The College of Business is closer to having a new dean, as the first of three finalists spoke at a forum Friday afternoon.

James L. Koch, director of the Center for Science, Technology and Society at Santa Clara University, spoke and answered questions for about an hour in front of a crowd of mostly business faculty in Beardshear Hall.

“You should all take a great deal of pride in what you have accomplished as a school,” Koch said.

Koch’s sense of humor was apparent on several occasions during his speech, especially when asked to talk in detail about Iowa State. Having only been at Iowa State for 24 hours, Koch said he realized he may sound silly talking about a place so new to him.

Koch also talked about his past career in business, which included a significant stretch with Pacific Gas and Electric as well as a year working in a sweatshop.

Koch emphasized a few areas he would like to improve at Iowa State, one of which was the business college’s graduate program. Koch also said he believes the value of a degree should be greater.

Mark Power, professor of finance, said Koch had an accurate perception of where the College of Business is at.

“I think he has a very good background in areas that should be able to allow science and technology coupling with the College of Business administration to get us to where we need to go,” Power said.

Koch’s visit continues Monday at 2:30 p.m. in 3150 Beardshear Hall when he will take part in a diversity discussion.

“It is critical that there be an effective representation of women in all areas,” Koch said.

Two other finalists will visit campus after Koch: Ronald Hill on April 8 and Kenneth Evans on April 11.

Power is looking forward to hearing what these individuals have to say.

“I think we can get to where we need to go by following several paths, and I think that is one of the nice things about having open forums and the opportunity to be able to interact: to allow someone outside the university to define their vision and how we can get to greater national prominence than we already are,” Power said.