Arun Upneja

Dr. Upneja, known for his forward-thinking and collaborative leadership, assumed the role of Dean at Boston University School of Hospitality Administration (BU SHA) in 2013. Under his stewardship, SHA has undergone a transformative journey. He has intensified the rigor of academic programs while injecting a heavy dose of industry-relevant research into the school.

Dr. Upneja launched a visionary approach to redefine and advance hospitality with Experience Innovation™. This principle differentiates Boston University’s School of Hospitality from other hospitality and business programs by integrating a composite of disciplines that includes business, psychology, communications, operations, and experiential design to optimize human interaction to achieve concrete organizational and societal objectives.

His leadership has expanded SHA’s scholarly output, notably through the Boston Hospitality Review. He also introduced a podcast, “Distinguished,” and established the annual BU School of Hospitality Leadership Summit, drawing global industry leaders.

Prior to SHA, Dr. Upneja served as Professor of Hospitality Financial Management for 14 years and as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the university-wide Schreyer Honors College at Pennsylvania State University.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Upneja has received numerous awards, including the prestigious John Wiley & Sons Lifetime Research Achievement Award (2007) and multiple best paper awards. He remains an active contributor to industry dialogues, having delivered hundreds of talks and workshops.