Published on March 23, 2026 by Catherine Smith  

Following a national search, Samford University has named Bradley E. Lail, PhD, CPA, dean of Brock School of Business, effective July 1, 2026.

Lail currently serves as associate dean of undergraduate programs and professor at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. In this role, he oversees undergraduate academic programs and supports strategic initiatives that enhance student success and experiential learning across the business school.

“Dr. Lail was the unanimous choice of the search committee, and he received robust praise and accolades from students, staff, and faculty during his interview process,” said Dave Cimbora, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “He brings with him experience, wisdom, vision, humility, passion and a Christ-centered approach to higher education and relationships.  I could not be more thrilled as he joins our team.” 

Marci Johns, JD, will continue in her role as senior associate provost at Samford following her service as interim dean of Brock School of Business during the 2025–26 academic year.

Before becoming associate dean, Lail served as chair of Baylor’s Department of Accounting and Business Law. He previously taught at North Carolina State University after completing his doctoral studies. Lail earned his PhD in accounting from the University of Oklahoma and holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Baylor University.

“The opportunity to serve as dean at Brock School of Business intrigued me from the beginning because of its mission alignment,” said Lail. “To serve at a university where stewarding God’s resources is the highest priority is deeply meaningful to me. I was encouraged by the shared sense of calling on campus and by the faculty, staff and students I met. Brock School of Business is a special place where we can make a lasting impact on students, and I look forward to building on its reputation for academic excellence as we continue to grow alongside the business community.”

An active scholar and educator, Lail’s research focuses on financial accounting and capital markets, including topics such as segment reporting and earnings management. His work has appeared in leading academic journals and contributes to ongoing conversations about financial reporting and investor decision making. Prior to entering academia, he worked as a staff auditor with EY in Dallas and later in corporate finance with AT&T, where he focused on budgeting, long term planning and investor relations.  

"I am thrilled with the announcement that Dr. Lail will be the next dean of Brock School of Business and am excited about the opportunity to work alongside him," said Sara McCarty, associate dean and Margaret Gage Bush Distinguished Professor of Economics. "His leadership style is a fantastic fit for Brock School of Business, and his experience will be a great asset. I look forward to the energy, vision and collaboration he will bring to our school. The future of Brock School of Business is bright!"

As dean, Lail will lead Brock School of Business in preparing students for meaningful careers while strengthening the school’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and the integration of faith and business.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 35 Most Beautiful College Campuses, Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.