Academic Spotlight: Associate Dean of Business Dr. Michelle Caron

Southern New Hampshire University’s Associate Dean of Online Business Programs Dr. Michelle Caron has been in higher education for more than 20 years. She earned a bachelor’s in international business, as well as a master’s in business education and PhD in International Business with a specialization in strategy.

Recently, she answered questions about her professional background, what she thinks is unique about SNHU’s students and more.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

I have been in higher education for 20 years developing and teaching business, education, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs in traditional, hybrid and online settings for academic institutions, government agencies and the private sector.

I started as adjunct faculty and began serving as a dean 10 years ago. Now I get to lead and innovate programs to optimize the faculty and student online experience.

What first drew you to higher education?

I was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom. Between serving as creative director, cheerleader, comforter and mediator, I would always teach my children reading, writing and math. When they were older, I started to teach in high school to be home when they were home.

These high school students were fearless and thought they could do anything. I went back to school yet again to become an adjunct instructor so I could tell them they certainly can. I’ve never looked back and would do it again.

What aspects of your own education have been influential in shaping your career in academia?

We have the unique opportunity to share so much of our personal and professional experiences with one another in online courses and learn from one another. The more people I got to interact with, the greater my network became, and the more people I could help and collaborate with in many different capacities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. This has carried forward to today but with a broader scope and deeper impact.

What attracted you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

My love of travel inspired me to learn more about societal norms, economies and political systems of other countries. Understanding global perspectives and the nuances associated with conducting business abroad provides a distinct advantage to managers responsible for balancing priorities between stakeholders, leading change, driving innovation and delivering on the company mission.

Keeping abreast of today’s exceptionally volatile global environment and navigating associated challenges is what fuels my enthusiasm and keeps me on my toes.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

Demonstrating genuine care goes a long way and provides lasting impressions students take with them and share with others. This has been the most powerful emotional connection in my experience and it comes easily to those who have a passion for teaching.

I would also add showing students how their work may be improved upon and challenging them to consider varied perspectives truly enriches their experience and builds connection.

Lastly, providing direction in how they can get a leg up on the competition and become a “blip” on the radar is why they are here. It is all about how they can not only provide for themselves and their families, but feel fulfilled in their work by walking through doors they hadn’t considered or even dreamed of being open.

What brings you the greatest joy in your work at SNHU?

Knowing I can impact the lives of so many people for the better. It is very humbling.

What do you feel is unique about the faculty and students you work with?

I always describe our online faculty as the “liquid gold” that bring our classes to life. SNHU faculty are held to exceptionally high standards regarding delivery of content and student engagement, unlike other online schools.

What makes our students unique is they expect this level of performance, and we deliver.

What does SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners mean to you?

What an easy mission to buy into and we see this every day. Contributing to a student’s intellectual growth and personal development, empowering them to provide for themselves and their families in meaningful and fulfilling ways, transcends the traditional roles we hold at the university. Our work creates a profound impact on students’ lives, enabling them to create positive and lasting effects on themselves, their families, their communities, and the broader world they influence through their actions, relationships, and contributions.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or really enjoy doing?

I love a wide range of podcast genres and religion and faith-based expository and narrative nonfiction. I still enjoy the feel of a book in my hands, though, versus reading from a screen.

Another passion I have is genealogy. I like to unearth fascinating stories and unexpected surprises from my family lineage. Knowing I’m related to prominent historical figures fuels my ambition to leave a lasting legacy on the paths I choose and people I encounter.

Joe Cote is a writer and organic marketer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he has worked since 2016. Previously he spent more than a dozen years as a reporter and editor at weekly and daily newspapers in Vermont and New Hampshire. He lives near SNHU's Manchester, New Hampshire campus with his wife and daughter. Connect with him on LinkedIn.