University of Alabama at Birmingham Collat School of Business Dean Christopher L. Shook, Ph.D., is set to retire at the end of the spring 2026 semester following UAB commencement ceremonies.
“Chris has done an incredible job leading the Collat School of Business, and working with him has been an absolute pleasure,” said Janet Woodruff-Borden, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “Chris’ strong business acumen, leadership style and focus on collaboration made the school stronger; but his most important legacy will always be how he — with great dedication and care — set up the school and its students, faculty and staff for future success. We all wish Chris the very best in retirement.”
During his time at UAB, Shook led the complete revision of the business undergraduate curriculum, revamped the MBA curriculum by changing to a modular design and expanding specialization options, and expanded outreach to the business community through the school’s professional education programs.
“As a first-generation college graduate, I have always appreciated the role higher education plays in society and enjoyed watching young people build brighter futures,” Shook said. “It has been an honor to serve the students in the Collat School of Business, and I am proud to retire knowing I made a difference. Now it is time to focus on my family and my health.”
Collat School of Business colleagues celebrated Shook and his final radiation treatment in February. He is continuing treatment at the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. His final duty as dean will be celebrating Collat graduates at UAB’s spring 2026 commencement ceremonies.
Shook came to UAB in 2023 from the Gordon Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University, where he also served as dean, with more than 25 years of academic leadership. He was a professor and chair at Auburn University and a faculty member at the University of Texas at Arlington and Northern Illinois University. Prior to joining Western Kentucky University in 2019, he was the Sprunk and Burnham Endowed Dean at the University of Montana College of Business.
The author and co-author of more than 35 professional publications and more than 55 presentations, Shook has been a two-time Fulbright Scholar in Romania and visiting professor in Poitiers, France. His scholarship has focused on the exploration and exploitation of entrepreneurial opportunities, strategic decision-making processes, and methodological issues in strategy and entrepreneurial research.
In addition to his work in academia, Shook was a certified public accountant and the 2022 recipient of the Southern Management Association’s most prestigious honor, the James G. Hunt SMA Sustained Outstanding Service Award.
Shook received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Northern Colorado and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi. He earned his doctorate in business administration from Louisiana State University and a Certified Public Accountant certificate from the Colorado State Board of Accountancy.
An interim dean will be named to serve while a national search is conducted.