Dr. James Fenton, dean of Ohio Northern University’s James F. Dicke College of Business Administration, has announced the appointment of Dr. Robert Kleine as the new associate dean of the business college. Kleine has also been bestowed with the first James F. Dicke Endowed Professorship.

Kleine replaces Dr. Rich Meininger, who served as the college’s associate dean for the past 39 years.

“Kleine exemplifies the ‘teacher-scholar’ model,” Fenton said. “He’s an excellent classroom teacher and a productive and published researcher in the areas of consumer behavior and marketing research.” The Marketing Science Institute designated one of Kleine’s articles as one of the “Essential Readings in Marketing.”

Kleine joined the ONU faculty in 2002. He received his Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of New Hampshire and his Doctor of Philosophy in marketing from the University of Cincinnati. He previously taught at Miami University and Arizona State University.

Since coming to ONU, Kleine has championed many new programs and initiatives in the business college and University-wide. He co-chaired the University committee that developed ONU’s new General Education program, and he chaired the committee that developed the pharmaceutical business major in collaboration with ONU’s Raabe College of Pharmacy. This program currently enrolls more than 55 students.

In collaboration with Dr. J.D. Yoder, professor and chair of mechanical engineering, and Fenton, Kleine secured approximately $650,000 in grant funding for ONU’s Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative, which seeks to impact every student on campus.

“As the new associate dean, Kleine will function as the ‘chief operating officer’ at the business college,” said Fenton.

He’ll assume responsibility for student success, faculty and course scheduling, college policies and procedures, FERPA compliance, building safety, and representing the business college on many university-wide committees.

“The higher education market is very dynamic and competitive,” said Kleine. “My main goal will be to leverage all resources as effectively and efficiently as possible.”