UNF names Dr. Gary Giamartino as interim dean of the Coggin College of Business

The University of North Florida is proud to announce Dr. Gary Giamartino as interim dean of the Coggin College of Business.  

Giamartino is recognized as a global leader in business education, with experience in both academia and business. It is anticipated that he will serve in the position for about two years. 

“Dr. Giamartino brings a blend of strong academic leadership and successful practical business experience, making him uniquely suited to guide the Coggin College of Business,” said Dr. Karen Patterson, UNF provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs. “He holds a strong track record of strengthening programs, building industry partnerships and leading institutions through periods of change that make him best suited to prepare a glidepath for the next dean.” 

Giamartino has worked as a private business consultant for the last eight years specializing in organizations going through transitions including mergers and acquisitions, leadership successions, generational transfer of leadership in family firms, changes in strategic direction or product portfolio mixes. He has coached leaders to help enhance their skills and to diagnose and shape organizational culture. He also has extensive experience in coaching entrepreneurs in the start-up and growth stages of business. 

Prior to establishing his consulting firm, he was dean and professor of management and leadership at the School of Business at La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As dean, he had responsibility for the operations, programs and personnel that served 1,350 business students at the undergraduate and MBA levels. He was a key leader in the fundraising efforts that led to a new building and to new programs that distinguish the La Salle School of Business as an innovator in student-centered learning and service. 

He previously served as dean of the School of Business at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, dean of the University of Detroit Mercy College of Business, and as a faculty member at St. Joseph’s University, the College of Charleston, and The Citadel. 

“It’s such an exciting time to be in Northeast Florida,” Giamartino said. “Jacksonville’s business community is growing, and we are eager to partner with leaders across the region and the state to ensure that our Coggin College of Business alumni have the skills and experiences to help drive that growth.” 

Giamartino holds a Ph.D. in social and organizational psychology from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, a master’s degree from Western Kentucky University, and an undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia.