Meet Dr. Diego Nocetti, Campus Dean of Business

Bringing a lifelong passion for economics, backed by a doctorate in the subject and nearly two decades of professional experience in higher education, Dr. Diego C. Nocetti recently joined the ranks at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

As the dean of the School of Business on SNHU’s Manchester, New Hampshire, campus, as well as a professor of economics, Nocetti shared a bit about his own academic experiences, thoughts on the future of education, advice for students and more.

1. Tell us a bit about your professional background.

I am originally from Argentina, where I finished my bachelor's degree while working for a multinational pharmaceutical company. I moved to the United States in 1999, receiving a master's in business administration from East Carolina University and a PhD in Economics from The University of Memphis.

After receiving my PhD, I worked for 17 years at Clarkson University — 15 years as an economics professor, teaching and conducting research in the area of behavioral economics, and two years as the dean of the Reh School of Business and an endowed professor of Innovative Business Culture.

2. What first drew you to higher education?

Understanding the causes of Argentina’s poor economic performance despite its rich natural resources was something that fascinated me since I was a kid. So, the research side was a significant factor to go into a PhD. Combine that with the opportunity to have an impact on the lives of others through teaching and mentorship, and you get the best job in the world: economics professor.

3. What aspects of your own education have been particularly influential in shaping your professional life in academia?

My education in economics and business has been instrumental in shaping my professional life in academia. It has provided me with a structured framework to understand and interpret complex phenomena, honed my analytical and critical thinking abilities, and encouraged collaboration across disciplines.

4. How do you continue to learn and evolve as a leader in higher education?

I set ambitious but achievable goals, surround myself with people that are more intelligent and more knowledgeable than me, actively seek feedback, listen, observe, debate, study, reflect.

5. What brings you the greatest joy in your work as a dean?

Finding solutions to complex problems.

6. What do you feel is unique about the faculty, students and programs you oversee?

SNHU’s combination of affordability and a “premium” student experience is unique in higher education. The student support services we provide is among the best in the nation. When coupled with experienced faculty, a demanding and practical curriculum, a strong industry network and hard-working students, the result is a degree with exceptional return on investment.

7. What advice do you have for new and current students?

Have fun. Ask for help when you need it. Use the extensive constellation of support provided by SNHU. Talk to your professors.

8. When it comes to the future of education, particularly for business programs, what’s on your mind?

Developing interdisciplinary skillsets to enhance and complement artificial intelligence systems.

9. Why is education important to you and the world at large?

Lifelong learning is both cause and consequence of personal growth. An inclusive and effective educational system is both cause and consequence of sustainable economic development. Together, they are the foundation and the result of sustainable socio-economic progress.

10. Beyond work, what’s something you’re passionate about or really enjoy doing?

Spending time with my family (including my puppy); playing racquetball; thinking and debating about economics.

Online. On campus. Choose your program from 200+ SNHU degrees that can take you where you want to go.

Rebecca LeBoeuf Blanchette ’18 ’22G is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University. Connect with her on LinkedIn.