Xavier University of New Orleans has tabbed Dr. Anil Kukreja, the chair of the Division of Business and Capitol One Endowed Professor in Finance and Management, to be the new Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Kukreja has served in his present capacity since 2003. In addition, Dr. Kim Vaz, an associate professor at the University of South Florida, and founder of the Florida Consortium for Women’s and Gender Studies, has been named the new Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at Xavier.

Kukreja replaces Sr. Monica Loughlin, SBS who will now serve as the Director of Freshman Seminar at Xavier. Kukreja came to Xavier in 1995 as an Assistant Professor of Business and served as Interim Chair from 1997-2000.

“We have seen the Division of Business grow and thrive under Dr. Kukreja’s exceptional leadership. The College of Arts and Science is the foundation of our liberal arts program and I am confident that Dr. Kukreja will continue to share with the college the skills and expertise he has brought to the Division,” said Dr. Loren Blanchard, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs in announcing Kukreja’s appointment.
Under Dr. Kukjera’s leadership Xavier’s Division of Business has seen considerable growth and achievement. In 2003 he led the Division’s efforts to secure accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the renewal of that accreditation this past year. Under his direction, the Division established two units- the Sales Leadership Institute and the Entrepreneur Institute.

“Kukreja’s tenure at Xavier has been characterized by consummate professionalism and collegiality,” said Blanchard. Kukreja helped establish Business Week at Xavier, designed to share with prospective students highlights from the Division’s four programs in accounting, finance, management, and sales and marketing. He helped guide the Business Advisory Council which consists of several prominent corporate and community leaders who help to shape the focus and professional network for the business programs.

Dr. Kukreja earned a Ph.D. in Management Science from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa; an MBA from the College of Commerce and Business Administration in Udaipur, India; and a bachelor of science from the University of Jodhpur (India).His specialization is Operations Management and he has published articles in Management Science, Computers and Operations Research, and Performance Improvement. In 2005 he received the Visionary Leader Award offered by the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office. He begins his appointment June 15.