Dean’s Office

From the Dean

Do you want to change the world? We do. Worcester Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1865 to create and convey the latest science and engineering knowledge in ways that are most beneficial to society. In 1949, in recognition of the important role that businesses play in that process, WPI created the School of Industrial Management, today known as the Foisie Business School. Businesses are the predominant way in which STEM advances benefit society. That is, beneficial deployment of STEM advances requires individuals working together in an organization. Modern STEM-driven businesses are complex and differ from other businesses. The FBS helps STEM professionals learn to navigate and lead these complex STEM-driven organizations in ways that accelerate their impact. Are you intrigued? Our graduate and undergraduate admissions teams would be happy to talk with you. Steven S. Taylor

Diane M. Strong

Professor & Interim Dept Head

Foisie Business School

Email: dstrong@wpi.edu

Office: Washburn Shops 219

Phone: +1-508-831-5573

WPI provides an environment that values both teaching and research, which is ideal for me. I enjoy teaching at WPI because students are interested in learning and willing to work hard. My teaching focuses on how business, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations can best use computing technologies, such as database systems, electronic health records systems, and mobile apps. Students in my classes learn to design computing applications that meet the needs of organizations. ... View Profile

Brent E. French

Executive Director of Finance & Operations

Adjunct Teaching Professor

Foisie Business School

Email: befrench@wpi.edu

Office: Gateway 2 at 50 Prescott Street, 1311

Phone: 508 831 5792, +1-508-831-5792

Brent manages the $8M FBS budget and operations for 40+ people assigned to the School. He’s a WPI grad (MBA, 2006) and teaches organizational behavior and leadership. Brent retired from the Air Force as a Colonel after 27 years of active and reserve service. Highlights include three tours in/around Afghanistan, command of a 450-person security squadron, and staff tours at AFSOC, USAF HQ, and with SECDEF. Formerly an Associate Professor at the Naval War College, Brent also spent 16 years working in a Fortune 500 information technology firm. View Profile

Gina Betti

Director, FBS

Foisie Business School

Email: gbetti@wpi.edu

Phone: 508-831-5761

Micah Chase

Entrepreneur in Residence, Adjunct Instructor/Lecturer

Entrepreneur in Residence

Foisie Business School

Email: mchase3@wpi.edu

Office: 50 Prescott Street, Room 1328, Worcester MA 01609

Phone: (508) 831-6904‬

Micah Chase has been a founder and CEO for over 25 years successfully growing several startups into multi-million dollar companies. Experience in all phases of an enterprise, B2B, B2C, managing P&L, setting strategic direction, change management, product development, multichannel marketing, business development, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and M&A. • Checkerboard Ltd (1992-2017) is a leader in the design and manufacturing of fine social stationery. ... View Profile

Melissa Terrio

Dir of Grad Recruitment & Adm

Foisie Business School

Email: mterrio@wpi.edu

Office: Gateway II at 50 Prescott

Phone: 508-831-6345

Melissa is responsible for all recruiting and admissions activities for the graduate programs at the Foisie Business School. With over twenty years of experience in recruiting and admissions Melissa has worked at universities across the United States and in France. Melissa holds an MEd from Northeastern University and a BA in History and French from Boston University. View Profile

Sandra Wellinghoff

Director Blended Learning BUS

Foisie Business School

Email: swellinghoff@wpi.edu

Office: Gateway 2 at 50 Prescott

Phone: 508-831-5906

Sandy directs WPI's MBA program and all things associated with the MBA including course sequencing, faculty scheduling, blended course residencies and value-added programming. Sandy also heads up outreach to WPI undergrads re BS/MS opportunities in the FBS. Office: Gateway 2 at 50 Prescott View Profile

Norman Wilkinson

Executive Director

Foisie Business School

Email: nwilkins@wpi.edu

Office: 2nd floor, Washburn

Phone: 508-831-5218, 508-831-5957

Norm oversees all things related to FBS programs, including course scheduling, faculty deployment, and program design. Norm also serves as a counselor to all FBS students. Norm has a J.D. from the University of Connecticut; an M.A. in Political Science from Syracuse University; and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Maine. Office: Washburn 215 View Profile

EWickman

Erin Wickman

Asst to Dean School ofBusiness

Foisie Business School

Email: ewickman@wpi.edu

Phone: 508-831-5918

Serves as assistant to the Dean of the Foisie Business School and also provides administrative support to the Director of Collaborative of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and the Technical Advisor Network. Erin's previous work experience includes event planning, technical publishing and graphic design, human resources, marketing, hospitality and disaster services for the American Red Cross National Headquarters. View Profile