Statia coordinates all programming for FBS graduate students. She also handles adjunct faculty logistics; oversees GA hiring; and supervises FBS work-study students.
Marge tracks FBS undergraduate students' academic progress to ensure they remain on track and serves as an advisor to our undergrad majors. Marge also is the lead person on all FBS undergrad related messaging, both print and digital.
Office: Washburn 215
Laurie is the primary contact for all things relating to FBS undergraduate programs, policies and procedures. Laurie also directs FBS open houses and other programming for current and prospective undergraduate business students.
Office: Washburn 206
Lorelle is the FBS receptionist in the main office, WB215. In addition to being the initial point of contact for most non-admissions related FBS inquiries and visitors, Lorelle handles payroll for FBS student employees; reserves rooms and orders food for FBS programs-related meetings; and orders books and supplies for FBS faculty and staff.
Office: Washburn 215
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
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
Admissions and Recruiting
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.
Other
I arrived at WPI in 2000 prepared to build campus-wide experiential entrepreneurship and innovation programs. By 2005, the Collaborative for Entrepreneurship & Innovation was nationally ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine. Today I serve two needs; 1) critiquing invention and business ideas, and 2) leading teams in competitive grant or business plan proposal advising. But, I also contribute I&E resources to WPI’s Coleman Foundation-funded non-business faculty Fellows and coordinate with our Entrepreneur-in-Residence to provide innovative experiential programs to our faculty and students.
The two most unanticipated states that entrepreneurs and innovators can find themselves entangled in are ambiguity and uncertainty. I use this approach in advising students and faculty with new product and/or service ideas – be assured that either or both will happen and don’t let it thwart you. Carry on. And, wearing this I&E hat, I have also reduced the process down to three simple tests: 1) The Idea, Invention or Innovation; 2) Who Cares? and 3) What’s the Finish Line? (I will be happy to explain the mad simplicity and you can start using the same techniques in your own approaches.)
Last but not least, as a critic of funding proposals and pitches, I am a great and passionate grant specialist with decades of experience organizing and honing pitches to many types of funders and funding agencies. With a business faculty member significantly involved in your project, I can aid in the submission. Otherwise, we seek approval from above prior to starting work. My competitive tenacity and high levels of energy have helped many teams over the years prepare better proposals and/or resubmittals.
Brent E. French
Director of Finance & Operations
Adjunct Teaching Professor
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 is a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve and is assigned to USAF Headquarters at the Pentagon. Formerly an Associate Professor at the Naval War College, Brent also spent 16 years working in a Fortune 500 information technology firm. View Profile
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.