School of Business Dean Lerong He (SUNY Geneseo photo/Matt Burkhartt)
After a nationwide search, SUNY Geneseo has appointed Lerong He (pronounced "her"), PhD, as the next dean of the School of Business, effective July 6. Dean He comes to Geneseo after 15 years at SUNY Brockport, where she has been a professor of management, chair of the Department of Business Administration (2014–19), and associate dean (2019–present).
At Brockport, He led successful reaccreditation with AACSB in Spring 2023 and was in charge of multiple program development initiatives, including the creation of the online degree completion program in business administration, the launch of the MBA program, the design of the accelerated 4+1 MBA pathway programs, and the introduction of concentrations in business analytics and human resource management, among others. A student-centered leader, He was also responsible for recruiting, advising, supporting, and retaining students and engaged in advancing community, employer, and alumni relations. He has published more than 40 articles in top-tier academic journals, is co-editor of Management Research Review, recipient of multiple international research grants and awards, and was recognized with a 2020 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities.
Prior to her time at SUNY Brockport, He served on the faculty at Niagara University and West Chester University. She has also served as a Distinguished Affiliated Professor of Management at Fuzhou University in China and as a visiting faculty member at the National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan and the University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business. He earned a PhD in management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, an MA in human resources and industrial relations from the University of Minnesota, and a BS in business administration from Peking University.
“I am excited to join SUNY Geneseo and work collaboratively with the School of Business’ dedicated faculty, staff, advisory council, and other stakeholders to continue and accelerate the innovations and experiences that differentiate Geneseo’s business education,” says He. “Geneseo is in an exciting moment as it cultivates a distinctive, equity-centered, public honors college experience for all students. I look forward to contributing to this endeavor to further enhance the school’s and the college’s scale, reputation, and impact.”
“As a skilled leader with a strong record of success, Dr. He is well suited to build on the School of Business’s strong history and ongoing momentum,” says Joe Cope, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “We’re delighted to welcome her to the campus community.”
About Geneseo’s School of Business
He will lead the college’s AACSB-accredited School of Business, which is a campus leader in innovation and fostering high levels of student success. The School of Business houses six undergraduate majors in accounting, business administration, data analytics, economics, finance, and marketing, seven minors, and a master’s degree program in accounting. Four of its faculty hold SUNY Distinguished Faculty ranks. Students can gain Bloomberg certification in the Edward Pettinella ’73 Trading Room, join numerous clubs, or participate in national competitions such as the FDIC Challenge program, which Geneseo students won in 2021 and 2023. Selected students can join the Business Excellence Program, Student Ambassadors, and Peer Mentor and Peer Tutor groups. A highly engaged Business Advisory Council (with Western NY and NYC groups) and involved alumni provide strong connections for students as well as career development opportunities.