Indian-American appointed provost at University of Missouri

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University of Bombay graduate Latha Ramchand, will be taking over as provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at University of Missouri, according to a recent announcement made by Chancellor Alexander N. Cartwright. Ramchand, who is the  dean of the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, takes over her new post Aug. 15.

“Dr. Ramchand is a strong leader with a demonstrated track record in higher education, and I’m thrilled to have her join the University of Missouri,” Cartwright is quoted saying in a press release. “She has the expertise to lead programs of excellence, student success initiatives, research, economic development and engagement. She also understands the importance of supporting and recognizing faculty who drive our scholarly activities in creative works and research, which benefit our broader community and the world,” Cartwright added.

Ramchand earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in economics in from the University of Bombay, as well as a doctorate in finance from Northwestern University, Illinois. She has won numerous awards, including Educator of the Year for 2013 from the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2008 and 2011 from the University of Houston, and Outstanding Woman in Business in 2016 from the Leadera group.

During her time at the University of Houston, Ramchand is credited with introducing several new programs and initiatives. These include Red Labs, a start-up accelerator that helps launch student-led technology startups, and Sustaining Urban Renewal through Entrepreneurship (SURE), a program that connects students and community entrepreneurs with the goal of reducing poverty.

As dean, Ramchand worked to promote inclusion and diversity across campus, the press release says. Three out of four businesses launched by the SURE program are owned by women and more than 67 percent are minority-owned. The Working Families Agenda she developed provides resources and support for women in business school, along with research that organizations can use to implement policies that create a diverse workplace.

Ramchand said she was honored to be chosen adding, “I am excited to serve a university that is committed to transformation through intellectual inquiry and learning, and I look forward to promoting engaged learning communities within an inclusive ecosystem.”

Prior to her current position, Ramchand served as associate dean of programs and administration at the University of Houston for four years. She also served as associate dean of graduate and professional programs from 2006-2007. Ramchand is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Houston, both of which are associations of investment professionals.