Interim dean of SUNY Brockport’s business school brings business acumen to role

The interim dean of SUNY Brockport’s School of Business and Management is no stranger to the Rochester community.

He’s hoping to use that local connection to engage its business cohort.

“Brockport changed my life,” said Michael Doyle who now wants to be part of that impact the school can have on current and future students.

Doyle took the helm in August, succeeding Dan Goebel, who returned to his position on Brockport’s faculty.

He will serve as interim dean until June 30, 2024. A search for a permanent dean of the School of Business and Management will take place during the 2023-2024 academic year.

A 1980 alum with a Bachelor of Science degree in communication and media studies and former chair of the Brockport Foundation, Doyle brings more than 30 years of management experience back to Brockport.

Doyle spent decades as a senior executive at Entercom Rochester.

He retired from his role as regional president/president of sales operations there in late 2020. Since then, he has founded a media sales consulting company.

Doyle said there are differences between academia and business, but he believes his knowledge in data analytics, sales compensation, sales training, broadcast station operations and leadership development will be beneficial on campus.

“I did a lot of what we teach now,” he said, adding his new role is “a different opportunity in a place I love.”

His office in Hartwell Hall is the same building where he took some classes as an undergraduate.

Doyle said Brockport’s business school is known throughout New York for its exceptional faculty and curriculum designed to graduate future leaders in accounting, economics, finance, business administration, international business and marketing.

He noted the school’s master’s in business administration, master’s in accounting and master’s in public administration programs provide high quality, affordable options for those seeking an advanced degree.

Doyle plans to continue to position SUNY Brockport as a leader in public higher education in the state.

He spoke of the numerous experiential opportunities for Brockport students.

That includes the recently launched Wade Investment Fund, which provides students with the opportunity to manage an investment portfolio.

Started by brothers Chuck and Ethan Wade, part of the Wade Group at Brighton Securities, the fund gives students the responsibility of evaluating securities, deciding when to buy and sell securities and managing the portfolio with guidance from industry experts and supervision by faculty.

Doyle is looking to build more high impact student experiences, including internships and other engagement opportunities, drawing on the Rochester business community, including the many Brockport alums who work there.

For example, Brockport already has strong partnerships with accounting firms in the area, and Doyle believes similar models can be applied to other industries, too.

Another area of interest is expanding the Dean’s Lecture Series, which was popular before it was paused due to the COVID–19 pandemic.

Doyle is looking for more local speakers for the series who have a broad appeal among college students.

He also wants to work with for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations and explore new marketing concepts to promote the college across the region.

“I’m interested in helping to create real life experiences that make an impact locally,” he said.

[email protected] / (585) 653-4021