Mark Thompson has been promoted dean of the School of Business after serving as associate dean since 1998.

“I am both excited and appreciative of the opportunity to assume the responsibility of leading the business school,” said Thompson. “I want to continue to interact with students on a regular basis. This helps me get to know students as individuals and understand/help them with their goals and aspirations.”

Kathleen McCourt, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, said she was pleased to announce that the search committee found the new dean right here at Quinnipiac.

“Mark Thompson has done a superb job as associate dean,” said McCourt. “He is familiar with the School of Business and the university and is prepared to lead the school into a new era of excellence.”

Before coming to Quinnipiac, Thompson was director for the Center for Business and Economic Research at Marshall University. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from Bentley College, his M.B.A. from Western New England College and his Ph.D. in economics from Georgia State University.

His articles have been published in The Regional Economic Review, Economic Development Quarterly, Journal of Economic Development and Journal of Enterprising Culture.

Thompson will now be responsible for the School of Business’ curriculum, budget and faculty. He will also oversee the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Institute and the Professional Athlete Transition Institute.

“My goals are all related to things that in the end will have a significant and positive impact on our students,” said Thompson. “Among other things, I want to work with faculty, administration, university supporters and students to elevate the school to be among the best business schools in the region at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The outcome of all activities will be to ensure that we are doing the best by our students that we possibly can.”

The School of Business is one of five Connecticut institutions accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It offers courses in accounting, computer science, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management and marketing. The School of Business also offers master’s of business administration.