Dr. Angappa Gunasekaran is a distinguished academic leader and scholar with extensive experience in business administration and operations management across multiple prestigious institutions. He currently serves as Professor of Operations Management at Penn State Harrisburg's School of Business Administration, where he previously held the directorship from August 2021 through December 2023. Prior to his tenure at Penn State, Dr. Gunasekaran served as dean of the School of Business and Public Administration and special assistant to the provost for Academic Affairs and Student Success at California State University Bakersfield. His academic leadership journey also encompasses his role as dean of the Charlton College of Business, chairperson of the Department of Decision and Information Sciences, and founding director of the Business Innovation Research Center at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Dr. Gunasekaran's scholarly contributions have significantly advanced the field of operations management through rigorous research on supply chain optimization, production systems, and business process improvement methodologies. His extensive publication record, documented through his verified Google Scholar profile, demonstrates substantial contributions to both theoretical frameworks and practical applications in business operations. His research has provided valuable insights for manufacturing and service industries seeking to enhance efficiency and quality through systematic approaches to operations management. This body of work has established him as a respected authority whose scholarship continues to inform academic discourse and industry practices globally.
Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Gunasekaran is recognized for his visionary leadership in developing innovative educational approaches that integrate student-centered learning, including online, experiential, and service learning methodologies. He has championed initiatives to create ecosystems that promote innovation and entrepreneurship, preparing students to become career-ready professionals for the regional economy. His commitment to faculty and staff professional development has strengthened the academic community and enhanced teaching excellence across business education programs. Dr. Gunasekaran continues to advance the mission of business administration through his scholarly work and leadership, focusing on how operations management principles can address contemporary business challenges and drive sustainable organizational success.
