Mike Lavender

Mike Lavender, J.D. serves as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at the Mike Cottrell College of Business, University of North Georgia. Based in the Nesbitt Academic Building on the Gainesville campus, he plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping undergraduate business education across multiple programs and disciplines.

With a Juris Doctor degree, Lavender brings legal expertise to his academic administration role, overseeing all undergraduate business programs including Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, and Technology Management. His leadership extends to curriculum development, academic policy implementation, and student success initiatives that impact hundreds of business students annually.

As Associate Dean, Lavender works closely with department chairs, faculty, and student support services to ensure high-quality educational experiences. He oversees resources like the Knack Tutoring platform that connects students with peer tutors who have excelled in specific business courses, demonstrating his commitment to student academic success.

His office actively engages with complex student academic issues and works to enhance the undergraduate experience through program innovation and quality assurance. The statement he co-signed regarding textbook concerns demonstrates his commitment to academic integrity and creating a respectful learning environment that prepares students to 'think critically, lead with integrity, and serve in communities across our state, nation, and world.'