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Remembering former DCOB Dean Joe McCann (1946-2015)

Former Dean Dr. Joe McCann
Dr. Joe McCann, former DCOB Dean

The Davis College of Business (DCOB) is remembering former Dean Dr. Joe McCann (1946-2015), who died Sunday, Oct. 4, in his Fernandina Beach home after an illness. Because of his significant contribution to the advancement of the college, a donation has been collected for Jacksonville University’s general scholarship fund.

McCann was a catalyst for achieving initial AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation for the DCOB in 2010. This has allowed the college to maintain a higher level of academic rigor and recruit world-renowned faculty, and has validated the international significance of the business degrees awarded by Jacksonville University. Twelve current DCOB faculty members were hired during McCann’s deanship.

“The AACSB accreditation, emphasis on a strategic plan and creation of the PRIDE statement (in each DCOB syllabus) were some of his greatest contributions in his time as dean,” said Dr. Hassan Pordeli, Hugh Culverhouse Chair of Economics.

McCann was known for his academic reputation and his experience as a business school administrator.

“He was someone whose experience, skills and vision were eminent in his demeanor and constant emphasis on growing with quality,” Pordeli said.

McCann served as dean of the DCOB from 2008 to 2011 and was succeeded by current dean Dr. Don Capener, with Dr. Bill Crosby serving as interim dean during a transition period. McCann joined the DCOB from the University of Tampa, where he was the business dean at the time of his appointment.

McCann earned master’s and doctoral degrees in business and applied economics at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He received his bachelor’s in finance and MBA in international business from the University of Washington.

Arrangements are pending and being handled by Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors in Fernandina Beach.