Dallas Baptist University announced that Dr. Stephen Mansfield has been appointed as the new dean of the College of Business. He also will serve as a senior advisor to the president for strategic initiatives. 

Previously, Mansfield was president and CEO of Methodist Health System in Dallas from 2006 to 2019.

“We are thrilled beyond words that Dr. Mansfield has agreed to join the DBU Family in this strategic role,” DBU President Dr. Adam Wright said in a statement. “Having personally known Dr. Mansfield for many years, I can tell you without hesitation that he is one of the finest individuals and leaders in the Dallas area and beyond. He will bring to DBU a wealth of leadership experience, business insight, and proven Christian character into his new calling, which will prove to be such a wonderful asset for our students who are aspiring business leaders in the years to come.”

Mansfield said that he has a “deep respect for the university and immense admiration for Dr. Wright, Dr. Cook, and everyone I have met there through the years.”

Mansfield announced his plans to retire as president and CEO of Methodist Health System in 2018. Under his leadership, the $2 billion nonprofit tripled in size during his tenure. In 2014, Modern Healthcare listed Methodist among America’s 40 Fastest Growing healthcare companies in the nation, and the following year the Quality Texas Foundation honored the system with the Texas Award for Performance Excellence.

Mansfield has received numerous awards and accolades for his commitment to the community, including the Health Award for Meritorious Service by the Dallas County Medical Society (2020); the Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Dallas Baptist University (2019); the Lifetime Achievement Award from D Magazine; the Distinguished Business Leader Award from the Texas Association of Business (2015); Health Executive of the Year from the Dallas Business Journal (2014); the DBU-Oak Cliff Good Samaritan Award (2007); and Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young (2009).

Mansfield serves on various local and regional boards and is a past chairman of the Dallas Regional Chamber.

Before joining Methodist in 2006, Mansfield served for seven years as president and CEO of St. Vincent Health System in Little Rock, Arkansas, and for 23 years in various executive roles with Baptist Memorial Health System in Memphis, Tennessee.

“I have been immensely blessed by a wonderful career, but I do not think I have ever been more excited about a new role as I am in this case,” Mansfield said in a statement. “I can’t imagine an opportunity with more purpose and meaning. I look forward to giving it everything I have and to serving our Lord as best I can at DBU.”

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