A Message from the Dean

LaPenta School of Business, Iona University

Welcome to the LaPenta School of Business!  

The future of business belongs to individuals who combine analytical thinking, technological fluency, ethical leadership, and entrepreneurial vision. At the LaPenta School of Business, we prepare students to do exactly that. We're committed to helping every student develop those qualities while discovering their passions and building a career with purpose. My goal is for every graduate to leave Iona not only prepared for today's business world, but also equipped to lead as an ethical, socially conscious, and globally minded professional in a future shaped by innovation and artificial intelligence. As Dean, one of my greatest privileges is getting to know our students and the unique paths that bring them to Iona. Every student has a different story, and I want you to know that here, you'll be known not just for your potential, but for who you are.

A Campus Connected to Opportunity 
Just 20 miles from the heart of New York City, our campus offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit, supportive community and direct access to one of the world’s most influential business capitals. From internships on Wall Street to networking across Fortune 500 headquarters, NYC becomes an extension of our classroom, where students gain experience, sharpen their skills, and build connections that change their lives. Beyond New York City, the strong corporate presence across Westchester County, Fairfield County, and Northern New Jersey provides additional opportunities for internships, mentorship, and career exploration, providing unparalleled access to meaningful experiences and early career success.  

An Education You Can Feel 
Here at the LaPenta School of Business, education is something students actively experience, not just study. Through corporate site visits, C-Suite Executive Talks, interactions with leaders from organizations like Bloomberg, BNY Mellon, Citi, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, and cross-collaboration with the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, students gain firsthand business experience and bring innovative ideas to life. Combined with small class sizes, access to 17 Bloomberg terminals on the LaPenta-Lynch Trading Floor, and countless opportunities for leadership and networking, these experiences prepare students for real-world success. Some of my favorite moments are hearing students share what they've discovered through these experiences—whether it's finding a new passion, gaining confidence, or realizing a career path they never imagined. Those moments remind me why experiential learning matters so deeply.

Preparing Students for What's Next 
The business world is changing rapidly, and one of our responsibilities as educators is to ensure students are prepared not only for today's opportunities but for tomorrow's as well. Through the manner in which artificial intelligence and other tools and technologies are being integrated throughout our curriculum, as well as other initiatives such as our Artificial Intelligence Minor, Advanced Certificate in AI for Business, and other University-wide programs focused on the future of work in the age of AI, students gain exposure to emerging technologies while developing the critical thinking, ethical perspective, and adaptability needed to use them responsibly. Just as importantly, they learn that while technology may change the way we work, leadership, integrity, sound judgment, and human connection remain timeless qualities of effective business leaders.

A Community That Lifts You 
At Iona, Gaels take care of Gaels, and our faculty and alumni community prove just that. Our faculty are industry experts and mentors who bring real-world experience and a passion for student growth into every classroom. Complementing this, our 55,000-strong alumni network remains deeply engaged, offering mentorship, career guidance, and opportunities across industries. Leaders like former Visa CEO Al Kelly, Heineken USA CEO Maggie Timoney, and Steve Madden CFO Zine Mazouzi exemplify what is possible for students and continue to support and inspire the next generation of Gaels. From your first class to your first internship, our faculty and alumni are here to guide, encourage, and celebrate your growth.

Outcomes That Matter 
When a community invests fully in its students, remarkable outcomes follow, and at the LaPenta School of Business, we're seeing that every year. Ranked among the nation's top undergraduate business schools, #14 for Academic Experience by Poets & Quants, recognized as a College of Distinction, and AACSB-accredited—a distinction earned by only six percent of business schools worldwide—our programs are designed to prepare students for lasting success. Most importantly, 91% of our graduates secure meaningful employment within six months, reflecting the power of rigorous academics, experiential learning, mentorship, and community. Seeing our students grow into confident professionals who make a positive impact in their organizations and communities is truly the most rewarding part of my role.

Your Future Starts Here 
Whether you are beginning your undergraduate journey, seeking a school that is the perfect fit, or advancing your career with graduate studies, LaPenta School of Business offers the tools, guidance, and inspiration to unlock your potential. At Iona, you’re not just preparing to enter the business world — you’re preparing to shape it, with skill, confidence, and purpose. My hope is that your time here will challenge you, inspire you, and open doors you never imagined possible. I invite you to explore our programs, visit our campus, and discover the transformative experience that awaits you at the LaPenta School of Business. 

John L. DeMelis, MBA, CPA 
Dean, LaPenta School of Business