Thursday, May 22, 2025 815 View all Fort Lewis College news FLC Katz Business School dean stepping down for UNC post Fort Lewis College Dean of the Katz School of Business Steve Elias is stepping down this summer to become the next Dean of the Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado. DURANGO— Fort Lewis College Dean of the Katz School of Business Steve Elias is stepping down this summer to become the next Dean of the Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business at the University of Northern Colorado. Since joining FLC in 2017, Elias has been instrumental in elevating business education and strengthening ties with the regional business community. Under his leadership, the Katz School of Business achieved significant milestones, including AACSB reaccreditation, the creation of the Center for Innovation, and securing a transformative $10.4 million philanthropic gift—the largest in the college’s history—which led to the school's renaming. “Steve has been a dynamic leader for the Katz School of Business and an important collaborator in the community,” said President Steve Schwartz. “We are grateful for his contributions to Fort Lewis College, and we wish him all the best as he takes this next step in his career.” In addition to his academic leadership, Elias has been a visible and committed member of the business and nonprofit community. He currently serves as the board chair of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance and is a member of the Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center. “Steve brought a collaborative spirit —from working closely with faculty and staff to forging meaningful partnerships across Durango and the region,” said Provost Mario Martinez. Provost Martinez has met with faculty in the Katz School of Business to begin identifying interim leadership. Details about an interim dean and the search for Elias’ successor will be shared in the coming weeks.