News Summary
Francis Marion University has appointed Johnathan Munn as the new dean of its School of Business, while honoring Bishop Donald Jackson for his long-standing service. Munn, previously the associate dean, brings a wealth of experience in economics. Bishop Jackson was recognized for his 31 years of commitment to FMU, including his mentorship and leadership roles. The university continues to enhance its academic infrastructure, recently opening a new state-funded building for the School of Business and announcing future expansions with the C. Edward Floyd Medical Building.
Florence, SC – FMU Appoints New Dean of Business School and Honors Long-serving Bishop
Francis Marion University (FMU) has appointed Johnathan Munn as the new dean of its School of Business. Munn, who joined the faculty in 2008, was previously the associate dean and has a strong academic background and extensive experience in economics.
In addition to Munn’s appointment, FMU recognized Bishop Donald Jackson for his 31 years of dedicated service to the university. This recognition took place during a ceremony where he was presented with a special resolution and honored with the naming of the Donald Jackson Atrium & Garden inside the Stokes Administration Building.
Leadership and Experience
Johnathan Munn has played a significant role within FMU since he began his tenure. He was appointed as the associate dean of the School of Business in 2016 and subsequently received the title of Henry Booker Sparrow Chair of Economics and Economics Forecasting in 2017. Munn teaches a variety of courses that cover essential topics in contemporary business, economic analysis, money and banking, and urban and regional economics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from Clemson University and a doctorate in economics from the University of South Carolina.
FMU President Fred Carter emphasized Munn’s integrity, leadership, and commitment to students as key factors in his appointment. Munn expressed his excitement for the new role and his intention to contribute positively to the Pee Dee community.
Recognition of Bishop Jackson
Bishop Donald Jackson was celebrated for his expansive contributions over more than three decades at FMU. City council members from Florence, with Jackson’s family present, honored him with a special resolution that recognized his significant impact on FMU’s academic environment. Throughout his career, Jackson has held various leadership roles, including serving as a founding member and current Vice President of the African American Faculty and Staff Coalition at FMU.
Jackson is also noted for his mentorship, helping generations of students, and for advising the Young, Gifted and Blessed Choir for twenty years. Under his guidance, the choir has performed for high-profile audiences, including Reverend Jesse Jackson. His dedication to humanitarian efforts was recognized in 2015 when he received the Marvin W. Lynch Humanitarian Award.
FMU’s Infrastructure Developments
In recent months, FMU has opened a new state-funded building for its School of Business and Education, which cost $23 million and spans 54,000 square feet. The new facility enhances FMU’s educational infrastructure and was ready for classes in August. Additionally, during a recent board meeting, several facilities were named in honor of distinguished faculty and trustees, highlighting the university’s commitment to recognizing excellence in academia.
The board acknowledged individuals such as Robert Lee, H. Randall Dozier, Dorothy M. Harris, Shirley Carr Bausmith, Stephen E. Taylor, Kay Lawrimore-Belanger, and Ben L. Kyer with named classrooms and wings within the university.
Future Campus Expansions
FMU is also progressing with plans for further expansion, specifically the C. Edward Floyd Medical Building, located in the downtown campus. This collaborative project with the Pee Dee Medical Consortium will provide students with space for classrooms, laboratories, and administrative offices. The 45,000-square-foot building is a significant addition to FMU’s medical training facilities, allowing an increase in future medical student training, including current students from MUSC and the USC School of Medicine.
The Floyd Medical Building will be named after Dr. C. Edward “Eddie” Floyd, a retired heart surgeon and notable supporter of FMU, showcasing the university’s commitment to providing comprehensive medical training and education opportunities for its students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Leadership at Francis Marion University’s School of Business
Francis Marion University Enhances Campus with New Facilities
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Munn Named Dean of Business FMU
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florence, South Carolina
- WPDE: FMU Longtime Employee Recognized
- Google Search: Francis Marion University
- WBTW: FMU Opens New Building
- Google News: Francis Marion University
