Among the first things Lenway said she wanted to do was engage local businesses through partnerships and hands-on experience for students.

“The university has a very strong undergraduate and MBA program I hope to continue to build,” she said. “I want to attract students from local companies and engage local companies in building the curriculum.”

She would replace interim dean Elvin Lashbrooke, who said he did not enter his name for consideration of the post and will return to retirement.

The recommendation by MSU Provost Kim Wilcox must be approved by MSU’s Board of Trustees. If approved, Lenway’s term would begin in August.

Alison Barber, search committee chairwoman and senior adviser to the president and provost, said Lenway was one of three finalists the committee recommended to Wilcox.

“The criteria we were looking for was someone who had an international perspective,” Barber said.

“We wanted somebody who could work with partners in the community and who could be innovative.”

The other finalists included Paul Bobrowski, dean of the College of Business at Auburn University, and Eric Spangenberg, dean of the College of Business at Washington State University.

Although all three finalists fit the bill for the position at MSU, the feedback collected by the committee after each candidate’s visit tipped overwhelmingly in Lenway’s favor, Barber said.

Lenway said the similarities between UIC, where she has been since 2005, and MSU influenced her choice to apply.

“MSU shares a lot of the same values as UIC,” Lenway said. “It is much more of an international orientation and that gives us the opportunity to use that understanding in teaching MSU business practice.”

Lenway said she wants to steer the college toward entrepreneurship, as well as provide real-world opportunities for students to interact with the local business community.

“In some cases, we can bring problems from a company to the classroom,” she said.

“Then students could present solutions to company management.”

Another method would include a competition for students to generate their own business plans and present them to venture capitalists, Lenway said.

“It is important because in business, students need an opportunity to provide real help,” she said.

Lenway’s approach to real-world business practices will be beneficial for the college, Senior Associate Provost June Youatt said in an e-mail

“We’re very excited she’s agreed to join us,” Youatt said in the e-mail.

“Her work aligns solidly with our university values and our aspirations for the Broad College of Business. As a leader and scholar, she demonstrates a commitment to advance the discipline of business, while assuring that students will be prepared for the real world of business.”