Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University recently hosted the annual Northeast Business Deans Association (NEBDA) Conference on its Queens, NY campus from September 19 to 20. The event gathered over 40 business school deans, associate deans, M.B.A. program directors, and assistant deans from the northeastern United States and eastern Canada under the theme “Managing Risk in Higher Education.”

Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at St. John's University, addressed attendees on the relevance of managing risk in higher education today. He emphasized that while universities conduct annual risk assessments to mitigate risks, they face many uncontrollable factors. Dr. Møller stated, “We have to stop thinking too much about the uncontrollable and work on the controllable,” highlighting issues such as declining enrollment and changing perceptions of college education value.

Dr. Møller commended Maciek Nowak, Ph.D., Dean of Tobin College of Business, for his focus on student success and fostering a sense of belonging among students enrolled in their programs.

Dean Nowak pointed out that the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management is ranked ninth nationally and offered partnerships with other institutions interested in incorporating insurance and risk management into their curriculum through online courses.

The conference also featured a presentation by Protiviti's Managing Director Zachary S. Unger, who defined risk management as identifying, assessing, and responding to risks proactively rather than reactively.

In addition to lectures and breakout sessions focused on these themes, participants had opportunities for networking during formal events and dinners at local restaurants.

NEBDA holds its annual meeting each fall to enhance collegiate business education across northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada by sharing best practices among educators.