Passionate Teachers, Researchers & Professionals
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.
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.
Explore the academic departments that shape teaching and research at the Opus College of Business.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Laura Russ, executive director of the Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with Minnesota Public Radio about the growing trend of luxury single-family rental developments in Minnesota suburbs. Russ explained that rising housing costs, lifestyle preferences, and demand for flexibility are driving more people toward rental housing, including higher… The post In the News: Laura Russ on Luxury Rental Housing Trends appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
Abby Hutchinson ’26, co-founder of the student group Girls Living Out Wellness (GLOW), still remembers touring the University of St. Thomas for the first time. “I found myself comparing every school to the University of St. Thomas,” she said. Hutchinson immediately felt a sense of belonging that stayed with her, even as she formed one… The post A Wellness Club Helps Students GLOW appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
John Spry, a professor in the Department of Finance at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with KSTP on how restaurants are becoming more creative and competitive as inflation and economic uncertainty continue to influence consumer behavior. From the article: A Minneapolis restaurant in the North Loop is testing smaller plates… The post In the News: John Spry on Restaurant Pricing Strategies appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
Whether Rachel Obeakemhe Theophilus is mentoring 40 first-year residents as R.A. of Dowling Residence Hall, organizing gatherings, or simply stopping to say hello between classes, she moves across the University of St. Thomas with a quiet but intentional purpose of making sure people feel seen. She is the student who remembers your name, checks in… The post 2026 Tommie Award Winner: Helping Everyone Feel at Home appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.