Patrick O’Neill named interim dean of Nistler College of Business & Public Administration

UND Provost Eric Link has selected Patrick O’Neill, professor of Economics & Finance and associate dean, as the interim dean for the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. O’Neill has been a faculty member at the University of North Dakota since 1987 and has held administrative positions since 2001.

“Dr. O’Neill brings many years of administrative and leadership experience to the role of interim dean, having served as a longtime associate dean for the College and as a department chair for a decade,” Link said. “I am pleased that he has agreed to serve as interim dean in the coming year, and I look forward to seeing the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration continue to grow and provide outstanding programs for our students.”

“It’s an honor to be given the opportunity to serve as interim dean of the Nistler College,” O’Neill said. “I am confident that we will continue building on the successes achieved during the last seven years.”

O’Neill will assume his new duties on July 1, 2025, and will serve until a permanent dean is named and in place. The search process to select the next dean of the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration will start in the fall.

About Patrick O’Neill

Patrick O’Neill earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Boston College in 1987 and joined the University of North Dakota as an assistant professor in the Department of Economics. He was promoted to full professor in 2001 and went on to hold several key administrative roles. From 2001 to 2011, he served as chair of the Department of Economics.

O’Neill later took on leadership positions within the College, serving as acting/interim associate dean from 2011 to 2013. He has experience serving as an associate dean for academics and as an associate dean for administration. Since 2018, he has served as the associate dean of the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration where he oversees a variety of administrative functions. In 2022, he also assumed the role of MBA program director, further expanding his leadership responsibilities within the College.

About the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration

The Nistler College of Business & Public Administration (Nistler CoBPA) stands as a pillar of excellence in higher education, proudly recognized as the largest business school in North Dakota. Serving approximately 1,600 undergraduate students and 320 graduate students each year, the College delivers an enriching academic experience that blends rigorous coursework with real-world opportunity. With 16 undergraduate majors, four graduate programs and nine certificate options, students have access to a comprehensive and versatile education designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s global economy.

One of the hallmarks of the Nistler CoBPA is its longstanding commitment to academic quality, demonstrated by its accreditation from AACSB International — an honor held by fewer than 1,000 business schools worldwide. This prestigious accreditation reflects the College’s adherence to the highest standards in business education, ensuring that students graduate with skills that are both current and competitive.

The Nistler College of Business & Public Administration emphasizes hands-on learning and leadership development. With more than 25 professional student organizations and a strong network of internship and cooperative employment programs, students are encouraged to build connections, gain practical experience and grow as emerging leaders. The College’s modern facilities and cutting-edge technology provide an exceptional learning environment where students can thrive academically and professionally. It takes great pride in its community of students, alumni and educators who are shaping the future of business and public service.