Bates, Newton Step into Falls School of Business Leadership Roles
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Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University and the Falls School of Business have announced the promotion of two faculty members to director roles. Dr. Celesta Bates has been named the new MBA director, while James Newton has been named the undergraduate program director.
“Dr. Bates’ experience, expertise, and leadership are exactly what the MBA program needs as it begins its fourth decade of helping students achieve their next career goal,” said Dr. Lonnie Leeper, dean of the Falls School of Business. “Professor Newton has a passion for serving undergraduate students and helping them pursue their unique calling in life. His 25 years of experience in the industry provides a great foundation for students to apply their knowledge inside and outside of the classroom.”
Bates has 20 years of teaching experience between the classroom and providing professional development on agency policies and procedures. She is also an accomplished business owner and served as the Chief Financial Officer for the State of Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Agency. In 2017 and 2018 she was named the Independent Colleges of Indiana’s most influential faculty member while at Martin University.
“Anderson University has created an MBA program that is student-focused and Christ-centered,” said Bates. “I am blessed to have this opportunity and I am looking forward to working to ensure students receive the exceptional education Anderson University is known to provide. I am excited to work with an administration that continually monitors its programs to design curricula that meet the demands of our dynamic business environment.”
Newton came to the Falls School of Business with a combined 25 years in the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors. He was an executive at Red Bull Energy Drink, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Harley-Davidson Motor Company. In the private sector, he owned and operated a small chain of action sports retail stores, a motor coach company, and a social media influencer marketing agency.
“Business is constantly changing, therefore, the expectations for employees are also evolving,” said Newton. “Today’s employers are looking for hands-on experience to augment the traditional theory taught in the classroom. The Falls School of Business has been providing practical, hands-on experience since the early 1960s under the direction of Dr. Glenn Falls. I am excited to continue and expand this approach to learning so that every FSB graduate continues to have the competitive edge needed to obtain the career position they have in mind.”
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.