“One of the things I always tell students is, ‘you never know where you’re going to end up.’ If you had asked me if I would ever be a dean, I would’ve said no, that was the last thing I was thinking of doing,” said Dr. David Taylor, dean of the Welch College of Business and Technology (WCBT).
West Campus, home to the Welch College of Business and Technology, pictured from above.
Contributed by; Daniel Passapera, Sacred Heart Univerisity
In January, Taylor announced his resignation as dean of the WCBT to become dean of the College of Business (COB) at Purdue University Northwest. He will continue to serve as dean until the conclusion of the spring semester.
During his time at Sacred Heart University, Taylor served as an associate dean, professor and department chair prior to being named dean in September 2023. He has overseen the launching of business analytics and financial technology in analytics majors, the accreditation of computer engineering and electrical engineering programs, and the launch of a real estate minor.
“In its first year, about 100 students enrolled in the real estate minor. So, it’s been really rewarding for me to see that this was a need that students had and that they have a hunger for these new programs,” said Taylor.
Taylor believes it is very important for him to be present for students as a dean, something he attributes to President Dr. John Petillo, Sacred Heart, and his leadership philosophy.
“I was shocked when I heard Dean Taylor was resigning, and I am certainly sad to see him go. I think this will be a big loss for the school, but I wish Dean Taylor the best in his next position,” said junior Mattthew Meaney, an economics and management double major.
Purdue University Northwest’s student population is mostly comprised of first-generation and non-traditional students. Taylor is excited for this new opportunity to make an impact on his new student body as they transition into a new socioeconomic group.
“A lot of their parents have blue collar jobs and have never been to college or had those opportunities. It’s a great chance to give these students new opportunities,” said Taylor.
Taylor will begin as dean of the COB beginning July 1, but he trusts the faculty and staff of the WCBT to continue the progress that has been made so far.
“We have a great team of faculty and associate deans, and they’re not going anywhere. So, I think everyone is set up for continued success, and the students are still getting the great education they came here for,” said Taylor.
According to a statement from SHU, “The university will soon announce an interim dean to ensure continuity of leadership at the Welch College of Business & Technology. We thank Dean Taylor for his leadership and contributions to the WCBT community.”
