Susan J. Marsnik

Susan J. Marsnik serves as Professor and Department Chair of Ethics and Business Law at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, leveraging her JD in International Law and Intellectual Property from the University of Minnesota alongside extensive legal practice and global teaching experience. She integrates real-world business strategy with legal frameworks across undergraduate, MBA, and executive education programs while leading international study initiatives.

Her educational background includes:

• JD in International Law, Intellectual Property, and Dispute Resolution, University of Minnesota
• BA in English Literature, University of Minnesota
• AA in Liberal Arts, Vermillion Community College

Marsnik's research centers on international intellectual property systems, cross-border data protection challenges, and gig economy worker rights analyzed through Catholic Social Teaching principles. She examines how evolving patent and copyright regimes impact multinational business operations while developing ethical frameworks for digital-age employment practices.

Her 2020-2022 publications reveal consistent interdisciplinary focus on practical business law education and emerging ethical dilemmas, covering health/beauty industry regulation, pandemic-era workplace policies, digital contract formation, and arbitration ethics. These works demonstrate her commitment to bridging legal theory with strategic business decision-making through innovative pedagogical approaches.

Major recognitions include:

• Hoeber Memorial Award for Excellence in Research (2022, 2013)
• British Association of Law Teachers Lifetime Achievement Award (2015)
• Fulbright Senior Specialist appointment (2007)
• University of St. Thomas Faculty Development Research Grant (2004)
• LuAnn Dummer Center for Women Fellowship (2002)

As department chair and study abroad program director, she mentors students through international business law practicums and curriculum development. Her research is supported by university grants including the 2004 Faculty Development Award, with ongoing work examining gig economy regulations.

Marsnik maintains active global academic partnerships through visiting professorships at institutions like Université de Caen and Beni Suef University (as Fulbright Specialist), contributing to international legal education networks including the Academy of Legal Studies in Business.