Dr. Jennifer P. Bott named chair of WMU’s Department of Marketing
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Dr. Jennifer P. Bott has been named chair of the Department of Marketing at Western Michigan University. She will head WMU’s largest academic department, effective July 1, 2026.
“Leading the department is genuinely exciting because the faculty and staff are already doing remarkable work, bringing real industry experience into the classroom, building deep corporate relationships and graduating students who hit the ground running,” says Bott. “I didn't have to look hard for reasons to say yes. The positive energy here is real, and I want to help amplify it.”
Bott is keen to build upon the strong legacy of the Department of Marketing, and that starts with listening and understanding what is working well before collaborating with faculty on what’s next. She is eagerly anticipating those conversations, and plans to grow donor engagement and corporate sponsorships by connecting the marketing faculty and students to alumni and organizations that want to invest in what the department does.
“I am thrilled to have Dr. Bott leading the Department of Marketing,” says Dr. Satish Deshpande, dean of the Haworth College of Business. “Her background in strategic planning, teaching innovation, fundraising, and developing people and culture will be instrumental in helping an already strong and significant department in our college grow and thrive. Dr. Bott is one of the smartest, most talented administrators I have met in my career, and I am excited to have her as part of our core leadership team for the college. I know she will partner with our marketing faculty to support great programs and strong student outcomes.”
The Department of Marketing boasts outstanding student outcomes. According to the WMU Career Outcomes Report:
- 97% of Department of Marketing graduates are working or continuing their education quickly after earning their degree.
- 100% of Department of Marketing graduates had instructors who made them excited about learning.
- 99% of Department of Marketing graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning.
Bott’s career in higher education has been powered by a foundational, powerful idea. “I've held a lot of different roles in higher education, including senior leadership positions, but the thread connecting all of them is simple: I believe education changes lives, families and communities, and I want to be part of that. The most rewarding moments in my career have always been the ones closest to people doing the work. I look forward to opening up avenues for innovation and removing roadblocks for the faculty and staff I am serving.”
She adds, “I've spent enough time in the Haworth College of Business to know that the leadership team here is exceptional. I'm looking forward to contributing to that, not just benefiting from it. I am enthusiastic about getting to work.”
About Dr. Jennifer Bott
Bott served as Western’s provost and vice president for academic affairs from 2018 to 2022. Her responsibilities included the oversight of all academic policies and activities throughout the University, as well as development and execution of long-range planning for WMU’s academic enterprise. She served as a member of the President’s Cabinet and collaborated with senior executive and vice-presidential colleagues to propel the University forward in pursuit of its mission through innovation and strategic risk.
Prior to coming to WMU, she served as dean of the Miller College of Business at Ball State University. As dean, Bott raised over $15 million in donations to expand the scope of the college’s programs and initiatives. Before serving as dean, Bott was associate provost at Ball State University leading the online and distance education programs. Her duties included oversight and administration of over 60 degrees and nearly 10,000 students. Online programs grew under Bott’s leadership, increasing institutional tuition revenue by $30 million, and Bott was nationally recognized for her work as associate provost.
Bott has more than 30 published articles in some of the best journals in her field, including Journal of Business Venturing, Journal of Applied Social Psychology, Small Group Research, and the Journal of Business and Psychology.
She has been honored for innovation in teaching and has been a frequent recipient of student-selected teaching awards as well. Bott was named a Woman of Influence in 2017 by the Indianapolis Business Journal, received the Silver Award for Principal, Major and Special Giving Programs from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and earned the Innovation in Business Education Award from the Midcontinent AACSB Deans Association.
She attained her master’s and doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Akron. She has also earned a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification.
Learn more about WMU Haworth’s Department of Marketing.
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