Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business named Laurence Ales as interim dean, effective July 1, 2026. Ales, who has served on the faculty since 2008 and most recently as senior associate dean for education, will provide continuity for the school’s education-focused initiatives as Tepper navigates a “rapidly transforming” business and higher-ed landscape. Tepper said Ales’ appointment comes with an emphasis on sustaining momentum from his prior work with faculty and staff to strengthen educational programs and the student experience. The announcement signals that Tepper’s next phase will be managed from within the school’s established governance structure, with the interim role intended to stabilize leadership while the school prepares for longer-term direction. In a separate business-school pipeline development, the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business is launching a Deferred MBA pathway for applicants seeking early admission but deferring enrollment for three to five years while building work experience. The option is designed for seniors and recent graduates who want to align timing with career development rather than committing immediately to full-time graduate study.