A veteran business school administrator is bringing his expertise to Slippery Rock University to lead its globally accredited business programs.
Following a nationwide search, SRU has announced the hiring of Prasad Vemala as dean of the College of Business. Vemala, who will begin his role May 19, served as interim dean of Rockwell School of Business at Robert Morris University from 2022-24, where he spent the last 11 years of his career as both an administrator and professor of finance and management.
Vemala will lead SRU’s College of Business, which includes five departments, including two that make up the School of Business that is accredited by AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. The administrative units that Vemala will oversee includes more than 80 faculty and staff members.
“Dr. Vemala is a tremendous addition to our leadership team and we’re excited for what the future holds for our College of Business under his guidance,” said Michael Zieg, SRU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will structure the University for success in the years to come. We’re grateful that he decided to advance his career at SRU.
“We would not have had such a successful search without the dedicated support and engagement from members of the search committee, faculty, staff, students and the entire campus community. It was a team effort. I also thank our previous deans, including Lawrence Shao and interim dean Joe Cali, for their contributions to raising the profile of the college that making it a top-choice destination for faculty, staff and students.”
Vemala served as RMU’s Rockwell School of Business interim dean from 2022-24 and associate dean from 2015-22. He was also the director of the Massey Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which cultivates entrepreneurial leaders among students who forge their own unique path toward innovation. Prior to joining RMU, Vemala was an assistant professor of management at McNeese State University from 2009-14.
“I am deeply honored to join SRU as dean of the College of Business,” Vemala said. “As someone who values the transformative power of education, I am excited to contribute to an institution deeply committed to student success and community engagement. My conversations with leaders, faculty, staff and students have helped me appreciate the vibrant culture that makes SRU special, and I am convinced this is a forward-looking institution with an inspiring vision for the future. I am profoundly grateful to be part of this distinguished community and eager to collaborate with everyone who contributes to making the College of Business such a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.”
Vemala earned his doctoral degree in finance and international business from Texas A&M International University, a master’s in computer science and MBA from the University of South Dakota, and a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Bangalore University in India.
More information about the SRU College of Business is available on the college’s webpage.
