the college and university.

CBT faculty and staff often note the importance of his international initiatives. He has co-written and co-administered international study grants totaling more than $2 million and has worked with MBA students from more than 50 countries. As MBA director, he helped shape the curriculum for the program through two significant transformations.

"My career has been one of leading behind the scenes and providing student, faculty and staff support necessary to keep the college moving forward collectively. My goal has always been to move the college forward to a better place," he said.

"There is no doubt the college is a better place due to his efforts, and it is certain that Larry will remain a loyal friend of Western after retirement," said CBT Dean Tom Erekson.

He and Linda have established the Lewis Wall Scholarship to benefit students majoring in information systems or management. In the coming months, they will relocate to St. Louis, where they will enjoy spending time with their family and grandson, Khai.

"It's bittersweet. I'm looking forward to having the time for many new experiences including teaching pastors in an international setting, but the time at Western has passed much too quickly," Wall said. "I will miss having an audience for my annual worst jokes and the many friends and colleagues that I have worked with over the years."

For more information, contact Schuyler Meixner in the College of Business and Technology at (309) 298-2442 or SL-Mexiner@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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