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Maritza Espina PhD, joined St. Ambrose University July 1 as dean of the College of Business. She has more than a decade of leadership experience and 16 years of scholarship in management research, publications, teaching, and service.
She leads eight undergraduate and four graduate programs, and the St. Ambrose Center for Professional Development.
Prior to joining St. Ambrose, Espina served as dean of the Business School for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Ana G. Mendez University System in Puerto Rico.
Espina said the St. Ambrose University mission of enriching lives was very appealing, as much of her work reflects the same goals. As dean, she plans to develop projects to grow the College of Business.
"First, we need to let everyone know about the wonderful things that are already happening here, such as the work our faculty are doing with students to close the gap between alumni skills set and industry needs, and bring attention to our great programs. Strengthening the brand is a priority," she said.
Espina wants to foster teamwork between all the undergraduate and graduate COB programs and increase the focus on entrepreneurship and sustainability within the curriculum.
She doesn't believe the spirit of entrepreneurship is only tied to launching a business. "Everyone should be an entrepreneur, even if they work for an organization. An entrepreneur is someone who constantly seeks new opportunities, new ways of doing things and improving processes," she said.
Since 2012, Espina has been involved in the development of the Sustainability, Ethics and Entrepreneurship Conference (SEE). The SEE attracts scholars who recognize that sustainability and ethics are growth engines, not just acts of compliance, she said.
"In the ‘80s and ‘90s, we looked only at profit as a measure of performance. Now, we've discovered through research that the companies that are doing really well are the companies that put the environment first," she said.
"It is the environment first, community or society second, and profit third. If we protect the resources we have today for future generations, if we are sustainable, our businesses will be, too. And we are trying to change the focus of business curriculum to reflect that," Espina said.
"I think this is an area in which we can get ahead and position the College of Business," she added.
Espina also believes there may be opportunities for interdisciplinary research and she wants to encourage SAU business students to get involved in academic competitions. "It creates a lot of energy and enthusiasm," she said.
During her 11-year tenure as dean with the Ana G. Mendez University System, Espina led 19 academic programs; achieved international accreditation by ACBSP; created six new academic programs; increased enrollment and course offerings to approximately 1,500 business students on campus and 1,000 off-campus; and more. Her experience and achievements have shaped her views of the role educators must play.
"It doesn't matter who the student is or what the family situation may be, our responsibility is to take each student who is starting today and help them become professionals. You have to find the resources, and if you don't have them, you need to work on yourself and become a better professor so all students can succeed," she said.
"Do they know the skills of accounting? Are they entrepreneurial? Do they have what it takes to become a professional in the business world? If not, then the question we must ask is how can we assist? At the end of the day, we are the faculty and we have a commitment to students."
In many ways, the commitment of educators across Puerto Rico was tested last year when Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the island, knocking out power and destroying buildings and homes. Espina was on sabbatical in the U.S. at the time of the hurricane but returned to Puerto Rico three weeks later when the airport reopened.
About the same time, the university system reopened, too. Many of the on- and off-campus buildings were without power, and there was no cell phone service or Wi-Fi for a period.
"It was really chaotic because we depend so much on technology," Espina said. "For us at the university, we had to relearn how to teach. Can you imagine teaching without the internet and without power? And even if the university had electricity, the students did not. What are they going to do? How are they going to study?"
"You just have to be flexible and keep your focus on the mission. It is not about the technology, facilities and nice classrooms. It is about the communication between the professor and the students and supporting the students in achieving the learning goals. That is the bottom line," she said.
Espina received a Bachelors in Statistics from the University of Puerto Rico; a Masters in Operations Research and Statistics and a Doctoral Degree in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
It doesn't matter who the student is or what the family situation may be, our responsibility is to take each student who is starting today and help them become professionals. You have to find the resources, and if you don't have them, you need to work on yourself and become a better professor so all students can succeed.
Maritza Espina PhD, dean of the SAU College of Business
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