Michael A. Mazzeo, veteran university administrator, published researcher and an expert in finance, corporate restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions, has been tapped to lead Oakland University’s School of Business Administration effective Aug. 15.
Mazzeo has more than 30 years of experience in academics, 10 of those as an administrator, most recently at the nationally recognized Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business. His appointment as Dean of the Oakland University School of Business Administration is subject to Board of Trustees confirmation on August 12.
The incoming dean will focus on enhancing the business school’s strong program by focusing on career placement rates for graduates, promoting faculty research, broadcasting the school’s achievements and programs locally and nationally while reaching out to alumni and friends.
“Oakland University is geographically well positioned, the business school is accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International, has impressively credentialed faculty, and pulls some of the best students in the state. Oakland’s business school has great potential for growth,” Mazzeo says.
“As a business school, we need to continue emphasizing the importance of graduating students prepared for professional success,” adds Mazzeo. “Well-educated students taught by our quality faculty will yield demand for Oakland’s business school graduates in the marketplace. As a parent of recent college graduates, I know this is important to students and their parents.”
Dr. Mazzeo served 23 years in various roles at MSU including Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Finance, Acting Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, Interim Chairperson of the Department of Finance and Associate Professor. His teaching experience includes corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and corporate financial strategy. Prior to his MSU appointment, Mazzeo was an Assistant Professor at Indiana University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the State University College at Buffalo, and a Master of Arts in Economics and a Ph.D. in Finance from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Dr. Mazzeo has a strong record of strengthening alumni relations, cultivating business partnerships, developing executive education programs and advancing study abroad and outreach opportunities, says Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Oakland University Provost Dr. James P. Lentini.
“His academic and administrative experience at a nationally ranked AACSB International-accredited institution will greatly advance Oakland University’s business school programs and reputation,” Lentini says.
At MSU, Mazzeo developed international and certificate programs, as well as a specialization in entrepreneurship, and is an energetic supporter of economic development activities. He has also partnered with Fortune 500 companies to create custom executive education programs and seminars, created community partnerships and built external support for Eli Broad’s school’s programs and initiatives.
Mazzeo has received numerous teaching Excellence Awards at MSU and is a top-rated Broad Graduate School of Management professor in the Business Week Guide to the Best Business Schools (Fourth Edition). Additionally, Mazzeo has a strong record of championing professional skills programs designed to increase the value of graduates to employers.
Mazzeo’s research on mergers and acquisitions is frequently cited in academic textbooks. He has published academic articles in top-tier finance journals such as the Review of Financial Studies, and he is frequently quoted in national media such as Business Week. He has served as Associate Editor of the Journal of Financial Research.
“Oakland University’s business school is ready to grow in stature and reputation,” says Craig Stinson, a SBA ’84, chairman of Hilite International, chairman of the Board of Visitors at OU’s business school, and member of the dean’s selection committee. “Dr. Mazzeo’s leadership and experience will boost Oakland University’s business school’s prominence.”
Mazzeo lives in Okemos with his wife, Kathleen, who serves as associate director of finance and operations at MSU’s Student Health Services. He has two adult daughters who are graduates of the Eli Broad College of Business. One works for The Hershey Company, while the other works for the electric and gas company Constellation Energy, an Exelon Company.
The Oakland University School of Business Administration is one of 170 business schools - out of 8,000 worldwide - to hold the elite AACSB-International accreditation in both business and accounting.
Michael A. Mazzeo, veteran university administrator, published researcher and an expert in finance, corporate restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions, has been tapped to lead Oakland University’s School of Business Administration effective Aug. 15.
Mazzeo has more than 30 years of experience in academics, 10 of those as an administrator, most recently at the nationally recognized Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business. His appointment as Dean of the Oakland University School of Business Administration is subject to Board of Trustees confirmation on August 12.
The incoming dean will focus on enhancing the business school’s strong program by focusing on career placement rates for graduates, promoting faculty research, broadcasting the school’s achievements and programs locally and nationally while reaching out to alumni and friends.