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Dr. Daniel P. Mertens Named Glenn Huie Eminent Scholar Chair in Jax State's College of Business and Industry

by Josh Underwood

Jacksonville, AL (09/02/2025) — Jacksonville State University President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., has announced that Dr. Daniel P. Mertens, the Inaugural Endowed Professor of Business Strategy, has been appointed the new Glenn Huie Eminent Scholar Chair in the College of Business and Industry. He succeeds Dr. Ronnie Clayton, who has held the distinguished role since its establishment in 2000.

One of just two eminent scholars on Jax State's campus, the Glenn Huie Eminent Scholar Chair was created through a state endowment and named by the Jax State Board of Trustees in honor of prominent local banker Glenn G. Huie, whose leadership and service left a lasting impact on the university. The position is awarded to a distinguished faculty member whose leadership and research elevate the university's academic profile.

Dr. Mertens joined Jax State in 2016 and, in 2024, was awarded one of the highest honors in academia, the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar fellowship for the 2024-2025 academic year. His fellowship research at Tomas Bata University in the Czech Republic examined the innovative managerial philosophies of entrepreneur Tomas Bata, whose principles predate many modern management concepts. He evaluated the relevance of the Bata Management System in global business education, taught in the university's graduate program, served on dissertation committees, and assisted with strategic planning and assessment.

"Dr. Mertens' distinguished academic record, global research experience, and dedication to student success make him an outstanding choice for this role," said President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. "His achievements, including the prestigious Fulbright Scholar award, position him to make an immediate and lasting impact in this role. We also extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Clayton for his decades of dedicated service and the strong foundation he leaves behind."

Dr. Mertens said he is honored to carry forward the role. "I am humbled by President Killingsworth selecting me for this role, as Jax State has many outstanding faculty," he said. "I am excited to utilize this role to support my colleagues from the four departments of the College of Business and Industry and across campus. I intend to create and promote efforts within the academic and business community to drive collaboration and promote education, research, and a solution-oriented mindset."

As part of his vision, Dr. Mertens plans to expand the Glenn Huie Lecture Series by hosting guest speakers from a variety of fields to strengthen ties between the university and the community. "I hope to nurture these relationships into developing internships and job offers for our students, as well as creating opportunities for supporters of Jax State to be more involved in our academic efforts," he said. "I also consider myself incredibly fortunate to chair the CBI Scholarship Committee. It is an honor to evaluate and select the best of the best students and support the next generation of Gamecocks as they forge their impact in the world."

Dr. Clayton, who joined Jax State as a Professor of Finance in 2000, will remain on faculty in the Gregory D. Brown Department of Finance, Economics & Accounting. A leading figure in his field, he founded the Southern Finance Association in 1992 and continues to serve as its executive director. Under his leadership, the organization has sponsored an annual research conference for academic professionals in finance and co-sponsored the Journal of Financial Research.

"Dr. Mertens brings an exceptional blend of scholarship, leadership, and vision that will benefit Jax State students for years to come," said Dr. Brent J. Cunningham, dean of the College of Business and Industry. "At the same time, we are deeply grateful to Dr. Clayton for his 25 years of distinguished leadership in this position, and his contributions have been invaluable to the growth of our college. It is an honor to have both of these men as part of our faculty. Their experience and insight are tremendous assets for our college and our students."

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers' college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1, or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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