(October 16, 2015)

Dr. Johnette Magner to serve as interim director of Centenary's eMBA Program and Center for Family-Owned Business

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College has tapped a local higher education advocate to provide interim leadership for its Executive Master of Business Administration program and the Center for Family-Owned Business.

Dr. Johnette Magner, currently the Executive Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Business Alliance for Higher Education (SBBA), will oversee these Centenary programs as the College conducts a nationwide search for a permanent dean of the Frost School of Business.

"The intellectual health of a community is based in part on the breadth of opportunities for ongoing professional education," says Magner, who is also an instructor in the Executive MBA program. "The Centenary eMBA program and Center for Family-Owned Business are two such programs we are lucky to have in our community, and I'm delighted to be able to step in as interim director while Centenary pursues a new Dean for the Frost School."

Centenary College Provost Dr. Jenifer K. Ward says Magner's distinguished background in higher education advocacy, business, and leadership, including serving as Vice President of Public Affairs with the prestigious PR agency Ketchum and managing global communications for the health care accrediting agency Joint Commission International, will benefit the College and its students.

"We are fortunate to be able to draw on Dr. Magner's expertise and insights in this transitional period for the Executive MBA program and the Center for Family-Owned Business," says Ward. "Centenary is committed to building on the outstanding contributions that both programs have made to our local business community and beyond, and Magner's leadership will ensure a firm foundation for this process."

Both the Executive MBA Program and the Center for Family-Owned Businesses are housed in Centenary's Frost School of Business. The Executive MBA program is designed for current professionals. Courses are taught from a senior management perspective. Students typically have five or more years of work experience and are responsible for managing people, projects, and budgets. "Centenary's students are already accomplished professionals who want additional knowledge to further build their careers and companies," Magner says. "It is critical for our region that we maintain a wealth of programs to support their continued professional growth and increase their contribution to our community."

The Center for Family-Owned Business provides programs and networking for large and small family-run businesses in the region. Focusing on the unique challenges of planning, growth, and communication in multi-generational firms, membership is limited to firms where majority ownership is family-held. The unique dynamics of family organized and controlled businesses provide special challenges in management, finance, and personal interaction. Magner looks forward to advancing the Center's work through speakers, workshops, and other outreach to strengthen these important community resources.