Joseph Tenuta named distinguished professor
Carthage has affirmed its commitment to blend real-world experience with academic excellence, appointing Joseph Tenuta as the next Rogers Palmer Distinguished Professor in Business.
Tenuta began teaching at Carthage as an adjunct business professor in 2017 and joined the faculty in 2021. He contributed to launching the School of Business and Economics in 2023 as a center of excellence by inspiring students, building partnerships with regional businesses, and collaborating across academic disciplines at Carthage’s lakeside campus.
“It is a privilege and a responsibility to catalyze change in a meaningful, measurable way,” said Prof. Tenuta, chair of the management department. “My goal is to bring both my personal and professional experiences into the classroom to add value to my students.”
Prof. Tenuta helped to introduce Carthage’s degree program in healthcare administration in fall 2024, and his impact extends beyond the classroom. He also supports students by advising Pi Sigma Epsilon, a business fraternity. He championed the innovative Carthage Spark program, which delivers education in the workplace.
Jim Padilla, dean for the School of Business and Economics, praised Tenuta’s deep commitment to student success, community roots, and dedication to mentoring students, making him an exceptional match for this distinguished role.
Prof. Tenuta holds an MBA in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lubar College of Business and a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He has had unique experiences in industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare with various roles including c-suite. Last year he published a book for emerging entrepreneurs, “The Starting BluPrnt: What You Can Expect When Starting Your Own Business.”
He is the fourth faculty member to hold the Rogers Palmer Distinguished Professorship, following Victor LaBelle (1984), Don Johnson (1990-2001), and David Brunn (2004-2012). Established in 1983 by Snap-on executive Rogers “Rod” Palmer and his wife, Mary, it was Carthage’s first endowed chair supporting faculty excellence in perpetuity.
“When you think of tools, there is no more prominent name than Snap-on,” said Prof. Tenuta. “Rogers Palmer supported this professorship to foster the creative programming that would develop students into leaders in a manner consistent with the values Snap-on was built on.”
Tenuta promised to be a steward of this professorship and its resources, saying, “I will work to maintain the integrity and demonstrate the values on which it is based.”