Full-time UST MBA

Meet Our Staff

Our goal is to ensure the UST MBA programs provide you with essential knowledge, learning resources and challenging experiences on par with any top MBA program in the country. In addition, we strive to exceed expectations for our students with elements unique to St. Thomas:

• You will interact with talented leaders in business education on our faculty, who integrate ethics and societal considerations into our entire curriculum. 
• You will be challenged academically and intellectually, but in a supportive environment.
• You will get to know your professors, peers and professional program staff.
• You will find a professional community that will benefit you for the rest of your career.

We invite you to become a part of the exciting UST MBA community today!

As you explore the advantages of our program and the UST experience, feel free to contact us with questions or just to get to know us. Our team is experienced, accessible and dedicated to your professional development.

Dustin Cornwell

Director, Full-time UST MBA Program
dcornwell@stthomas.edu

Dustin Cornwell is the director of the Full-time UST MBA program, responsible for leading all admissions and student life initiatives. Dustin brings over a decade of experience to the team at St. Thomas, having served as the director of admissions for graduate business programs at DePaul University in Chicago, director of admissions for the full-time M.B.A. program at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, and assistant director of Undergraduate Admissions at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  He holds a B.B.A. in International Business from George Washington, an M.B.A. in Marketing from the Carlson School, and an M.A. in Public Relations and Advertising from the College of Communication at DePaul.

Debra A. Basarich

Associate Director of Student Life
debra.basarich@stthomas.edu

Deb Basarich recently joined the Full-time UST MBA team and is responsible for helping create an outstanding student experience from Launch Week until graduation. She advises the MBA Student Association leadership team, collaborates with core faculty members to develop the Launch Week and Professional Fridays schedules and works closely with MBA student clubs on case competitions, conferences and on-campus events. Deb provides academic advising for students and helps identify and develop co-curricular opportunities that meet their needs and interests.

Deb is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and brings more than 20 years of higher education experience to St. Thomas. Her previous roles at the University of Minnesota included registrar and academic advisor, education abroad coordinator for International Programs, and director of student affairs for MBA Programs. Deb enjoys watching hockey and college football as well as spending time in northern Minnesota with family and friends.

M. Kay Wimer

Program Adviser
mkwimer@stthomas.edu

Kay Wimer is the program adviser for the Full-time UST MBA program. In addition to counseling students on course selection and other academic issues, she serves as co-advisor to the UST MBA Student Association and assists students with a wide variety of student life activities. Kay holds a B.A. with a double major in fine arts and psychology from Indiana University, and she earned an M.A. in Education from the University of St. Thomas.   She previously advised Evening UST MBA students, and before joining the UST MBA team Kay coordinated the off-campus programs for the School of Professional Studies.

Sandra Thomas

Assistant Director of Admissions
sandrathomas@stthomas.edu

Sandra Thomas is one of two assistant directors of admissions for the Full-time UST MBA program.  She plays a critical role in recruiting, advising and serving as an important contact for prospective students interested in the Full-time UST MBA program. In addition, Sandra serves as a board member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter. Sandra earned a B.A. in Social Studies Education from St. Olaf College and an M.A. in Management and Nonprofit Management from Hamline University.  Prior to coming to the University of St. Thomas, Sandra worked for the Saint Olaf TRiO programs.  She advised, coached and assisted first-generation, low-income junior high and high school students living in St. Paul through the college admissions process. In her spare time, Sandra volunteers in her community, mentors TRiO students and donates her time as a “Big Sis” with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Clark Gregor

Assistant Director of Admissions
cgregor@stthomas.edu

Clark Gregor works closely with prospective Full-time UST MBA students throughout the application process.  He serves as editor of the university blog for graduate business programs, Opus Magnum, and manages much of the web content and social media initiatives for the Full-time UST MBA program.  In addition, Clark is the vice president of Collegiate Relations on the board of the Minnesota chapter of the American Marketing Association.

Clark earned a bachelor’s degree in public communications and political science from American University in Washington, D.C., where he later worked as a public information officer. Clark next worked at Fordham University developing and executing strategic communications plans for online and print marketing projects while completing his M.B.A.

DeAnn Kautzmann

Department Coordinator, Full-time Admissions
ustmba@stthomas.edu

DeAnn Kautzmann is the department coordinator for the Full-time UST MBA program. She plays a vital role in assisting the entire team in scheduling interviews, managing the application process and serving as a contact for prospective students enquiring about the Full-time UST MBA program.  DeAnn received her B.A. from the College of St. Benedict in theology. Prior to coming to the University of St. Thomas, she worked for a busy veterinary clinic in St. Paul as the clinic’s receptionist and office manager. In her spare time, DeAnn enjoys fishing, antiquing, a good debate with friends and reading The Sun.