CBER’s Ferguson Retiring; Hardin Named New Associate Dean for Research at UA Business School

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. J. Michael Hardin has been named associate dean for research at The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce. Hardin will replace Dr. Carl Ferguson, associate dean for research and technology, who has announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31.

“Carl has done a terrific job in this critical role for the college and deserves our deep appreciation,” said Dr. J. Barry Mason, dean of the business school. “He and Mike are working together to insure a smooth transition of responsibilities.

“Dr. Hardin has an exceptional record of scholarship in addition to strong classroom performance. He is nationally recognized for his work in the context of data mining. Also, he has been successful in generating a continuing large stream of federally sponsored research over the years and has strong contacts with the Washington, D.C. federal funding agencies.”

Ferguson became director of the Center for business and Economic Research, known as CBER, for the second time in 1999 in his role as associate dean for research and technology. He also held the post from 1977 until 1988. Ferguson has been a frequent speaker on the state and region economy around the state and the Southeast. He was instrumental in developing a model of the state’s economy and establishing CBER as the leading source for data analysis and information on the state’s economy and population.

Hardin, a professor of statistics, said he will continue his work in data mining and as director of UA’s Institute for Business Intelligence. He said his first priority as associate dean for research will be “to enhance and facilitate sponsored research.”

“There are a lot of opportunities around campus for collaboration,” Hardin said, adding that there are several areas of opportunity for additional research, including health care, transportation, financial services, supply chain management, homeland security and energy preparedness.

The outreach centers currently housed in Bidgood Hall, the home of CBER, will continue to report to the associate dean for research. These include the Alabama Real Estate Research and Education Center, the Alabama State Data Center, the Alabama Productivity Center, the Family Business Forum, and the Small Business Development Center.

Hardin said he and Ferguson plan to travel around the state and the region between now and the end of the year to meet with many of the contacts that Ferguson has established.

Hardin is nationally known for his work in data mining and time series analysis, and often serves as a consultant to health care organizations and financial institutions. He has written or co-written more than 150 abstracts presented at national meetings, and has written or co-written more than 80 papers in various national and international journals.

He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of West Florida, his Master of Science at Florida State University and a Master of Arts and his Ph.D. at The University of Alabama. He also holds a master’s divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

The Culverhouse College of Commerce is a nationally recognized business school. The undergraduate program is ranked 35th among public institutions, and its graduate program has been recognized as a leader in return on investment.