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
photo of Peter Young

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 Minnesota’s National Image

    Mike Porter, a marketing professor at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal about a new survey suggesting younger workers are increasingly open to relocating to Minnesota. Porter discussed how national attention over the past year may have shaped perceptions of the state and why Minnesota’s reputation could play a growing… The post In the News: Mike Porter on Minnesota’s National Image appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

  • In the News: John Wendt on Minnesota’s Professional Volleyball Growth

    John Wendt, professor emeritus of sports and entertainment law at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal about the arrival of two professional women’s volleyball franchises in Minnesota. Wendt discussed why the state’s strong volleyball tradition, passionate fan base and continued investment in women’s sports position it to support both leagues. From… The post In the News: John Wendt on Minnesota’s Professional Volleyball Growth appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

  • In the News: Mike Porter on Health Insurance Scams

    Mike Porter, a marketing professor at the University of St. Thomas with expertise in health care business communications, spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune about the rise of deceptive health insurance marketing. Porter discussed how dishonest marketers target vulnerable consumers with misleading sales tactics and shared warning signs people should watch for when evaluating health insurance offers. … The post In the News: Mike Porter on Health Insurance Scams appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

  • In the News: Laura Russ on Twin Cities Commercial Real Estate

    Laura Russ, executive director of the Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with MPR News about declining commercial property values across the Twin Cities and what the trend could mean for communities. Russ discussed how falling office building values reflect long-term changes in the commercial real estate market and… The post In the News: Laura Russ on Twin Cities Commercial Real Estate appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.

See more Media Mentions of Opus Faculty