photo of Kristine Rauenhorst

Passionate Teachers, Researchers & Professionals

Our Business Faculty

Across every department, Opus College of Business faculty blend theory, practice and mentorship to develop principled business leaders.

Our award-winning faculty have extensive business experience and are engaged in research and consulting, which they use to enrich the classroom experience. In addition to teaching, our faculty continue to advance in their fields with articles, books, academic presentations, business cases and professional projects. As a student at the St. Thomas Opus College of Business, you will experience engaged, passionate teachers who are excited to share their expertise and help you meet your academic goals.

Engaged Teachers and Researchers

The faculty members at St. Thomas are dedicated practitioner-scholars. They strike a balance between theory and practice through teaching, research and consulting work. With their active research and frequent publications, St. Thomas business faculty are advancing our understanding of management, business ethics, finance, marketing and more. As a student here, you'll learn from experts who are at the top of their game, both as teachers and scholars.

In our high-touch, personalized learning environment, the entire St. Thomas community is invested in the success of every student. We use an applied learning model, which means faculty gives students hands-on experience and real-world examples of classroom concepts. We use simulations, case studies, service learning projects and other experiential learning tools. When you learn by doing, you're better prepared to hit the ground running at work.

Instructor teaching individuals with a whiteboard behind him.

Academic Departments

Explore the academic departments that shape teaching and research at the Opus College of Business.

Endowed Chairs

photo of Laura Dunham

Laura Dunham, PhD

Opus Chair and Dean

A renowned entrepreneurial thought leader, Laura Dunham's focus on principled leadership has defined her career. Prior to her dean appointment, she served as the associate dean of the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship, capturing national attention as the school rose to become a top 25 undergraduate entrepreneurship program In the country.

Laura Dunham bio
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Peter Young, PhD

3M Endowed Chair in Global Business

Peter Young is responsible for global business education initiatives at St. Thomas, in addition to overseeing the MBA courses and non-degree programs in risk management.

Peter Young bio
photo of Sameer Kumar

Sameer Kumar, PhD

CenturyLink Chair in Global Communications and Technology

In this position, Dr. Kumar is focused on providing research leadership and a strong commitment to teaching and service. He is also active on 10 academic journal editorial boards.

Sameer Kumar bio
photo of David Deeds

David Deeds, PhD

S. Schulze Chair in Entrepreneurship

David Deeds' current research interests include new venture growth and adaptation, technological discontinuities and technology commercialization. Before becoming an academic, Deeds was co-founder and president of LightSpeed Corporation.

David Deeds bio
Faculty and staff meet with the director of the Gener8tor accelerator program in the Facilities Design Center.

Research Projects & Facilities

St. Thomas Opus College of Business faculty have many exciting research projects underway. We support our faculty's research with facilities and a variety of resources. Learn about our Principled Leadership research, "Managing Up" study, the Behavioral Research Center and more.

About Research Projects & Facilities
Office General Bernie Knight speaks to undergraduate students.

Centers & Institutes

Our research centers and institutes create a conduit between the Opus College of Business and the community. They inform policy, provide resources to students and the public, and impact the way Minnesota does business.

More About Centers & Institutes

Opus Faculty in the News

  • In the News: Mike Porter on Successful Consumer Marketing

    Mike Porter, senior clinical professor of marketing at the University of St. Thomas, was featured in a “Homegrown Hustle” podcast video. From the customer’s journey to economic strategies, Porter discusses what successful marketing means, and how to know you’re taking your business in the right direction.  From the video:  Mike Porter: Qualitative research gives you… The post In the News: Mike Porter on Successful Consumer Marketing appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

  • In the News: Innovation Scholars Program Celebrates 20 Years

    The Innovation Scholars program, which includes participation from University of St. Thomas students and MBA mentors, was featured in Twin Cities Business for its role in preparing students for careers at the intersection of science, health care, and entrepreneurship. The program connects students with organizations including Mayo Clinic, NASA and Minnesota technology companies, providing hands-on… The post In the News: Innovation Scholars Program Celebrates 20 Years appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

  • In the News: Mike Porter on Public Communication During Controversy

    Mike Porter, senior clinical professor of marketing at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with KSTP about the City of Vadnais Heights’ decision to hire a public relations firm as it faces a citizen petition seeking a public vote on a proposed new fire station. From the article: The city says it needs help getting… The post In the News: Mike Porter on Public Communication During Controversy appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

  • In the News: Ernie Owens on Return to Office Trends

    Ernie Owens, an associate professor in the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with FOX 9 about the growing number of companies requiring employees to spend more time in the office. Owens said organizations are increasingly focused on strengthening workplace culture, communication, collaboration, and professional development, while balancing the flexibility… The post In the News: Ernie Owens on Return to Office Trends appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

See more Media Mentions of Opus Faculty