Norwich University Appoints New Academic Directors, Online Programs

The three new academic directors, Ms. Fianna Verret, Dr. Diane Zorri, and Dr. Jon B. Mikolashek, will bring their comprehensive field knowledge to enhance their programs and develop cutting-edge Norwich programs and certificate offerings needed for today's rapidly changing military and business environments. 

Fianna Verret – International Affairs Programs 

Norwich University welcomed Fianna Verret as the academic director of the online international affairs programs in January 2025. Ms. Verret oversees the university's graduate programs in diplomacy, international relations, and global affairs.

Ms. Verret has served the university for 21 years in student advising, academic program administration, faculty development, and, most recently, as an instructional developer, where she has been instrumental in creating high-quality online courses. She will continue in this role in addition to her responsibilities as an academic director.

With extensive experience in faculty development, course creation, and academic administration, Ms. Verret has been an invaluable member of Norwich University since 2004. She has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, including those focused on international relations, comparative politics, global economics, and international security. Throughout her career, she has worked with a diverse student body, including members of the Special Operations community.

Before joining Norwich, Ms. Verret worked with Vermont Refugee Resettlement Services, teaching English to adults and youth from various post-conflict backgrounds.

Ms. Verret is currently a doctoral candidate in the defense and strategic studies program at Missouri State University, where she is researching Russia's comprehensive policy in the Caspian Sea basin and its implications for human security. She holds a BA in Russian Language and Literature from Saint Michael's College and an MA in Diplomacy, with a focus on conflict management and resolution, from Norwich University.

Outside of her professional duties, Ms. Verret enjoys spending time with her family and travelling, most recently participating in the European Energy Security symposium at Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, and taking a vacation in Sicily.

Diane Zorri, Ph.D. – Strategic Studies Programs

Dr. Diane Zorri is the academic director of the online strategic studies programs at Norwich University, which include the graduate program in strategic studies and the undergraduate programs in national security studies and strategic studies and defense analysis. 

Dedicated to advancing global security and strategic education, Dr. Zorri brings a unique blend of military service, academic scholarship, and defense industry expertise to Norwich. She has held academic positions at the National Defense College of the United Arab Emirates, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, and John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. 

Prior to her role at Norwich, Dr. Zorri served as an officer in the United States Air Force. After her military service, she worked for an Italian-U.S. defense conglomerate, managing projects in foreign military sales, integrated communications, and physical security. 

Dr. Zorri's educational background includes a degree from the United States Air Force Academy, a graduate degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.

Jon B. Mikolashek, Ph.D. – History Programs

Dr. Jon B. Mikolashek has recently joined Norwich University, stepping into the role of academic director of the graduate programs in history, military history, and museum administration. Before embarking on this new chapter, Dr. Mikolashek distinguished himself at the Joint Forces Staff College, where he contributed his expertise as a professor of military history at the prestigious United States Army Command and General Staff College. This esteemed institution is based in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, with an additional campus at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

His impressive career journey includes a significant role as a Historian at the United States Army Center of Military History, located in Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. There, he focused on the Contemporary Studies Branch, delving into the intricacies of modern military history. Dr. Mikolashek's extensive teaching experience spans several reputable institutions, including James Madison University, Tallahassee Community College, Florida State University, and American Military University, where he has shared his passion for history with countless students.

Dr. Mikolashek earned his undergraduate degree in History from Longwood College, laying a solid foundation for his academic pursuits. He continued his education at James Madison University, obtaining a graduate degree in History, before completing his Ph.D. at Florida State University. His doctoral research focused on the rich interplay between the Islamic World and Military History, a testament to his deep engagement with complex historical narratives.

Beyond his scholarly contributions, Dr. Mikolashek is a prolific author whose work has significantly shaped the field of military history. He has published a wide array of articles, reviews, and scholarly publications. Notably, he authored "Blood, Guts, and Grease: George S. Patton in World War I," which was released by the University of Kentucky Press in 2019, offering an in-depth exploration of a prominent figure in American military history. Other significant works include "General Mark Clark: Commander of the United States Fifth Army and Liberator of Rome," initially published by Casemate Publishing in 2013 and reissued in a second edition in 2021. Additionally, he co-authored "Operation ENDURING FREEDOM: 2002-2005," published in 2013, contributing to our understanding of modern military operations.

For more information about Norwich University's online programs, please visit the Norwich University Online Programs page.