Iowa State University has tapped a longtime faculty member and researcher as its next leader of the business college.
Raj Agnihotri was named the Raisbeck Endowed Dean of Iowa State’s Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business on Thursday, May 8, according to a press release. He will begin his service on July 1, succeeding Dean David Spalding, who announced his retirement in 2024.
Agnihotri is an accomplished researcher and student-centric leader, Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen said in the release.
“(Agnihotri) has the experience and vision to advance business education and strengthen our entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem to benefit Iowa’s economy,” Wintersteen said. “I am confident he will continue elevating the reputation of the Ivy College of Business, both nationally and globally, and build on the excellent momentum created by Dean David Spalding.”
Agnihotri currently serves in the business college as Mary Warner Professor and Morrill Professor of marketing and assistant dean for industry engagement. He has worked at Iowa State since 2018, and has held his current role since 2024.
Agnihotri is also a founding director of the Ivy Sales Forum at Iowa State and the inaugural assistant dean for industry engagement.
Extensive experience in education
Agnihotri earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Pune in India, an MBA in management from Oklahoma City University, and a Ph.D. in marketing from Kent State University.
His prior positions before Iowa State include appointments at the University of Texas-Arlington and Ohio University.
Agnihotri has received numerous awards for his teaching and research. He is also a co-author of “ABCs of Relationship Selling through Service,” a textbook used in sales classes worldwide.
Agnihotri noted how he is honored to be selected as the next Raisbeck Endowed Dean of the Ivy College of Business.
“I am committed to serving our students, providing an excellent education that prepares them for professional success and to upholding the college’s tradition of excellence in research,” Agnihotri said in the press release. “I look forward to collaborating with the faculty, staff, students, partners, and alumni to reach new heights.”
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Iowa State University has settled on a new dean for its business college. What to know:
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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