Provided photo Dr. Dean Johnson has been a member of the Michigan Technological University School of Business and Economics since 1996, and in November he became the dean of the school.

HOUGHTON — Dr. Dean Johnson has been a member of the Michigan Technological University School of Business and Economics since 1996, and in November he became the dean of the school.

According to a written statement from Jackie Huntoon, Tech provost and vice president of academic affairs, Johnson was chosen because of his reputation for creating unique academic programs in the School of Business and Economics.

“Despite the quality of other candidates, Dr. Johnson rose to the top, and I look forward to working with him in the future,” Huntoon wrote.

Johnson said one of the programs he created is the master of science in accounting, which is in its third year at the school. The accounting faculty has been expanded, also.

He also created the school’s Applied Portfolio Management Program, in which students receive $1.5 million to invest.

“They have complete control of that,” he said. “Nobody is looking over their shoulder.”

The money for the AFMP comes from donors, Johnson said. Any money the students make from their investments goes to the Tech Fund.

Johnson said he takes students on field trips to various businesses and competitions every year.

The purpose of the APMP is to give students hands-on real world experiences, Johnson said.

He is also involved with creating connections between the School of Business and Economics and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs at the university, Johnson said.

“We want to build a bridge to bring STEM students into business,” he said.

MBA students will be able to have concentrations in STEM programs, such as engineering classes, Johnson said.

“Technology is the driver of the economy,” he said.

Johnson said he’s working on an accelerated master of business administration program. As envisioned, the program will allow undergraduate students who are considering seeking and MBA to be evaluated for their qualifications for entering the program. If they do qualify, they can take some MBA courses while they are still undergrads and get credit for those classes as an undergrad and the credits can be applied to their MBA.

Johnson received his PhD in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was named Tech Distinguished Professor twice and Professor of the Year by the Presidents Council of the State Universities of Michigan. He was assistant dean in the School of Business and Economics from 2104 until he was named dean.