UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) has appointed Dr. Yasser Alhenawi as dean of its AACSB-accredited College of Business. He brings to the role extensive experience in business education, strategic planning, accreditation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Throughout his career, Dr. Alhenawi has built a record of success leading accreditation efforts, enrollment growth, strategic planning, faculty development, budget oversight, fundraising, and workforce-aligned program development. His leadership has emphasized collaboration, shared governance, and building strong partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders. 

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Alhenawi to SUNY Poly,” said Provost Dr. Andrew Russell. “He brings deep experience at the intersections of technology and business, and a record of academic leadership that informs his forward-looking vision for business education. His strengths in building academic programs and deepening partnerships between academia and industry partners aligns perfectly with SUNY Poly's mission. I am confident he will further elevate the College of Business and build on successful collaborations such as the creation of the NYSTEC Business Center of Excellence.”

As dean, Dr. Alhenawi will provide strategic leadership for the College of Business while advancing academic excellence, supporting faculty and student success, overseeing strategic initiatives, and strengthening partnerships that prepare graduates to meet the evolving needs of business and industry. He will also serve as a member of the President's Cabinet. 

“I am honored to join SUNY Poly and excited to become part of a university that is making such a meaningful impact through innovation, research, and student success,” said Dr. Alhenawi. “My vision is to build a nationally recognized College of Business that serves as the strategic business partner within a premier technology university. By integrating business education with emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity, we can prepare graduates who transform innovation into commercially successful ventures that drive economic growth and create lasting societal impact.”

He added, “The College of Business has an important role to play in advancing SUNY Poly's mission. Every graduate, regardless of major, should develop the business acumen, technological fluency, data literacy, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed in today's technology-driven economy. By working collaboratively across the university and building strong partnerships with industry, government, alumni, and our community, we can create new opportunities for students while helping strengthen the workforce and economic prosperity of the Mohawk Valley and beyond.”

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Alhenawi held several leadership positions at other institutions including Dean of the College of Business and Leadership, Teaching and Learning Center Manager, MBA Program Director, and Founding Director of the Institute for Banking and Finance.

Dr. Alhenawi is a Professor of Finance. He earned a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Finance from the University of New Orleans, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Emporia State University. He also holds a Bachelor Degree in Engineering from Damascus University. An active researcher, Dr. Alhenawi has published extensively in leading academic journals and presented his work at top-tier academic conferences.

Dr. Alhenawi now leads SUNY Poly's AACSB-accredited College of Business, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting, business administration, finance, and technology management. The college’s accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), earned by fewer than six percent of business schools worldwide, reflects its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, curriculum innovation, and student success.