Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michele Thornton as interim dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship, effective Monday, August 10, 2026.
Since 2017, Dr. Thornton has been a valued member of the SUNY Oswego community, bringing extensive experience as a teacher, scholar, and practitioner, as well as a deep understanding of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship and its mission. As an associate professor in the college's MBA Healthcare Administration program, she has distinguished herself through her commitment to student success, academic excellence, and applied learning.
Before joining SUNY Oswego, Dr. Thornton built a distinguished career as a health insurance and employee benefits consultant, working extensively with small businesses and leading health policy consulting and training initiatives. Her professional expertise, paired with her academic leadership, reflects the entrepreneurial mindset and community engagement that are hallmarks of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
Dr. Thornton's scholarship spans health policy, business ethics, healthcare management, and organizational decision-making, and her research addresses issues such as healthcare access, workplace ethics, and public policy. She has also been recognized for her commitment to accessibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student-faculty research, underscoring her dedication to fostering an inclusive, innovative learning environment. Dr. Thornton earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University, her MBA in Health Sector Management from DePaul University, and her doctorate in Health Policy and Administration from the University of Illinois School of Public Health.
Many members of our campus community already know Dr. Thornton as a dedicated colleague, an outstanding teacher and mentor, and a collaborative leader whose commitment to SUNY Oswego has earned the respect of students, faculty, and staff alike.
As interim dean, Dr. Thornton will provide thoughtful leadership as the college continues to build on its many strengths, including its programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a growing emphasis on entrepreneurship and applied learning, the expanding Center for Business Excellence and Transformation, and greater engagement with students and employers across Central New York, including at our Syracuse campus. Her familiarity with the college's faculty, staff, students, and strategic priorities positions her well to guide the college through this important period.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Kristen Eichhorn for her outstanding leadership and dedicated service as interim dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship, while also serving as dean of Graduate Studies and, more recently, as interim provost. Her steady leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment ensured the college's continued progress throughout this transition.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Thornton on her appointment and in supporting her as she assumes this important leadership role. I am confident she will serve the college with distinction and continue advancing its mission to prepare students to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.
Remain well,
Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D.
President