The Business School

 A Message from the Dean

Debora Jackson headshot

 

Welcome to The Business School at Worcester Polytechnic Institute!      

More than 70 years ago, we conferred our first degrees in Management because we recognized the power of business and technology. Today, we are here because that integration is more important than ever. At The Business School we develop technically minded students into adaptive leaders who use business acumen and technology to innovate, creating sustainable solutions that deliver globally responsible impact. Allow me to expound.

We develop technically minded students. WPI is a world-leading global polytechnic. Our students are emerging technologists and scientists preparing to change the world. Through the application of business, we give technological know-how focus and direction. Leveraging theory and practice, our students are prepared to apply their learning with laser-like precision.

We train adaptive leaders who use business acumen and technology to innovate. Leaders motivate people to adaptively learn to make progress on confronting challenges. The business acumen that our students gain transforms them into leaders with an expansive, adaptive capacity to understand complex environments, then harness technology to be catalysts for change.

We create sustainable solutions that deliver globally responsible impact. At The Business School, we recognize business as an engine for social good and a mechanism to make a difference in the world. Through project-based experiential learning, our students create equitable, just, regenerative solutions needed to serve communities, economies, and industries, while sustainably restoring our environment.

This is what we deliver at The Business School, and we invite you to learn more about us. Our distinctive programs, world-class faculty, leading-edge research, and the best and brightest students offer a compelling combination that you will not find elsewhere.

Want to be a difference maker? Join us.

-Rev. Debora Jackson, DMin, Dean and Professor of Practice, The Business School at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Meet the Dean

Debora Jackson headshot, red top

The Reverend Debora Jackson, DMin, is Dean of the Business School at WPI. A recognized leader in multiple spheres of influence, Jackson’s experiences sit at the nexus of business and technology with a focus on societal impact. Her research interests center on leadership efficacy realized through reflective practice and womanist leadership frameworks, and womanist theology. View Profile


 

Dean Debora Jackson Featured on the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Chamber Exchange Show

Dean Jackson discussed her vision for The Business School, which sits at the nexus of STEM and business—an important combination for 21st-century career opportunities View the episode here.

 

Leadership Team

Diane Strong

Diane M. Strong

Professor & Department Head
The Business School
Office: Washburn Shops 219
Phone: +1 (508) 8315000 x5573
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 French

Brent E. French

Exec Dir, Finance & Operations
The Business School
As a member of The Business School leadership team, Brent is responsible for accreditation, budgeting, and operations. He was formerly an Associate Professor of Leadership at the Naval War College, and currently serves as an Adjunct Teaching Professor of Teamwork and Leadership.  He earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Connecticut, an MBA from WPI, and a PhD in Leadership from Antioch University.  Prior to beginning a career in higher education he worked in the information technology sector and served in the military. ... View Profile
David Saul

David Nathan Saul

Executive-in-Residence
The Business School
Phone: +1 (508) 8314894
David Saul serves as the Business School’s Executive-in-Residence. ... View Profile
Statia Canning

Statia M. Canning

Assistant Director, Business Programs
The Business School
Office: Washburn 215
Phone: +1 (508) 8315000 x4979
Statia is involved with all aspects of advising, counseling, and event planning and execution for current and prospective WBS undergraduate students.   View Profile
Micah Chase

Micah Chase

Adjunct Instructor/Lecturer
The Business School
Office: 50 Prescott Street, Room 1328, Worcester MA 01609
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
Laurie Stokes

Laurie M. Stokes

Associate Director, Business Programs
The Business School
Office: 2nd floor, Washburn
Phone: +1 (508) 8315000 x4887
Laurie is the primary contact for all things relating to WBS undergraduate programs, policies and procedures. Laurie also directs WBS open houses and other programming for current and prospective undergraduate business students. Office:  Washburn 206 View Profile
Sandra Wellinghoff

Sandra Wellinghoff

Director, MBA and Online Learning
The Business School
Office: Gateway 2 at 50 Prescott
Phone: +1 (508) 8315000 x5906
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 Business School. Office:  Gateway 2 at 50 Prescott View Profile
Norman Wilkinson

Norman D. Wilkinson

Executive Director
The Business School
Office: 2nd floor, Washburn
Phone: +1 (508) 8315000 x5957
Norm oversees all things related to the Business School programs, including course scheduling, faculty deployment, and program design. Norm also serves as a counselor to all Business School 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

Staff

Lorelle Tross

Lorelle C. Tross

Administrative Assistant V
The Business School
Office: 2nd floor, Washburn
Phone: +1 (508) 8315000 x5218
Lorelle is the WBS receptionist in the main office, WB215. In addition to being the initial point of contact for most non-admissions related WBS inquiries and visitors, Lorelle handles payroll for WBS student employees; reserves rooms and orders food for WBS programs-related meetings; and orders books and supplies for WBS faculty and staff.  Office:  Washburn 215 View Profile
Erin Wickman alt
EWickman

Erin Wickman

Assistant to the Dean School of Business
The Business School
Phone: +1 (508) 8315000 x5918
Serves as assistant to the Dean of the Business School and administrator for the Business School Department Head. 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