For seven years, G. “Anand” Anandalingam, senior associate dean at the business school, had a stake in the future of the school. But as he takes over the position of dean July 1, the responsibility of guiding the school’s next years will lay solely on his shoulders – and Anandalingam is more than ready to accept the challenge.
“I am very honored to be appointed to this role and look forward to working with everyone in the school and across the campus,” Anandalingam said in a statement.
He will replace Howard Frank, who served He will replace Howard Frank, who served as dean of the school for a decade and introduced a variety of initiatives, such as the undergraduate fellows program and more scholarship funds.
Anandalingam, who was chosen out of a field of 200 applicants, currently serves as the senior associate dean and Ralph J. Tyser Professor of Management Science in the business school and has previously served as chairman of the business school’s decision, operations, and information technologies department. He also founded the school’s Center on Electronic Markets and Enterprises (CEME), where he was co-director until 2004.
The future dean, who is known for his research skills in topics such as pricing, economics, design, and strategic issues in electronic markets and telecommunications networks, was instrumental in jump-starting the school’s global executive programs and helped leadthe school’s work to reorganize their master’s program.
According to Carrie Handwerker of the Dean’s Office of Communications, Anandalingam’s priority as dean is “developing global leaders for sustainable innovation.”
“Today’s business leaders need the ability to deal with complexity and think creatively in an environment that is marked by diversity of races, cultures, incomes, gender and expectations,” Anandalingam explained. “We will address these needs through curriculum, through team and group work within the school, and through practicums like global field-study trips.”
Patricia Cleveland, associate dean for undergraduate programs, said Anandalingam’s experience in various areas of study will be a benefit to the business school.
“Dr. Anandalingam is remarkably well-prepared for the dean’s position, having gotten involved in a wide range of strategic planning and programming issues over the last year, working closely with men and with Dean Frank, and so I believe the Smith School will benefit by his depth of understanding on a wide range of strategic initiatives,” she said.
Cleveland also believes Anandalingam possesses the right kind of personality that will fit nicely with the school’s goals.
“He is thoughtful and judicious and has a great sense of humor, and so I am confident that we will continue the excellence and entrepreneurship with the same energy and momentum we enjoyed under Dean Frank’s leadership,” Cleveland says.
Before coming to this university, Anandalingam served at the University of Pennsylvania and its Wharton School of Business for nearly 15 years.
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