Nazareth announces new School of Business and Leadership Associate Dean Albert Orbinati

Nazareth University has named Albert Orbinati, Ph.D., associate dean in the School of Business and Leadership. He steps into the role with more than 18 years of higher education experience as a student-centered academic leader with a proven record of driving undergraduate and graduate enrollment growth. 

Orbinati begins at Nazareth on August 17, after most recently leading business programs at Champlain College in Vermont, where he oversaw a staff of more than 90 faculty and led the launch of numerous undergraduate and graduate business programs. Champlain’s business programs saw a 20% increase in enrollment under his leadership.

“From my first conversations at Nazareth, it was evident that the business faculty prioritize students and their learning (in that order) above all else. That was great to see. And Nazareth is in a great position. It has the right mission at the right time,” said Orbinati. “By championing civic engagement, securing hands-on 'impact experiences,' and fostering a culture of changemaking, the university prepares students to lead the positive change our world urgently needs right now. It’s a mission that is impossible not to champion. The world needs more Nazareth graduates!”

Orbinati began his higher education career at Utica University as director of online and non-traditional programs before moving on to similar executive leadership positions at Russell Sage College and Medaille University.

He maintains continuous service in the Vermont Air National Guard concurrently with his full-time roles in higher education. As a military officer, Orbinati leads Air Force and Army teams in professional training and complex projects to enhance organizational effectiveness.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in urban planning and development from Binghamton University, his master’s degree in adult education at Central Michigan University, his M.B.A. from Champlain College, and his doctorate in adult education from Capella University.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2026 August
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