It was an easy decision for Jim Gray, dean of the school of business.

He wanted to be a grandfather.

And, to do that, he needed more time.

Gray will step down from his position next fall to teach in the classroom. He’s held the position as dean for 13 years.

“I wanted to be a grandfather to those four kids,” Gray said. “The oldest one plays soccer in Kansas City. I want to go watch him play.”

Gray has been planning to step down for two years. Although his choice is not retirement, it is his opportunity to spend time with family.

“Family has always been important to me,” Gray said.

Gray came to Missouri Southern in 1969 as an instructor. Throughout the years, he helped establish many of the College’s business programs including its international mission, distance learning, online degrees and set up the business school’s advisory board.

Gray said he owes a lot of gratitude to many.

“There was a lot of guidance,” he said. “We’ve been fortunate for 13 years to develop a very aggressive faculty and get out and lead.”

Dr. Brad Kleindl, assistant dean for the school of business, will assume Gray’s position in the fall.

“I look forward to seeing where he takes the school of business,” Gray said. “I’m very excited.”

Kleindl has been preparing for the new position for more than two years.

“He has set a very high bar in developing relationships with faculty and students,” Kleindl said. “If I can maintain those relationships, then it will be wonderful.”

Kleindl hopes to continue the steady progress the school of business is heading in.

“I’m driven to continue to maintain the high quality of programs,” Kleindl said.

Gerry McCormick, secretary for the school of business, has worked in the business department for 23 years. Throughout the years, she established a business relationship with Gray.

“I’m going to miss him a lot,” McCormick said.

McCormick said she thinks the transition next semester should be an easy one.

“We’re looking forward to Kleindl,” she said. “It’s going to be an easy transition.”

Although family was the number one reason for stepping down, Gray said, it was the students and the classroom that helped make the decision a little easier.

“I came in as a faculty member, and I want to leave as a faculty member,” he said.