Our friend and trusted advisor, Dr. Matthew Rousu, is taking a semester-long sabbatical as the Dean of the Sigmund Weis School of Business at Susquehanna University over the next few months. But fear not, the equally friendly, also highly trusted, and eminently qualified Dr. Emma Fleck will be minding the store while Matt recharges.
Take a break Matt—it’s well deserved. Your Chamber is very happy that you’re here, Emma. It’s always a pleasure and reassuring to the businesses and organizations in our valley to know Matt, Emma, and all of the River Hawk faculty and staff are an email or phone call away for any community or economic development concerns or questions that may arise.
After an extremely busy stretch during Susquehanna’s fall semester, concluding with Executive Showcase Day, Susquehanna University’s Global Business Perspectives presentations (check them out: they did a great job!), Dr. Rousu took time to pass along the following updates before departing campus.
“Our fall semester students were crazy busy. We took trips that alumni sponsored to Cartier (in NYC), Tishman Speyer (NYC), Berkadia (Philadelphia), and SEI (Philadelphia) among other places. A few photos can be found here. We think we have some of the best professors in the world who provide world-class in-the-classroom instruction. But we also know that these external experiences are valuable as students seek to launch into their professional careers. Many thanks to the alumni who helped make these trips possible,” Dr. Rousu said.
He added, “Do you want to mentor a student? The SWSB Professional Mentoring Program could use your help as we are seeking volunteers for the spring 2025 semester. We had 167 alumni and friends volunteer in the fall and with our increasing enrollments we’re looking for a similar number of volunteers this spring. Mentoring is a great way to make a difference in the life of an SWSB student, so I hope you’ll consider! Here is the link to sign up.”
Finally, Matt wrapped with, “I wanted to share some personal news. I have been fortunate enough to have been granted a sabbatical for the spring semester to work on a couple research projects. Those who knew me from my “professor days” know how much I love teaching and research, and I am grateful to President Green and Provost Ramsaran for granting me this opportunity to dive back into research – much of being pedagogically focused. I am officially on sabbatical from January 1-June 30, 2025. I am thrilled that Dr. Emma Fleck has agreed to serve as Interim Dean for the upcoming semester. Many of you already know Dr. Fleck but for those who don’t, trust me, the Sigmund Weis School of Business is in great hands!”
Always a servant leader, Dr. Matt Rousu ended by pointing out, “Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime while I’m on sabbatical – one of my favorite parts of the role of dean is talking to and working with so many amazing alumni and friends.” Feel free to contact him at: mrousu@susq.edu or by calling 570-372-4455.
Member News: News from the Sigmund Weis School of Business
