It's Official, New Dean of Iona's LaPenta School of Business Named

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The new dean of the LaPenta School of Business already has an office on campus.

From Iona University.

Iona University is pleased to announce the appointment of John L. DeMelis, MBA, CPA, as dean of the LaPenta School of Business, effective January 13, 2025. DeMelis has served as interim dean since July 1, 2023, and brings extensive experience in both academia and professional accounting to his role.

Throughout his 32-year career at Ernst & Young, DeMelis held various leadership positions, most notably as partner in the firm’s professional practice group. He was also instrumental in shaping the firm’s learning and development programs, ensuring the professional growth of auditors across the Americas region.

"John’s leadership has already made a significant impact at Iona, and his dedication to student success and academic excellence will continue to strengthen the LaPenta School of Business," said Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D.

The appointment comes as Iona continues to grow enrollment and gain recognition in prestigious national rankings.

Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of the top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranks an Iona degree in the top 5 percent nationally for long-term return on investment.

Iona’s LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review recognized Iona’s MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2024,” and U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate business.

A Commitment to Academic Excellence
DeMelis previously taught auditing as an adjunct professor at Fairfield University and joined Iona’s LaPenta School of Business in 2020, where he served as a senior clinical lecturer in accounting. His courses, ranging from financial and managerial accounting to auditing, have had a lasting impact on students.

Over the last two years, DeMelis successfully worked with faculty to develop innovative curriculum. He also deepened student engagement with alumni and corporate partners to identify and secure internship and career opportunities for Iona students.

Additionally, DeMelis has played an integral role in shaping the future of Iona’s business programs, contributing to the school’s Curriculum Management Committee and supporting accreditation processes. His commitment to academic quality is further reflected in his role as an AACSB peer review volunteer outside of the University.

"I am excited to continue leading the LaPenta School of Business," said DeMelis. "It is an honor to collaborate with our talented faculty and staff to create opportunities for our students to excel in an ever-changing business environment."

DeMelis earned his bachelor of science in business economics from the State University of New York at Oneonta and his MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. He is a certified public accountant in New York and resides in Redding, Conn., with his wife, Claudia.

This press release was produced by Iona University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.