Raghu Sundaram is the Dean and the Edward I. Altman Professor of Credit and Debt Markets at New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business. Appointed Dean on January 1, 2018, after serving as Vice Dean for MBA Programs and Online Learning from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017, Dean Sundaram has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision.
Raghu Sundaram’s tenure is marked by unprecedented achievements in fundraising, financial aid, academic programs, global expansion, and diversity initiatives.
A Legacy of Leadership
As Dean and previously as Vice Dean, Raghu Sundaram has propelled NYU Stern to new heights. His strategic leadership has resulted in historic annual fundraising levels, increased financial aid, record-breaking incoming class metrics, and outstanding job placement statistics. Under his guidance, Stern has launched numerous new degree programs and expanded its global footprint.
Sundaram’s tenure has also seen Stern’s entry into online education and the establishment of several high-profile initiatives at the intersection of business, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Fundraising and Financial Aid
One of Dean Sundaram’s significant achievements is leading Stern to historic annual fundraising levels. These funds have been pivotal in increasing financial aid, ensuring that a Stern education is accessible to a diverse group of talented students.
This commitment to inclusivity and support reflects Sundaram’s understanding of the financial barriers many students face and his dedication to removing those barriers.
Academic Excellence and Global Expansion
Dean Raghu Sundaram has overseen the launch of many new degree programs, enhancing Stern’s academic offerings and meeting the evolving needs of the business world.
His efforts have expanded Stern’s global footprint, establishing partnerships and programs worldwide, including in key markets such as Europe, Asia, and South America. This global expansion underscores Stern’s commitment to providing a comprehensive, international business education.
Innovation in Online Education
Under Raghu Sundaram’s leadership, Stern has successfully ventured into online education, a critical move in the digital age. By embracing technology and offering online programs, Sundaram has ensured that Stern remains at the forefront of business education, providing flexible learning options for students around the globe.
Diversity and Inclusion
One of the hallmarks of Dean Sundaram’s tenure is the establishment of Stern’s first Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This office plays a crucial role in promoting a diverse and inclusive environment, fostering a culture where all students, faculty, and staff feel valued and supported. Sundaram’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in his policies and initiatives, reflecting his belief that a diverse community enriches the learning experience and prepares students for a globalized world.
Academic Contributions and Research
Dean Raghu Sundaram’s academic work in finance spans a broad spectrum, including agency problems, executive compensation, corporate finance, derivatives pricing, and credit risk and credit derivatives.
His research has been widely published in leading academic journals in finance and economics, as well as in several practitioner-oriented journals. Sundaram is also the author of two influential books: A First Course in Optimization Theory (Cambridge University Press, 1996) and Derivatives: Principles and Practice (McGraw-Hill, 2010).
Teaching and Recognition
Raghu Sundaram has taught across Stern’s Undergraduate, MBA, PhD, and Executive Education programs, earning recognition for his exceptional teaching. Among the numerous awards he has received, he is most proud of being the inaugural recipient of Stern’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 2007. This award reflects his dedication to education and his ability to inspire and engage students.
Service to the Academic Community
Dean Sundaram’s service extends beyond NYU Stern. He has a long record of service to the School and the University, including roles as chair of the Tenured and Tenure-track Faculty Senators Council and as a member of NYU’s Presidential Search Committee in both 2014 and 2023.
Additionally, he serves on the Academic Council of Krea University and the Advisory Council of Shiv Nadar University Delhi-NCR, both in India, and the Advisory Board of the Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Beijing, China.
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