Brent S. Opall, Ph.D.

Brent S. Opall is an Associate Professor of Management in the Department of Management and Leadership Programs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. His current teaching load includes Strategic Management for a Global Business Environment (undergraduate capstone), Competing Strategically in a Global Environment and Corporate Venturing (graduate). He has a strong history of teaching excellence in online and face to face formats. At the University he serves on the Assurance of Learning (AoL) committee, QTAC (Queer and Trans Action Committee), and previously served on the University Planning Committee (UPC).

Dr. Opall holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Minnesota in Organizational Leadership and Policy development with a focus on Human Resource Development (HRD).

Prior to his faculty role at UW-Eau Claire, Brent was an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Superior teaching courses in management, international business, and sustainability. He has also worked as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management. During his tenure he endeavored to increase access and support for students typically underrepresented in the study of business across the school's multiple degree programs. In addition, he taught courses in Management, Business Administration, and Human Resource Development.

Research areas include organizational strategy, corporate social responsibility, and diversity & inclusion. His research has been published in several international journals including Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management, the Journal of Business Strategy, and the International Journal of Business Excellence.

Dr. Opall's international experience consists of on-site evaluations of study abroad programs at the following locations: IES Rome, IES Milan, LAC Milan, and the Bocconi Institute. He oversaw all aspects of a MBA course visit to India which included diplomatic visits with high-profile businesses and political leaders such as India's President Dr. Abdul Kalam. In addition, research has been peer-reviewed and presented at the Strategic Management Society (SMS) San Jose, Costa Rica, International Teaching Conference for Management Educators, Winchester, U.K., the International Business Conference in Tignes, France, and the Academy of HRD presented at the European Conference in Pécs, Hungary. Dr. Opall has also mentored and led student teams to compete in international case competitions across the globe.

As a strategy consultant, Dr. Opall has worked for both profit and nonprofit firms including the Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire's Phillips Senior Center, and several small entrepreneurial organizations.

Brent has earned several honors and awards including the Chuck Tomkovick Teaching Excellence Award (2020), University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium Outstanding Faculty Award (2019), Midwest Academy of Management Junior Faculty Scholarship (2017), Carlson School's Commitment to Excellence Award (2012) and Outstanding Staff Member (2005 & 2009; awarded twice).

In the community Brent currently serves on the board of PFund, the University of Wisconsin-Superior Alumni Association National Board of Directors, and previously as board member of the Twin Cities Chapter of Prospanica (previously known as NSHMBA).