Season 4, Episode 9: Brian Kench
Brian Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business, began his appearance on Charger 360 reflecting on a trip 30 years ago when he spent 10 days on a 72-foot boat crabbing in the North Atlantic rolling seas.  “Whenever I think of hard work or difficult jobs, this is my reference point.” As dean, he said his primary focus is on enrollment growth, graduate outcomes, faculty recruitment, and program development, including being at the forefront of creating STEM-designated business programs. He talked about the plans for the new on-campus home for the Pompea College that is scheduled to break ground in June. He also  highlighted the impact of internships (which will be required for all business majors beginning in Fall 2026), the Pompea Business Plan Expo for first-year students, the Gaia Initiative (a student-run portfolio with $800,000 under management) and the College’s fast track program (earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in four years), calling it one of the most “remarkable examples of return on investment that’s provided at the University of New Haven.”