Kettering University announced today the appointment of Dr. Terence J. Pitre as the new Dean of the School of Management, effective June 30, 2025.
"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Pitre to Kettering University," said Dr. James Zhang, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. "His deep expertise in business education, commitment to experiential learning, and strong industry background make him an ideal fit to lead the School of Management. We are confident that under his leadership, the school will continue to grow in impact, further strengthening the role of business education within our STEM-driven institution."
“I also want to thank Professor John Grether for his dedication and leadership as Acting Dean,” Dr. Zhang said. “His commitment to advancing the School’s strategic goals, including the crucial work toward our self-study with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, has positioned us well for continued success.”
Dr. Pitre joins Kettering with a strong background in academic leadership, industry insight, and a passion for bridging classroom learning with hands-on experience. A U.S. Navy veteran and former faculty leader at multiple institutions, he brings a visionary approach to business education that aligns with Kettering’s distinctive Co-op model.
“When I looked at Kettering’s approach to education, I saw the future,” Dr. Pitre said. “The Co-op model isn’t just a value-add. It’s a game-changer. It answers the question so many students and families are asking today: Is college worth it? At Kettering, the answer is yes because students leave here with knowledge and real experience.”
Dr. Pitre sees the School of Management as a vital driver of innovation within Kettering’s STEM-focused environment. He is committed to strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering, computer science, supply chain, and data analytics to equip graduates with leadership skills that scale across industries.
Dr. Pitre plans to hit the ground running, meeting one-on-one with faculty, connecting with alumni, and deepening understanding of how business programs can better serve Kettering’s mission.
“Our graduates don’t wait to lead. They leave here ready to shape industries,” he said. “I want to ensure our business students are equipped not just with theory, but also with two and a half years of applied experience behind them. That’s how you stand out.”
With deep ties to community engagement and a proven track record of building forward-thinking programs, including creative alternatives like Google certificates in data analytics, Dr. Pitre brings a student-centered and mission-driven mindset that reflects Kettering’s commitment to innovation and outcomes.
“Being military, you have to do what they call ‘live the brand,’” he said. “You’re always representing your institution. That mindset is exactly what I bring to Kettering.”
Dr. Pitre comes to Kettering with over two decades of academic leadership and teaching experience. Most recently, he served as Dean of the College of Business Administration at California State University, Stanislaus. He previously held key academic and administrative roles at institutions including Bowling Green State University, Minnesota State University, Miami University, California State University–Sacramento, Saint Mary’s College of California, and the University of St. Thomas.
Dr. Pitre earned his Ph.D. in Accounting from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business, his MBA in Accounting and Finance from Tulane University, and his B.S. in Finance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
