Wysong named dean of the Northwestern State University College of Business and Technology

NATCHITOCHES - Dr. W. Scott Wysong IV has been appointed dean of the College of Business and Technology at Northwestern State University effective January 5, 2026, pending approval of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, according to Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Greg Handel.

Wysong was selected after an extensive national search conducted by a committee including College of Business and Technology faculty across academic ranks, academic deans, community, business and industry leaders and alumni of the College. More than 30 applications were evaluated. Virtual interviews were done with eight applicants and three candidates came to campus for face-to-face interviews.

Handel said all other applicants who were interviewed in the process have been notified, and Wysong has notified his current employer.

The College of Business and Technology includes degree programs within the School of Business and the Departments of Computer Information Systems and Hospitality Management and Tourism.

"Dr. Wysong joins us with 25 years' experience spanning academia, business and industry," said Handel. "His service on boards throughout Shreveport and Bossier City as well as Texas will be an asset as we look to evolve and expand our degree offerings in the College of Business and Technology, and his ability to create a capstone experiential learning experiences for our students will serve as an asset to our academic mission.

Wysong earned a bachelor's degree at Vanderbilt University and an MBA and doctorate at the University of Texas at Arlington. He has received a certification from Harvard Business School Online.

He has been a member of the faculty at University of Dallas since 2001 as a member of the faculty in marketing, MBA Program Director since 2017 and academic program director of the Sports & Entertainment MBA from 2002 to 2015.

Wysong has received awards from the University of Dallas for his teaching including the Haggerty Teaching Excellence Award from the Gupta College of Business, the University Faculty Member of the Month, the King/Haggar Scholar Award and the Dean's Merit Award.

His community service includes being a member of the board of directors of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl since 2017, the Dallas Influencers in Sports and Entertainment since 2018 and the Advisory Board of the Rotary Club of Shreveport since 2011. For five years, he was on the Attendee Research Task Force for the Dallas City Arts Celebration.

Wysong has published a number of research articles in academic outlets and conducted research for over 100 firms, including economic impact studies for the Independence Bowl, Taylor Swift '1989 Concert, Red River Rally and U.S. Hot Air Balloon Championship, Garth Brooks concerts, Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Region 4 Qualifying, Texas Bass Champs Team Tournament Sponsored by Yamaha, Battle on the Border High School Football Showcase, Cirque du Soleils 'Toruk,' Highland Jazz & Blues Festival, Gusher Days Festival, Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) State Wrestling Tournament, Shreveport Mardi Gras Parades and the Red River State Fair Classic.