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Vikas Anand Becomes Poole College’s First Associate Dean for Academic Programs

Vikas

NC State Poole College of Management has named Vikas Anand as the college’s associate dean for academic programs beginning April 28. This is a new position created in the college that will be leading the strategic planning process and execution for all academic programs at Poole.

“Vikas is joining Poole College at a very exciting time. I look forward to leveraging the innovation and experience he will bring to our academic programs,” said Frank Buckless, Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. Dean. “He not only has built several successful programs at the University of Arkansas but he has made a very positive impact supporting and developing the people around him. Those skills will help us continue on our positive trajectory as an organization.”

Anand currently serves as a tenured professor and executive director of MBA Programs and Graduate Innovation at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business. In this role he oversees the MBA Programs Office and its staff to develop synergies between the EMBA program and the Executive Education programs as well as works with department chairs and the associate dean to support the launch of multiple specialty master’s degree programs.

He not only has built several successful programs at the University of Arkansas but he has made a very positive impact supporting and developing the people around him. Those skills will help us continue on our positive trajectory as an organization.

Anand has been at the University of Arkansas since 1999 where he has served as department of management chair, executive director for strategic planning and innovation, faculty director of MBA Programs, executive director of the George W. Edwards III Career Center and Ph.D. coordinator of the management department throughout his tenureship.

As the associate dean, Anand will be leading the strategic planning process and execution for all academic programs and working closely with other members of the college’s Executive Team to create new programs and update curricula. He will also represent the college in academic matters across the university and externally with the Poole community.

Anand received his Ph.D. in management from the WP Carey School of Management at Arizona State University in 1999 and a Master of Business Administration in international business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in 1990. He also holds an undergraduate degree in civil engineering and a graduate degree in physics from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS).  

Outside of work, Anand is passionate about photography, especially of wildlife and nature. He also enjoys playing board games with his kids and reading. 

Q&A with Vikas Anand

1. What made you choose NC State and Poole College?

NC State and the Poole College provide exciting opportunities that are very attractive. The programs are strong and provide a strong foundation for future growth. The various colleges at NC State and the Research Triangle area provide collaborative opportunities for new programs in the Poole College. 

Additionally, I was impressed with the people at NC State – there appeared to be a strong desire to continue to grow and a collaborative environment that provides the potential for a great work environment. As I learned about the vision that Dean Buckless had and heard from faculty and staff about what they hoped could be achieved at the Poole College, I was able to relate very well with the vision, the aspirations and the challenges. 

2.  What do you hope to accomplish in your first 90 days in your new role?

The role I am taking on can be successful only with the cooperation and support of faculty, staff, students and other university and external stakeholders. My primary goal in the first 90 days will be to understand the aspirations and challenges faced by these different groups of people. I hope to be able to meet as many people as possible, learn from them and jointly develop ways in which we can continue to build on the strengths of the Poole College.

3.  What are the three things about your personal leadership style that you want your colleagues to know about?

I firmly believe that we get the best outcomes when we invest in people and focus on their continued skill development and on enriching their work environments –  in effect help them become leaders. I also believe that some of the most creative outcomes result from partnerships – these could be between people, or between subunits and organizations. This process is especially aided when we bring in diversity in the workplace. 

Additionally, I am a strong believer that the best outcomes result when people enjoy their work and have fun while performing their tasks. 

This post was originally published in Poole College of Management News.