The University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business expects to soon have a new leader.

Michelle Trawick was recently nominated as the next dean of the college, pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents at a Feb. 1 meeting.

Trawick is currently the associate provost for faculty and academic excellence at Western Kentucky University. She previously was the associate dean for faculty and administration at the Gordon Ford College of Business at WKU as well as the chair of the economics department and a professor of economics.

“Her leadership at WKU led to the extensions of accreditations in accounting and business; new academic initiatives that provided students with new and expanded academic and internship opportunities; and further philanthropic support of scholarships,” according to a UNO news release.

Trawick holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in economics from North Carolina State University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from WKU.

“Michelle brings a wealth of experience and values that align with UNO’s public metropolitan research mission,” said Sacha Kopp, UNO’s senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. “A first-generation college student herself, she shares the lived experience of many of our students and will join UNO as a strong role model for empowering success in our student body.”

A seven-month national search was led by a committee of faculty and staff, other campus colleagues, and business leaders.

Trawick would succeed Louis Pol, who led the college for 17 years prior to stepping down in May 2019. Lynn Harland will continue to serve as interim dean until Trawick’s confirmation.