Widener University has a new dean for its School of Business Administration.
The university announced that Dr. Cary Caro, the former School of Business dean at La Salle University, has been appointed, effective July 1.
Throughout his career, Dr. Caro has earned a reputation for building strong partnerships between academia and industry, developing innovative academic programs, and preparing students for success in an evolving workforce
“From the moment I arrived on campus, it was clear that Widener’s commitment to student success is not aspirational, it’s operational,” said Caro. “As Philadelphia transforms, Widener is uniquely positioned to deliver the kind of talent that doesn’t just enter the workforce but shapes it.”
Dr. Caro joins Widener with more than 15 years of higher education leadership experience. He is a nationally recognized academic leader with a proven track record of innovation, enrollment growth, student success, and industry engagement.
Prior to his role at La Salle, Dr. Caro was chair of the Division of Business at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Widener Provost Mark Nicosia praised Caro’s appointment, citing his collaborative leadership style and commitment to student-centered outcomes.
“His experience in academic leadership, commitment to innovation, and focus on student-centered outcomes will be a tremendous asset to the School of Business Administration and the broader community,” Nicosia said.
During his tenure at La Salle University, Caro led the development of interdisciplinary programs, including a biomedical innovation and enterprise degree, while introducing accelerated bachelor’s-to-MBA pathways designed to improve career readiness.
He also strengthened employer partnerships with organizations such as Deloitte and PwC, expanded alumni engagement initiatives, and advanced strategic planning and accreditation efforts.
At Xavier University of Louisiana, he oversaw significant enrollment growth and launched new programs in healthcare management and business analytics.
A respected scholar, Caro’s research explores corporate social responsibility, sustainability in business education, human resource development, and the economics of collegiate athletics.
His work has been published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards recognizing excellence in research, teaching, and scholarship.
Caro earned both his Ph.D. and Master of Science in Human Resource Education from Louisiana State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Notre Dame.
He now resides in Philadelphia with his husband, Clay, and their dog, Charlie.
Widener’s School of Business Administration is recognized for its undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificates, dual-degree offerings, and flexible online learning opportunities.
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the school also offers accelerated pathways that enable students to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees through a streamlined four-plus-one model.
