Scranton Names New Dean of the Kania School of Management

Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, has announced the appointment of Jess Boronico, Ph.D., as dean of its nationally distinguished Kania School of Management.

Father Marina announced the appointment on Oct. 27, 2026. Dr. Boronico will begin his service at Scranton, effective Jan. 4, 2027.

A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University (B.S., M.S.) and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (Ph.D.), Dr. Boronico brings to the role more than three decades of leadership in higher education. Since 2022, he has served as dean of the School of Business at Southern Connecticut State University, where he has led successful initiatives focused on academic development, accreditation and community engagement while overseeing strategic planning efforts and a substantial increase in enrollment.

“Throughout his career, Dr. Boronico has connected academic study with real-world application and professional growth, creating opportunities for students to engage in internships, service-learning projects, study abroad experiences, applied research and industry-sponsored programs. His efforts reflect a commitment to educating the whole person and developing ethical, engaged leaders,” Father Marina wrote in an email to the University community. “Dr. Boronico’s leadership philosophy, rooted in service, collaboration and care for the whole person, aligns closely with the University’s Jesuit mission and values, making him a strong fit for the Kania School of Management. As dean, Dr. Boronico will help advance the School’s tradition of academic excellence while continuing to foster opportunities for innovation, scholarship and professional growth at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels."

While at SCSU, Dr. Boronico, a champion of student-centered education, has secured substantial philanthropic support for scholarship and academic programs. He has also developed innovative programs including the Life Design Academy, Career Credential Academy and Women in Leadership Academy, all designed to support student success, ethical leadership and personal formation.

Previously, Dr. Boronico was dean and professor of New York Institute of Technology’s School of Management from 2008 to 2022. He guided the School of Management through AACSB accreditation and successful reaccreditation efforts, while leading the development of multiple strategic plans and overseeing expanded global academic partnerships in Canada, China and the United Arab Emirates.

Prior to NYIT, Dr. Boronico was dean and professor of the University of New Haven’s College of Business from 2005 to 2008. He was dean and professor of William Paterson University’s Christos M. Cotsakos College of Business from 2001 to 2005. His career in higher education leadership began at Monmouth University, where, from 1993 to 2001, he rose through the ranks from assistant professor to associate dean and ultimately interim dean of its School of Business Administration.

Dr. Boronico has served as President, Vice President and now President Emeritus of the Northeast Business Deans Association, a leading professional organization for business school leaders. He has also contributed his expertise through service on academic journal editorial boards and has been inducted into several honor societies.

Dr. Boronico’s hiring comes after a thorough national search led by Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Leahy College of Health Sciences and search committee chair, with support from KSOM faculty, staff, administrators and students.

“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Mark Higgins, Ph.D., who has admirably served the past four-plus years as dean of the Kania School of Management,” Father Marina said. “His dedication and commitment to the School and its students helped advance the entire University in meaningful ways. We wish him all the best in retirement.”

The Kania School of Management has a tradition of excellence, as its undergraduate and graduate programs are often recognized in rankings by national publications. The Princeton Review has listed KSOM as one of the nation’s top business colleges for 21 consecutive years.