Mark Shannon, Ph.D.

Dr. Mark R. Shannon serves as Dean of the Stoltz School of Business at the University of Northwestern–St. Paul. He brings more than fifteen years of experience in Christian higher education, academic leadership, graduate program development, accreditation, and business administration. Prior to joining Northwestern, Dr. Shannon served as Assistant Dean of the School of Business at Belhaven University, where he led strategic initiatives that significantly expanded doctoral enrollment, strengthened student retention, and supported successful accreditation efforts. He previously served as Director of MBA and Master of Science in Strategic Leadership programs at Oklahoma Wesleyan University and has taught at Regent University and Newman University.

A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Shannon has published peer-reviewed research in the Journal of Management Development and the International Leadership Journal. He has presented at national conferences, served as chair or committee member on numerous doctoral dissertations, and contributed to curriculum development across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral business programs. His academic interests include leadership development, authentic leadership, faith integration, organizational behavior, strategic management, and Christian approaches to business education.

Dr. Shannon earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, where his dissertation explored the role of trigger events and leadership crucibles in the development of authentic leaders. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Managerial Finance from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Covenant College.

Prior to entering higher education, Dr. Shannon founded and operated a successful distribution company serving Oklahoma and Texas and held leadership positions in business operations and management. These experiences continue to shape his commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world application.

Outside the university, Dr. Shannon enjoys mentoring students and emerging leaders, serving in church leadership, speaking on leadership and organizational development, and spending time outdoors through walking, fitness, and recreational activities. He is passionate about helping students understand how faith informs leadership, decision-making, and service in the marketplace.