April 28, 2011

Karnes named associate dean of business college

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A longtime faculty member is the new associate dean of the College of Business at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Allan Karnes assumed the associate dean’s post earlier this month. Karnes joined the accounting faculty as an instructor in 1981. He became an assistant professor in 1986, earning promotion to associate professor in 1990 and to professor in 1997. He served as director of the School of Accountancy from 1995 to 2005. Karnes also has several years of accounting experience in commercial accounting firms.

“Dr. Karnes’ experience in the classroom as well as his involvement across campus have prepared him for the demands of the role of associate dean. His expertise will play a significant part in helping the college move forward in reaching our goals,” said J. Dennis Cradit, dean of the College of Business.

A native of Gary, Ind., Karnes completed his law degree at SIUC in 1986 and earned admittance to the Illinois State Bar in November 1986. He also earned his master’s in accounting in 1977 and his bachelor’s in political science in 1975, both at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. Karnes received his Illinois CPA license in 1979.

“Taking the associate dean’s position offers me a new challenge. While still being able to teach our fine students in the College of Business, I am able to help the college move forward with its strategic goals. We have initiated two exciting online programs, one at the graduate level and one at the undergraduate level, that help the University reach out to students who are not able to attend traditional residential programs. I anticipate helping the college adapt to the performance-based funding model being debated in Springfield and also in continuing and extending our commitment to helping our students prepare for and enter their business and professional careers,” Karnes said.

Much of Karnes’ research and teaching focus has been on taxation. He’s the co-author of the 2003 book, “The American Legal System: Foundations, Processes and Norms,” with Albert Melone and has numerous journal articles to his credit. Karnes is the recipient of a variety of College of Business and accounting school teaching awards and honors and has served the University in a number of capacities on committees, councils and more.

He has also been active in professional accounting and law organizations and has served as an expert witness in civil litigation.