East Stroudsburg University's College of Business and Management’s Executive in Residence Program is a transformative initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

The Executive in Residence Program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to participate in in-class real-world business consulting with real businesses and non-profit organizations, making it a distinctive element of The College of Business and Management.

The Program's goal and the Colleges are very similar: to give students chances for practical learning that mirror the real business environment they will enter after graduation and to develop their leadership skills via these experiences.

The program will carefully select executives with successful track records and a strong commitment to mentoring and guiding students.

These executives, coming from diverse backgrounds and experiences, will offer a wide range of perspectives and insights.

Meet Our 2025-2026 Executives in Residence

Don Pleau, Resort General Manager, Kalahari Resorts

    Program Highlights

    • They will provide one-on-one mentoring and guidance, offer career advice, share industry insights, and help students navigate the professional landscape through regular meetings and open-door policies.
    • Networking opportunities will be facilitated through events, industry panels, and guest speaker series to help students build relationships and expand their professional networks.
    • The program will also facilitate internships, giving students hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges.
    • Alumni who have achieved executive positions will be involved as mentors, guest speakers, or panelists, sharing their experiences and insights, thereby strengthening the alumni network and fostering a sense of community.
    • Regular evaluations and feedback from students, faculty, and executives will be conducted to continuously improve the program, refine objectives, identify areas for growth, and ensure it meets the needs of both students and executives.

    The Executive in Residence program creates a symbiotic relationship between academia and industry, offering students unique learning opportunities and practical insights while allowing executives to share their expertise and stay connected to the academic community.

    Program Benefits

    Executives in Residence at ESU aim to provide senior executives and up-and-coming corporate leaders and innovators with valuable experiences that can influence and enhance the lives of ESU students.

    Activities will include:

    • One-on-one student career advising
    • Guest lecturing and participation in industry panels
    • Case writing and/or competition judging
    • Advise student organizations in area of expertise
    • Participate in advisory boards for College leadership

    Contact Us

    Campus Address

    Rosenkrans Hall 123A
    (570) 422-3589

    Dean, College of Business & Management

    Dr. Sylvester Williams, IV, JD, MBA, CCLE
    swilliams@esu.edu
    (570) 422-3589