Michael Mazzeo named dean of OU's business school

Mazzeo comes to Oakland from the Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business. He brings nearly 10 years of experience in academic administration, and more than 30 years in scholarship in the areas of finance, mergers, acquisitions and corporate structuring.

"Dr. Mazzeo brings a strong record of academic experience and accomplishments. Additionally, he has successfully worked with the community in strengthening alumni relationships, cultivating business partnerships, developing executive education programs, and advancing study abroad and outreach opportunities," Lentini said.

"His combination of academic and administrative experience at a nationally ranked AASCB accredited institution will further advance Oakland University's business school programs and reputation within and beyond the region."

As an administrator and professor for a nationally recognized and accredited business college, Mazzeo's many accomplishments include developing new international degree and certificate programs, an entrepreneurship specialization and supporting economic development activities. He also partnered with Fortune 500 companies to create custom executive education programs and seminars, as well as created community partnerships and built external support for his school's programs and initiatives.

Consistently recognized for his teaching with multiple MSU Faculty Excellence Awards and Business Week Guide to the Best Business Schools (Fourth Edition) honors as the top-rated professor on the Broad Graduate School of Management faculty, Mazzeo focused on enhancing the student experience by introducing programs to increase the value of graduates to employers via programs to enhance their professional skills.

Mazzeo's distinguished record of scholarship includes the publication of articles in top-tier finance journals such as the Review of Financial Studies. His research is cited frequently in textbooks, while national media outlets such as Business Week regularly seek his opinion. He served as an associate editor of the Journal of Financial Research.

"Oakland University's business school is poised on the cusp of greatness – it is ready to grow in stature and reputation," said Craig Stinson, SBA '84, chairman of Hilite International, chairman of the Board of Visitors at Oakland University's business school, and member of the dean's selection committee. "I'm confident Dr. Mazzeo's leadership and experience will take Oakland University's business school to the next level."

"The business school at Oakland University has a tremendous reputation in the metropolitan Detroit area. It has a very experienced and highly regarded faculty, excellent programming and great potential for growth," Mazzeo said. "I'm excited about the opportunity to help build on its strong student-centric and experiential learning environment."

Before joining Oakland University, Mazzeo served 23 years at MSU as associate dean, interim department chairperson, and as a faculty member, among other roles. Prior his appointment at MSU, he taught at Indiana University. Mazzeo earned his bachelor's in economics from State University College at Buffalo and his master's degree in economics and Ph.D. in finance from State University of New York at Buffalo.

To learn more about programs, events and faculty in OU's School of Business Administration, view the website at oakland.edu/sba.