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R. Duncan Pelly serves as dean of the College of Business and Industry at the University of Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP - Fort Smith (UAFS). A proven business school leader, entrepreneur, and former U.S. Army officer, he has built a career around connecting higher education with the needs of industry and community partners. Throughout his leadership roles, he has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, led large and diverse teams, and developed innovative programs that expand opportunity for students while strengthening regional economic development. His experience spans public and private universities, with a track record of driving enrollment growth, improving student outcomes, and creating programs aligned with workforce needs. ​

 

Before joining UAFS, Dr. Pelly served in senior academic leadership positions at Fisk University, McMurry University, and California State University, Los Angeles. Across those institutions, he secured more than $10 million in philanthropic and corporate support, expanded academic and professional programs, increased enrollment, and established partnerships that created internships, scholarships, professorships, and career pathways for students. Known for bringing business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators together around a shared vision, he has worked closely with organizations in banking, insurance, technology, healthcare, construction, and economic development to ensure graduates are prepared to contribute on day one. ​

 

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and holder of a Ph.D. from EM Lyon Business School in France, Dr. Pelly combines global perspective with practical leadership experience. He is an active researcher in entrepreneurship and regional development and has authored more than 50 publications (including four books).  He has served as a keynote speaker at entrepreneurship conferences in the U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Africa.  His leadership philosophy centers on building meaningful partnerships that benefit students, employers, and the region, making the College of Business and Industry a catalyst for opportunity and prosperity throughout Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP and beyond.