Dr. Susan Kuznik takes the reins as BW School of Business Dean

Dr. Susan Kuznik has gone from roles in major corporations to BW business professor to dean of the Baldwin Wallace University Carmel Boyer School of Business. She aims to build on the school's strengths with a laser focus on student success.

For Dr. Susan Kuznik, becoming dean of the Baldwin Wallace University Carmel Boyer School of Business ranks as one of the top highlights of her career.

As a second major milestone, Kuznik cites the point in her career at what is now BP America when she recognized the need for the systems approach to managing and organizing.

And finally, she recalls one of many satisfying moments as a member of the BW faculty since 1985: "Having a student thank me for 'teaching her how to think'!"

Leveraging education and experience

Kuznik holds a Bachelor of Science in computer and information science from Cleveland State University, a Master of Science from Case Western Reserve University with a focus on organization development and a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Cleveland State.

She has long applied her education, information systems knowledge and organizational experience in the classroom and as a consultant focused on strategic management and organizational effectiveness. Now, that background will be applied to the future of BW's undergraduate and graduate business programs.

Leading respected colleagues

After leading the Carmel Boyer School as interim dean for a year following the departure of Frank Braun, Provost Stephen Stahl and Kuznik agreed to drop the interim from the title this fall.

Kuznik says her BW colleagues made the decision to take on the leadership role easy.

"I knew we have fantastic faculty and staff and that the business school has always been progressive and focused on providing the best for our students," she explains. "Many could teach at other institutions yet decide to come, and stay, at BW because of what we have to offer. We are first and foremost a teaching institution."

Dedicated alumni alliance

She sees the vast network of BW business alumni as representing another strength to be harnessed.

"There are so many great people who have graduated from our school," Kuznik notes. "Working with the advisory councils and Board of Trustees, I have come to know and admire these professionals, their passion for BW and their commitment to giving back. Bill Carmel and George Boyer are iconic and do represent 'Integrity, Purpose, and Drive.' I want that message and these values to be instilled in ALL past, present and future students."

Shared vision for the future

After many years happily teaching at BW, Kuznik says she hopes to give back to the University and its students, looking to "position the business school for the future."

The collegial Kuznik is reluctant to claim a "vision" for the school, calling the question "a tough one."

"It is not just MY vision, but my ability to lead this intelligent faculty in the process of looking holistically, academically, competitively, and prayerfully in the process of shaping the Carmel Boyer School of Business to deliver programs to traditional, adult and international markets," she reflects.

As the school evolves, Kuznik says students can expect one element not to change. "BW is and will be an institution that is focused on YOU."