Manoj K. Malhotra Installed as Lehigh’s 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.

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.”