Our Chief Academic Officer/Provost
Dr. Stuart Kewley
Dr. Stuart Kewley is a graduate of the University of Cambridge (MPhil, DPhil) and began his academic career as Director of Studies at the University of Oxford. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the higher education sector. He has been instrumental in curriculum design, partnership development, and has a very strong understanding of the regulatory landscape for education providers in the EU, South and South East Asia, the US, and the Middle East. He has held senior leadership roles in numerous education institutions. Until 2023, he was the Senior Vice President of Partnerships and International Development at the IDM Education Group and is currently Provost at the University of Business, Innovation and Sustainability (UBIS).
UBIS was designed to be an American-style institution with the vision of bringing western education to the emerging middle classes around the world.
The owners, who were involved in other American educational institutions, saw an opportunity to pursue a unique global mission with a European-based institution. The differentiation for the global student who attends UBIS and its sister institutions is that they receive a globally-centric, American education and benefit from expanded career opportunities within their host countries.
Not only are graduates’ candidates for leading positions with local firms, but they are, more selectively, candidates for positions in western firms operating within their country.
Our Board of Directors
Dr. Oksana Malysheva
Cathi Raffaeli
Mary Keane
Executive Leadership Team
Dr. Mark Defusco – Chief Executive Officer
M.S. and Ph.D. from University of Southern California
B.A. from Villanova University
Dr. DeFusco also served as chief executive officer/president at Vatterott Education Holdings, a private equity-held, for-profit college with 20 campuses in nine Midwestern states. Earlier in his career, DeFusco served in several senior management capacities with the University of Phoenix (Apollo group). He also served as assistant to the president at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, OH.
He holds a B.A. from Villanova University and a M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. He sits on the board of several education companies and many nonprofit boards. He currently serves as the executive director of the Education Foundation, a leader in sponsoring for-profit joint ventures with nonprofit colleges and universities.
Shannyn Stern, CPA – President
MBA from Purdue Global University
B.S. Business Administration from California State University
With a proven track record of leading financial transformations and enhancing operational efficiency, Shannyn is well-equipped to guide UBIS into its next phase of transformation. She has been an integral part of UBIS, serving first as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and then as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Her leadership in these roles has been pivotal in driving financial stability and operational excellence at the university.
Shannyn has held significant roles at several higher education institutions, including Aspen University, Brookline College, and Remington College, where she served as Chief Financial Officer. In these roles, her strategic insights and financial acumen have consistently led to improved institutional performance and student outcomes.
With her extensive background in the school business Shannyn is poised to drive innovation and strategic development at UBIS, ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality education to our global community.
Dr. Stuart Kewley – Chief Academic Officer/Provost
MPhil and DPhil, University of Cambridge
Dr. Stuart Kewley is a graduate of the University of Cambridge (MPhil, DPhil) and began his academic career as Director of Studies at the University of Oxford. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the higher education sector. He has been instrumental in curriculum design, partnership development, and has a very strong understanding of the regulatory landscape for education providers in the EU, South and South East Asia, the US, and the Middle East. He has held senior leadership roles in numerous education institutions. Until 2023, he was the Senior Vice President of Partnerships and International Development at the IDM Education Group and is currently Provost at the University of Business, Innovation and Sustainability (UBIS).
Alison Wilson – VP, Academic Affairs
Master’s of Administration from Brookline College
Alison Wilson our VP of Academic affairs comes to us with over 12 years of higher education experience in Academic dean roles. She obtained her masters degree in Administration from Brookline college, bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from University of Phoenix, and Associate degree in Surgical Technology from Waukesha County Technical College. She has worked in higher education as faculty, program director and campus academic dean over the past 12 years. In my higher education experience I have managed large campuses with 1000 students and over 60 faculty. My responsibilities include faculty management, curriculum writing, student services and management of all academic policies and procedures to name a few.
What sets Alison apart is not just her impressive professional track record, but also her profound dedication to the transformative power of education. She firmly believes in the profound impact education has on shaping the lives of students and is driven by a passion to facilitate this change. Outside of work I love spending time with family and friends and helping my daughter with her growing bakery business.
Sharon Imperiale – Director of Delivery Innovation
Master’s of Education from Grand Canyon University
Sharon is a seasoned educator and instructional designer with over two decades of experience in private post-secondary education. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional expertise in curriculum development, having authored numerous associate, bachelor’s and master’s level programs and courses.
For more than eight years, Sharon served as Associate Dean for Medical Specialties, Healthcare Administration, Business Management, and Computer Science, where she oversaw academic excellence and innovation across diverse disciplines.
Over the past six years, Sharon has specialized in instructional design and educational technology, working across various learning management systems to enhance educational delivery. Her deep expertise lies in Canvas, where she excels in integrating and developing tools to create robust, student-centered learning experiences while simplifying teaching processes for faculty.
Sharon is passionate about advancing education through technology, dedicated to crafting engaging and efficient learning environments that empower both students and educators.
Whitney Hutchings – Director of Student Operations
Whitney Hutchings is an accomplished education professional with extensive experience in international teaching and student services management. She currently serves as the Director of Student Operations at UBIS Global, where she leads student support operations and optimizes registrar functions. Whitney has held various roles, including Global Student Services Manager, Global Admissions Team Lead, and English teacher in multiple countries. Her expertise spans academic records management, student retention strategies, and teaching across international curricula.
