New Mexico State University’s College of Business welcomes Kevin Trainor this year as the new department head of the Marketing Department, bringing more than 25 years of combined academic and industry experience.
“I grew up in a rural Arizona town and was the first in my family to attend college,” Trainor said. “The experience of figuring out higher education without a clear guide shaped my values and continues to ground my work in higher ed. It taught me that access, mentorship and belonging can change lives.”
Trainor holds a Ph.D. in business administration from Kent State University, an MBA from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from the University of Arizona. Before arriving at NMSU, Trainor taught at Marquette University, served as dean of the School of Business at Carroll University, and spent nearly a decade at Northern Arizona University, where he held leadership roles such as associate dean of Academic Affairs and founding director of the Professional Selling Program.
“After spending 11 years at Northern Arizona University and, most recently, teaching at Marquette University, I’m thrilled to be back in the Southwest and to join NMSU as department head of the Marketing Department,” he said. “The university’s mission of advancing social mobility and economic development resonates deeply with me – not just as a professional, but as someone who has lived the impact of that mission.”
At NMSU, Trainor is focused on strengthening the marketing Ph.D. program, expanding experiential learning and making mentorship central to student and faculty success.
“This is a season of purpose for me – a time to listen, lead with intention and help lay a foundation that supports long-term growth for our students, our faculty and the broader community we serve,” he said.
Trainor has also published more than 20 journal articles in outlets such as the Journal of Business Research and Industrial Marketing Management. His research explores marketing strategy, technology and customer relationship management.