Lehigh University
09/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/20/2024 10:36
Manoj K. Malhotra Installed as Lehigh’s New Dean of the College of Business
As family, friends and members of the Lehigh community looked on, Manoj K. Malhotra was officially sworn in as the Kevin L. and Lisa A. Clayton Dean of the College of Business during a ceremony in the Tauck Family Lobby of the Business Innovation Building on Thursday evening.
Maholtra has been on the job since July 1, but was introduced to the Lehigh community by President Joseph J. Helble '82 and Provost Nathan Urban during the ceremony, at which Malhotra was presented with the Lehigh medallion and curved walking stick that represents Asa Packer's cane.
Before Malhotra arrived at Lehigh, Helble recalled a mutual colleague describing Malhotra as engaged, thoughtful, energetic, collaborative, undaunted by challenge and fearless, willing to openly, directly and collaboratively tackle any issue that presented itself.
"In his few short months here, I have seen all this and more firsthand. Manoj has embraced the Lehigh community in that spirit, openly and directly," Helble said. "Countless Lehigh people have already told me how impressed and inspired they have been by his openness, his boundless energy and thoughtfulness. It's wonderful to have him here."
President Joseph J. Helble '82 shakes hands with Manoj K. Malhotra, the new Dean of the College of Business.
Installing a new dean is a really important moment in the life of a university and college, Urban told the crowd. Malhotra follows former Dean Georgette Chapman Phillips who retired in June after serving two five-year appointments.
Under Phillips leadership, the College of Business made progress in research, undergraduate curriculums thrived, and the new Business Innovation Building stands as a testament to Philips' determination and dedication as a fundraiser, Urban said.
Prior to coming to Lehigh, Malhotra served as the John R. Mannix Medical Mutual of Ohio Professor of Operations Management and former Dean of the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. He also held administrative roles at the University of South Carolina.
The education provided by Lehigh's College of Business is a critical part of Lehigh's success and student outcomes, building on that success will require further engagement with business faculty and staff, Urban said. "I'm glad Manoj is here," he added.
Provost Nathan Urban presents Manoj K. Malhotra with a walking stick that represents Asa Packer's cane during an installation ceremony on Thursday.
Malhotra thanked his wife Maya and their children Pooja, Vivek and Neha.
"To be chosen as the Dean of the College of Business at Lehigh University is an incredible honor and an exciting opportunity for me," he said. "I was impressed throughout the interview process by the thoughtful leadership of not only the president and provost, but everyone I met, along with senior leaders and other deans."
When he came to campus, Malhotra said he could see common elements of good culture, friendliness, open-mindedness and willingness to work collaboratively toward what's best for the Lehigh and the community.
Malhotra said he pictures the College of Business as an "edifice with five pillars:" undergraduate programs, graduate programs, the Ph.D. program, faculty research and excellence, and executive education. A comprehensive business school needs these pillars to stand strong, he said.
"I look forward to building on the impressive momentum that the college has created over the past decade and leading Lehigh business on its upward ascent of being recognized as a highly regarded comprehensive center of business and education research with international prestige and stature," Malhotra said. "I'm humbled to have been selected to lead Lehigh business, and I'm proud to be an educator."