Babson College announces the appointment of Dennis Hanno as Dean of the Undergraduate School and Professor and Endowed Chair holder in the Accounting Division. 

Podcast: Conversation between President Barefoot and Dean Hanno

Hanno comes to Babson from the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he served as associate dean for Undergraduate Matters in the Isenberg School of Management. He focused his attention on curriculum development and enhanced relationships between residential life and academic matters, with an emphasis on social responsibility. He enabled improved campus-wide communication in order to provide unique learning opportunities for students - particularly in the area of international studies, and the development of an assessment model for measuring improvements.

“Dr. Hanno brings strong expertise in teaching, research, and outreach in the Accounting Discipline. He’s also an award- winning teacher who is known for his innovative curriculum as well as his in-depth work on the assessment of student learning,” according to Babson Provost Patti Greene.  

“I am excited to take on this new challenge of playing a leadership role at one of the premier business schools in the world,” says Hanno. “Babson’s global reputation and reach were key considerations for me when I decided to apply for the Dean’s position. My own background and interest in global issues, and in particular involving students in global experiences, fits well with Babson’s strategic initiatives.”

Hanno continues, “One of my main areas of focus at UMass has been working with other offices on campus to create an exceptional integrated experience for students in the Isenberg School of Management. While much of this already occurs at Babson, I plan to reach out in the fall to faculty, staff and students from all parts of campus to identify new ways to enhance the Babson undergraduate experience. Babson is known for its innovation and its focus on students, and I hope that I can contribute in both of these areas.”

Hanno is one of a select group of scholars who has published more than once in a premier accounting research publication, Journal of Accounting Research, and his research connects with his passion for teaching by addressing issues related to accounting education. 

He has served on the editorial boards of both Issues in Accounting Education and Accounting Education: A Journal of Theory, Practice and Research.

Hanno currently serves as chair for the Educators Credential Committee of the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy, is a member of the American Accounting Association and the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants, serves on the AICPA’s Virtual Grassroots Panel, and has presented on assessment issues at AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) meetings. 

Hanno earned a B.B.A. from University of Notre Dame, a M.S.A. from Western New England College, and a Ph.D. from University of Massachusetts.

During his career, he has earned awards that include University Outstanding Academic Advisor Award; AICPAA/AAA Joint Collaboration Award; Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants; and Outstanding College Teaching Award, Isenberg School of Management.

Dennis and his wife Susan have two children; a son Ted is a senior at Boston College and daughter Emily is a high school senior in Amherst.