UMKC’s Bloch School announces new Dean

University of Missouri-Kansas City announced last week the appointment of a new Dean for the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. 

Brian Klaas

Brian Klaas, Ph.D., is currently senior associate Dean for research and academics and director of the Riegel & Emory Human Resource Center at the Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina.

UMKC faculty believe that Klaas has great potential to lead tomorrow’s leaders into the future.

“Klaas is a distinguished educator and a proven leader from a highly regarded school of business who has been very well received by the faculty, students and staff at the Bloch School,” said Barbara A. Bichelmeyer, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor at UMKC in a release. “Dr. Klaas comes with strong references and recommendations. He has the knowledge and skills to lead the Bloch School into the future, and to help us achieve the goals we have set for the school.

Klaas holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. He said that he is excited to deepen partnerships with UMKC and Kansas City organizations, hoping to leverage technology and meet emerging needs.

“I look forward to working with an outstanding team to help fulfill Henry Bloch’s vision for excellence. The school has all of the ingredients necessary for continued progress,” Klaas said. “It has impressive students and programs; strong support from university administration and key stakeholders within the community; and talented and dedicated faculty and staff.”

A scholar of human resources and labor relations, Klaas has been published in a number of leading management and psychology journals.