Sacred Heart University photo by Tracy Deer-Mirek 4/22/21
Sacred Heart Welcomes Their New Interim Dean, Andrew Gaudes
What if the biggest advantage you can graduate with isn’t a specific technical skill, but the ability to keep learning when everything around you changes?
Andrew J. Gaudes, Ph.D. is coming to Sacred Heart University’s Jack Welch College of Business & Technology (WCBT) prepared to lead in the face of constant change. Gaudes was appointed interim dean effective July 1st. He brings more than 20 years of experience in business education and academic leadership, most recently serving as dean of Brock University’s Goodman School of Business in Canada.
In a Q&A published by Sacred Heart University, Gaudes discussed his plans for the WCBT and what he believes business students need to succeed.
“Having spent much of my career in academic leadership roles, I have always enjoyed helping institutions navigate opportunities, challenges, and periods of transition,” he says.
Gaudes was particularly drawn to Sacred Heart because of its strong foundation, commitment to students, and the breadth of activity taking place across business and technology disciplines.
And after leading schools through periods of growth and innovation, Gaudes says he has learned that successful change starts with people.
“One lesson I have learned is that sustainable progress comes from building a shared sense of purpose,” he explains. “Growth and innovation are important, but they are most successful when people understand where an institution is heading and see themselves as part of that journey.”
He also stressed the importance of listening before making decisions. “Every institution has its own culture, strengths, history, and aspirations,” he shares.
READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT
For an undergraduate sitting in a business classroom today, though, Gaudes’ most interesting comments may be about what happens after graduation. As AI, data and technology reshape industries, he believes adaptability is just as important as technical knowledge.
“Technical knowledge remains important, but it is no longer sufficient on its own,” he says. “Today’s graduates need to be adaptable, curious, and comfortable with continuous learning.”
That means knowing how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds, communicate clearly, solve complex problems, and make decisions in environments characterized by uncertainty and rapid change.
Like his sentiments on adaptability, Gaudes also sees hands-on learning as quite important.
“Experiential learning helps bridge the gap between theory and practice,” he says. “Students learn important concepts in the classroom, but they deepen that learning when they apply it to real situations, real organizations, and real challenges.”
Ultimately, Gaudes wants students to leave WCBT ready for a workplace where knowing the answer isn’t always enough. During his time as interim dean, he says he wants to strengthen the foundations supporting excellence in teaching, scholarship, student success, and external engagement while building on the WCBT’s existing strengths.
“Ultimately, my goal is to leave the college stronger, more aligned, and well positioned for whatever comes next,” he concludes.
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