Harrisburg

Kulkarni named chancellor of Penn State Harrisburg

Mukund Kulkarni, senior associate dean for academic affairs at Penn State Harrisburg, has been named chancellor at Penn State Harrisburg, effective Nov. 1. He has served as interim chancellor at the campus since July 1.

"Dr. Kulkarni brings excellent knowledge and leadership experience to the chancellor position. He is an accomplished higher educator, having served in various leadership posts in the college and on behalf of the University over the past nearly 25 years," said Madlyn Hanes, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and former chancellor of Penn State Harrisburg. "His many contributions to the college, other business colleges in the U.S. and abroad, and the broader region have earned him high regard."

"Dr. Kulkarni has had a long and successful tenure at Penn State Harrisburg, and has done much to advance the campus," said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier. "His training in finance and deep understanding of Penn State will allow him to effectively meet the challenges ahead."

Kulkarni said one of his most satisfying accomplishments as the director of the School of Business Administration was his success in assembling a diverse and talented faculty. "I wish to emulate that success at the college level as we bring in new faculty and staff and attract new students," he said. "I believe that diversity makes us a better institution. I am committed to making this college a friendly and welcoming place for all."

Kulkarni joined Penn State Harrisburg as a member of the business faculty in 1985, and currently holds the rank of professor of finance. He served the campus as senior associate dean for academic affairs from 2006 to July 2010. During his tenure as senior associate dean, Penn State Harrisburg experienced substantial growth in its student population. From 1996-2006 he served as director of the School of Business Administration at the campus. Under his leadership, the school experienced significant growth and received its initial AACSB accreditation. Kulkarni also was part of the inter-college leadership team that developed the iMBA, which has realized significant growth on behalf of the broader University.

Kulkarni has served the University in a variety of roles that included membership on the Administrative Council of Undergraduate Education (ACUE), Graduate Council and other various University-wide committees. Most recently he co-chaired the committee on India Global Engagement Node of the University Office of the Global Programs.

Kulkarni earned bachelor's and master's degrees in his native India, an M.B.A. from Marshall University, and a doctorate from the University of Kentucky. His research interests are in the areas of capital budgeting, banking operations, and information content of stock prices.

An accomplished teacher and scholar, Kulkarni is widely published in academic journals and has presented papers at several scholarly conferences. He brought valuable corporate experience from the commercial banking industry to Penn State Harrisburg and often is an invited lecturer and consultant to other academic institutions in the U.S. and abroad, in addition to state government and nonprofit organizations.

Last Updated November 18, 2010