School of Business News

Kendall College Names Michelle Coussens as Dean of the School of Business

Chicago, IL, August 11, 2008 - Kendall College today announced the appointment of Michelle Coussens, 44, as Dean of the School of Business. Coussens oversees and manages all aspects of the School--faculty and curriculum selection, assessment and program direction. She is also a member of Kendall's academic leadership team. Coussens succeeds Alexander Cocron.

Coussens has more than 20 years experience in executive management positions and as a consultant, business instructor and author. She has taught several management strategy and organizational behavior classes at DePaul University's College of Commerce and has been on the faculty for the American Management Association, teaching strategic planning seminars nationwide. In addition, Coussens teaches seminars in business plan development and positioning strategy for NeighborWorks ® America, a Congressionally-funded program providing technical assistance to community development entities.

Her business career includes management positions at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where she worked most recently as a senior analyst. Previous positions at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago include senior project leader for financial systems and risk management, and project leader for strategic policy advancement. She also spent several years at CNA Insurance in business research and modeling, and product management.

Coussens has published numerous articles on the topics of financial education, literacy and financial behavior, as well as on the role of insurance in improving financial access and wealth-building for moderate-income consumers. She holds an M.B.A. with a concentration in marketing from DePaul University, Chicago, and a B.A. in mathematics from Northwestern University.

"Michelle brings extraordinary business and academic credentials to our program," said Nivine Megahed, Kendall President. "Her leadership will be felt immediately as we continue to educate students who are employment-ready and poised to lead."

About Kendall College

Founded in 1934, Kendall College offers degrees in business, early childhood education, culinary arts and hospitality management. Current enrollment is approximately 1,500. The school occupies a stunning "Riverworks" campus in Chicago at Halsted Street near Chicago Avenue. Since 1962, it has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools . The American Culinary Federation has accredited the Culinary Arts Associate and Baking & Pastry Associate programs since 1988. Kendall College is a member of Laureate Education, Inc.'s worldwide network of colleges and universities.

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