BRISTOL, Tenn., Sept. 18, 2018 — Following an extensive nationwide search, King University has named Mark Pate, Ph.D., as dean of the School of Business, Economics, and Technology.

In addition to serving as a King faculty member since 2007 ― where he also presided as chair of the Department of Finance, Economics, and Law for several years — Pate brings a two-decade career in the oil and natural gas industry to his new role. At Ashland Exploration, Inc., in Houston, Texas, Pate managed international operations planning, economics, and administration, and served as director of acquisitions and director of business development. He also served as CFO for Baker Hughes Solutions in Houston, and as president and CEO of a privately held oil and gas company headquartered in Northeast Tennessee.

“Dr. Pate enjoyed a distinguished career in the energy industry, where he worked with projects in more than 40 countries,” said Alexander Whitaker, president of King University. “During that time, his accomplishments included acquisitions, joint ventures, and other types of transactions with closings exceeding $2 billion. In addition, he is a longtime King faculty member with tremendous experience in teaching numerous courses, and has broad familiarity with our academic platforms and business students. We are pleased to bring him into this new role, and look forward to the insight and knowledge he will share with our students and faculty.”

A 1980 graduate of the University of Tulsa (Oklahoma), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering, Pate obtained his Ph.D. in finance from the University of Tennessee in 2008. He and his wife, Beth, have been married for 29 years and have two sons.

“I came to King 11 years ago with a strong desire to teach corporate and personal finance to young adults, while at the same time encouraging future generations of management to conduct their business with values and integrity,” Pate said. “I am honored to be named dean, and am excited to lead the School of Business, Economics, and Technology in our efforts to ensure that our students receive the best preparation possible to equip them for success in their future careers, and for service to others.”

King University is a Presbyterian-affiliated, doctoral-level comprehensive university. Founded in 1867 as King College, the University offers more than 90 majors, minors, pre-professional degrees and concentrations in fields such as business, nursing, law, medical and health sciences, pharmacy, education, and humanities. Graduate programs are offered in business administration, education, and nursing. A number of research, off-campus learning opportunities, and travel destinations are also available. King University is a NCAA Division II and a Conference Carolinas member with 25 varsity sports. For more information about King University, click here. King University does not discriminate against academically qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability. King University is certified by SCHEV to operate in Virginia. King’s primary location in Virginia is Southwest Virginia Community College, 724 Community College Rd, Cedar Bluff, VA 24609.