Bob Jones University appoints new dean of School of Business
April 11, 2012
GREENVILLE, SC – April 11, 2012 – Dr. David Fisher, BJU provost, announced last week that Mr. Mike Buiter will succeed Dr. Aaron Goldsmith as dean of BJU’s School of Business when Dr. Goldsmith retires later this spring.
A professor of undergraduate business courses since 1999, Mr. Buiter previously served four years as head of BJU Press which publishes K4-12 curriculum used by Christian schools and home school families along with a variety of adult and children’s books.
Mr. Buiter came to BJU following 12 years with Dr. Pepper/Seven-Up Companies, Inc., where he held several positions—Internal Audit Manager, Corporate Treasurer and Vice President-Finance. During his tenure he negotiated the leveraged buyout of the company by employees, including managing the sale of 10 manufacturing plants. As Vice President-Finance, he participated in the company’s IPO offering of common stock in 1993 and the negotiation and sale of the company to Cadbury Schweppes in London in 1995.
His business experience also includes Manager of Corporate Accounting at The Zale Corporation and Senior Auditor at Price Waterhouse Coopers.
“Mr. Buiter’s extensive experience in business has been a great asset in the classroom and in his one-on-one mentoring of business students,” says Dr. Fisher. “It will prove to be even more helpful as he works as dean to ensure BJU’s business programs prepare our students to excel in today’s highly competitive business environment.”
“He has a reputation for building strong connections with both students and graduates,” says Dr. Fisher, “and for encouraging our business students to have a ministry focus while pursuing their careers.”
“We’re thrilled to have Mike join our academic leadership team,” says Dr. Gary Weier, executive vice president for academic affairs. “His heart for mentoring students and his world class business experience are a perfect match for this role.”
Mr. Buiter holds a BS in Accounting from BJU and an MBA from Duke University. He has served as chairman and board member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation; as finance chairman, elder and teacher at Heritage Bible Church in Greer; and as board member of The Wilds Christian Camp.
Serving as dean since 2002, Dr. Aaron Goldsmith administered the University’s sixteen undergraduate and two graduate business programs and taught both graduate and undergraduate courses. Prior to becoming business dean, he served as the Dean of the School of Applied Studies where he was responsible for the University’s associate degree programs.
“We will miss Aaron’s leadership and his passion for teaching students a biblical approach to business,” says Dr. Weier. “We wish him and his wife Wilma God’s best as they transition to new opportunities.”
Dr. Goldsmith came to BJU following a diverse 30-year career with the U.S. Army. Holding a number of increasingly responsible logistics and business management positions, prior to returning to BJU, Dr. Goldsmith served for six years as Director of Tank-automotive and Armaments Command in Warren, Mich., where he directed the strategic operations of 15,000 employees in 9 business units located at 5 sites.
Dr. Goldsmith holds a BA in history from BJU, an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a PhD in Technology Management from Indiana State University.
Following retirement, Dr. Goldsmith and his wife will continue to reside in Greenville. They are members of Suber Road Baptist Church where Dr. Goldsmith has served on the deacon board.
