Dean of the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics

Jeffrey Stinson, Ph.D.

Please join us in welcoming Jeffrey Stinson, Ph.D., as the new dean of our George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics.

Throughout his career, Jeffrey has proven himself a creative and innovative educator, and a community-minded leader who thrives on building relationships and opportunities. We are delighted that he will help us continue to serve our JCBE students with distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs that develop professionals who will serve the needs of our regional workforce and communities.

Jeffrey was chosen after a nationwide search. He joined USC Upstate on July 1, 2023. Jeffrey previously served as dean of Central Washington University's College of Business. There he oversaw 74 faculty and staff, seven degree programs, and 27 specializations, minors, and certificate programs across seven physical locations and online serving approximately 2,000 students per term.

Citing the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni to our mission of being a partner in the economic transformation of the Upstate as part of what attracted him to this position, Jeffrey said he looks forward to extending the reach and impact of our academic programs and industry partnerships.

We would like to take this opportunity to share with you what Spartanburg business leader and JCBE namesake George Dean Johnson, Jr. had to say about Jeffrey after meeting with him:

“Jeffrey Stinson is very personable and, most importantly to me, he is committed to raising per capita income in the Upstate, which would improve the quality of life for many. I think he is the right person to help the business college and USC Upstate grow. He is committed for the long term, and I believe he will pursue graduate degrees that will be very beneficial to Upstate industry. This is an inspired choice.”

Jeffrey joined CWU in 2008 as an assistant professor in marketing He was promoted to associate professor and awarded tenure in 2012 before earning a promotion to full professor in 2017. Prior to CWU, he served on the faculty of North Dakota State University.

Jeffrey earned his Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Oregon, an M.B.A. and a M.A. in recreation and leisure studies both from the University of Minnesota and his undergraduate degree in sport studies and management at Bemidji State University.

Again, help us welcome Jeffrey to the USC Upstate family as we reimagine education for all that inspires a thriving and just society. Clearly, the work he will lead is essential to the students and community we serve.