Dr. Arun Upneja to Step Down as Dean of the School of Hospitality Administration
From Dr. Gloria Waters, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer
I am writing today to share that Arun Upneja, dean of the School of Hospitality Administration (SHA), has informed me of his decision to step down from his role on July 31 and to return to faculty following a one-year sabbatical.
Since his appointment in 2013, Dean Upneja has been a steward of the School of Hospitality Administration, championing a shared vision of innovation and an adaptable approach to hospitality education. Under his leadership, SHA has undergone a transformation, enhancing academic offerings, bolstering industry-relevant research, and expanding international partnerships that have significantly elevated the school’s visibility.
Through competitive analysis and strategic faculty recruitment, Dean Upneja successfully launched multiple graduate programs and developed recognized expertise in hospitality real estate education that has improved the school’s global reputation. SHA has also become a recognized staple in the hospitality sector for its symposiums, international venture competitions, and digital thought leadership platforms that engage industry professionals and build connections across the field.
In concert with his efforts to enhance the school’s profile, Dean Upneja introduced unique programming that strengthens the student experience and encourages industry-wide innovation. He launched SHA’s innovative Classroom-to-Classroom program to connect students with peers and faculty across numerous international universities, broadening their global perspectives and preparing them to work in an increasingly interconnected world. In 2017, he also established the school’s highly successful Hospitality Leadership Summit – an annual gathering of leading global executives and industry pioneers who generously share their insights with BU students, faculty, and working professionals.
Over the last thirteen years, Dean Upneja has embodied the integration of academic excellence and industry relevance that defines SHA’s mission. His contributions to the school’s students and faculty have left a lasting mark within the BU community and across the hospitality industry.
To ensure continuity as we move forward, Metropolitan College Dean Tanya Zlateva will also serve as interim dean of SHA effective August 1. Dean Zlateva will work closely with faculty and staff to sustain the school’s momentum while continuing to provide exceptional learning opportunities for students.
I am grateful for Dean Upneja’s dedicated service to Boston University and look forward to his continued contributions to our academic community during his sabbatical and beyond. I am also confident that, under Dean Zlateva’s capable leadership, SHA will continue to thrive and build upon the strong foundation already in place.
Please join me in wishing Dean Upneja all the best as he enters this next chapter.