ϴ is thrilled to announce Dr. Sean Hansen as the new Dean of the Boler College of Business.
“Dr. Hansen comes to us with deep experience in core strategic areas for the Boler College of Business and Academic Affairs more generally,” said Bonnie Gunzenhauser, Vice President of Academic Affairs at John Carroll. “As an accomplished scholar with a proven track record both inside and outside of academia, Dr. Hansen is prepared to provide strong strategic leadership for the Boler College of Business from day one. We are delighted to welcome him to our leadership team.”
Joining us from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where he is a Professor of Management Information Systems and has served as Department Chair for the MIS, Marketing, and Analytics Department for the past six years, Dr. Hansen’s arrival on campus represents a kind of homecoming.
A Euclid native, John Carroll has been on his mind from a young age—especially since both his father and uncle are alumni.
“I’m very excited to come back to the community of Northeast Ohio that I know very well,” Hansen said.
Falling in Love with Academia
After earning a bachelor's degree from Harvard, Hansen began his career in management and technology consulting. However, while pursuing his MBA at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, he discovered a passion for academia and began considering a shift from the corporate world to research and teaching.
"After getting my MBA, I realized how much I enjoy the academic environment—places where you can explore new ideas, engage with thought-provoking questions, and participate in intellectual discussions and debates," Hansen said.
This realization led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Management with a specialty in Information Systems, and since earning it from Case Western Reserve University in 2010, he has spent the past 15 years teaching and guiding fellow faculty at RIT.
Strategic Collaboration from Day One
A central component of Dr. Hansen’s approach to leadership, especially when joining a new organization, is to begin by listening and learning.
“I get a little wary when people think they’re going to come in and already have all the answers,” he said. “So I do think that an early part of my work will be getting to know the community, getting to know all of our stakeholders, and getting to know the faculty.”
However, when asked about his early observations, Hansen noted several opportunities that stand out to him—particularly in fostering collaboration across colleges. “I see clear opportunities for joint programs with other colleges, especially in areas like healthcare management. With the College of Health and its nursing program growing, and with Northeast Ohio’s strong healthcare industry, there’s a real need for professionals who understand both business and healthcare.”
Hansen also sees potential for interdisciplinary programs beyond healthcare.
“Business education can add value across all fields, whether in nonprofits, life sciences, or the arts,” he said. “Every organization—regardless of industry—needs people who understand finance, marketing, and management. Creating programs that equip students with both their specialized knowledge and essential business skills could be incredibly beneficial.”
ϴ is excited to welcome Dr. Hansen to the community and looks forward to the leadership, energy, and strategic vision he will bring to the Boler College of Business when he begins on June 16.