Greetings from the Dean

Dear Friends, 

I hope you had a pleasant Memorial Day weekend. We are still reflecting warmly on an extraordinary series of commencement-related activities celebrating the Providence College Class of 2025. 

In this message, I would like to share some thoughts about a Providence College School of Business distinguishing characteristic: the remarkable contributions of our practitioner faculty. 

As part of our AACSB accreditation, we are committed to maintaining a balanced mix of research-active and practitioner faculty. This model ensures that our students benefit from both rigorous academic scholarship and the practical insights of professionals who are actively engaged in their fields. Currently, 14 of our faculty members—up to 25% in each department—serve as professors of practice. These colleagues are not only dedicated educators but also active professionals and community leaders who bring real-world experience directly into the classroom. 

Take, for example, Brian Lamoureux, Esq. ’94 in our management department. A practicing attorney with more than 25 years of experience, Prof. Lamoureux is a recognized expert in digital media, cybersecurity, and AI. His appointment to the Rhode Island Supreme Court’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence is a testament to his expertise and commitment to service. 

In the same department, John Schibler, Ph.D., serves as a consultant to SCORE RI, where he supports minority and underserved business owners. His mentoring has had a measurable impact, with 99 sessions conducted in the past year alone and a client satisfaction score of 90/100. 

In marketing, Rae Caloura runs her own consulting firm and has shifted her focus to supporting small and minority-owned businesses—often involving students in these projects. This not only enhances learning but also fosters community engagement and social responsibility. 

In finance, Kevin McMahon exemplifies our Catholic and Dominican mission through his tireless advocacy for commuter and first-generation students. From improving campus facilities to providing personal support and spiritual mentoring, his service is deeply human-centered and transformative. 

Also in finance, Matthew Callahan brings entrepreneurial expertise and energy to the classroom. As managing partner of Ash Creek Capital Management and CFO of a commercial real estate venture, he offers students a firsthand look at investment strategy, real estate, and startup culture. 

Michael Grande ’83 in our accountancy department operates his own CPA practice, staying current with tax law and financial reporting. His ability to translate complex accounting concepts into practical learning is invaluable. Similarly, Edward Nelson, a former Big 4 partner, now consults on SEC reporting and IPO readiness for life sciences companies. His technical expertise allows him to offer advanced courses that prepare students for high-level financial careers. 

These professors of practice are invaluable members of our academic community. They embody the mission of Providence College by integrating professional excellence with a commitment to service and student success. Their presence ensures that our graduates are not only well-versed in theory but also prepared to lead with integrity in a complex world. 

Thank you for your continued support of the School of Business. We are proud of the work we do—and grateful to share it with you. 

Best wishes, 

Christine Earley, Ph.D.
Interim Dean & Professor of Accountancy
Providence College School of Business