Over the past seven years, Dean Miguel “Mickey” Quiñones has guided the trajectory of the Robins School of Business as students stepped onto national competition stages, presented strategies to corporate executives, and accepted sought-after internships and job offers. At the end of the academic year, he will step down as dean.

Under his leadership, the school reached its highest-ever position — No. 17 — in the undergraduate rankings published by Poets&Quants for Undergrads. The school has been in the top 20 for five consecutive years. P&Q also named the Robins School as one of the “10 Undergraduate Business Schools to Watch” in 2024.

In his early days as dean, Quiñones quickly saw that the school cared deeply about its students. “That became our shared anchor,” he said. “Over time, we developed a more explicit, shared vision around being truly student-centered in how we design curriculum, build programs, and hire faculty. That clarity shaped my approach to leadership.”

During Quiñones’ tenure, the Robins School launched the Robins Endeavor living-learning community, the Spider Business Hub, and the Bench Top Innovations course, all of which expanded experiential learning opportunities for students.

The school also introduced new programs, including a Master of Science in Management and the Professional Selling Program, and expanded global engagement through the Faculty International Partner Immersion Program. The establishment of the Department of Analytics and Operations further emphasized the role of data and technology across campus.

“I greatly respect the optimism Mickey brought to his work and the welcoming way in which he approached everyone — students, faculty, staff, and parents,” said Joyce van der Laan Smith, senior associate dean for Undergraduate Business Programs. “His vision and leadership inspired us all to think bigger.” 

Quiñones hopes the next dean builds on the progress, but just as importantly, he said, “I hope they continue to nurture the culture. Strategy can change with the times. Culture is what sustains an institution over decades.”

“I’m grateful to Mickey for his leadership and the genuine care he’s shown to not only the business school but our entire community,” said Joan Saab, executive vice president and provost. “His commitment to collaboration and dedication to our faculty, staff, and students have strengthened the Robins School in lasting ways.”

After a sabbatical focused on developing new courses and research projects, Quiñones will return to the classroom as a professor of management — a role he says he is eager to embrace.

“I am genuinely excited to spend more time in the classroom,” he said. “There is something special about working closely with students over a semester, seeing their thinking sharpen, watching them gain confidence. It is very energizing work.”