Fort Lewis College launched a national search for its new Katz School of Business dean. After months of recruiting, the college found its ideal candidate already on campus.
Liz Cartier, who has served as interim dean since July 2025 and has been a member of the FLC faculty since 2018, was appointed to the role on a permanent basis last week, according to a news release from the college.
Cartier holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fordham University, a Master of Business Administration from Norwich University and a doctorate in philosophy from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. She touts 30 years of industry experience and has spent a decade working in higher education leadership, according to the release.
Cartier has lived in Durango for two decades and co-owns J.Bo's Pizza and Rib Co. at 1301 Florida Rd.
Prior to Cartier’s work at FLC, she worked as a teaching and research assistant at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, as a lecturer at Arizona State University Colleges in Lake Havasu and as a visiting assistant professor at the Anderson School of Management in New Mexico.
While serving as interim dean, Cartier has “led the Katz School through a period of strategic growth while enhancing transparency, collaboration, and student support,” the release said. She has also served on numerous boards and committees during her time at the school, including the President’s Cabinet, the Center for Innovation Strategic Planning Committee, the AI Council, the Compensation and Sustainability Advisory Committee and the Water Center Advisory Committee.
According to the release, during her tenure as interim dean, Cartier expanded scholarship access and emergency funding for students, launched faculty-student AI integration initiatives, “reinvigorated” the Katz School Professionalism Committee, advanced curricular and co‑curricular structures tied to workforce needs, strengthened student-centered advising, communication and academic pathways, supported faculty development in emerging technologies and helped advance the school’s Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – or AACSB – reaccreditation.
“Dr. Cartier has demonstrated exceptional leadership during a pivotal moment for the Katz School of Business,” Mario Martinez, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said in the release. “Her ability to connect academic excellence with the needs of our region strengthens both our college and the communities we serve, and positions her well to lead the Katz School of Business forward.”
FLC President Heather Shotton voiced her support for Cartier in the release.
“Liz has demonstrated steady, thoughtful leadership grounded in collaboration and student-centered decision-making,” Shotton said. “Her vision, community relationships, and commitment to academic excellence position the Katz School for continued momentum and an exciting future.”
According to the release, Cartier has a few key initiatives in mind as she steps into a more permanent role as dean. Those include working to grow scholarship opportunities and sustainable funding, supporting faculty development, innovation and research, expanding community aligned internships and experiential learning, strengthening industry responsive curriculum and academic pathways, and continuing efforts to position the Katz School as a top AACSB accredited institution.
“It is a true honor to serve the Katz School of Business and the students, faculty, staff, and community I care so deeply about,” Cartier said in the release. “The Katz School is poised for meaningful growth, grounded in innovation, inclusive excellence, and our deep connection to the Four Corners region. I look forward to continuing this work alongside our dedicated and talented team.”
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