Honors College associate dean named dean of Boston University’s hospitality school
1/29/2013
Dr. Arun Upneja, the associate dean for academic affairs in the Schreyer Honors College and a professor of financial management in Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management, has been chosen as the new dean of Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration.
Boston University announced the results of its national search late last month. Upneja will be completing the 2013 spring semester at Penn State before stepping into his new position on July 1.
Upneja was named the Schreyer Honors College’s associate dean for academic affairs in 2010. During his tenure, the Honors College launched its Distinguished Honors Faculty Program, which selects faculty from across the University for two‑year appointments to conduct special outside‑of‑the‑classroom programs, field trips, and dinner discussions for Schreyer Scholars. Upneja also worked with Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts to create a two-course, six-credit first‑year seminar honors experience combining components of a traditional English class with oral communication and presentation coursework.
Upneja’s interest in exposing as many honors students as possible to global opportunities has led to the Honors College expanding its signature study abroad offerings, including the development of a new initiative partnering with institutions in India. The six‑credit program includes two courses related to India offered in the spring semester followed by a five-week structured trip to India during the summer, which is capped by a two‑credit wrap‑up seminar in the fall. Plans are to replicate this innovative model in the future with programs in South America and the Far East.
In addition, Upneja worked closely with administrators at Penn State’s College of Medicine to redefine fellowship and medical school tracks for Scholars interested in medical careers. "Dr. Upneja has made significant progress in enhancing programs that are at the center of our mission relating to academic excellence and global perspective," said Dr. Christian M. M. Brady, dean of the Schreyer Honors College in announcing Upneja’s departure. "His passion for global programs, his focus on partnering with other academic units here at Penn State who offer tremendous resources for our Scholars to tap into and his keen understanding of the lasting impact faculty engagement can have upon our students have been to the college’s great benefit. We wish him tremendous success in his new appointment."
The Schreyer Honors College will be conducting a search this spring for Upneja's successor.