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Sharon Alvarez

An associate dean and researcher of entrepreneurship at the University of Pittsburgh is the final candidate to become dean of the University of Kansas’ business school.

Sharon Alvarez will give a public presentation of her vision for the KU business school at 4 p.m. on Thursday in room 1010 of Capitol Federal Hall on the KU campus.

Alvarez is chair of entrepreneurial studies, and also is the associate dean for faculty affairs at Pitt’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business.

In her associate dean role, Alvarez oversees faculty hiring, annual evaluations, faculty promotions and other issues. As a professor, Alvarez has been recognized as a leader in the field of strategic management, and particularly has done work related to opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Alvarez has her doctorate in entrepreneurship and strategy from the University of Colorado, an MBA from the University of Denver, and her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado.

Alvarez is the fourth announced finalist for the dean position. Jide Wintoki, a professor of finance at the KU business school, was previously announced as a finalist, as was Lin Nan, a professor and senior associate dean at Purdue’s business school, and Cheryl Druehl, an associate dean at George Mason’s business school.

The dean position is open after former dean L. Paige Fields resigned the position last year as she returned to teaching and research duties on the KU business school faculty.