Grishma Shah, Ph.D., on campus in fall 2024 promoting her book, Anagram Destiny. GRACE CARDINAL / THE QUADRANGLE
Leyla J. Mercado, Arts and Entertainment Editor
Grishma Shah, Ph.D., has been appointed new associate dean for Manhattan University’s O’Malley School of Business (OMSB). Shah, a professor and the director of global business studies, has been a part of MU since 2008. She enters her position with almost twenty years experience in academia and global engagement.
According to an article published on manhattan.edu Sept. 2, Shah’s expansive research ranges from gender equity to cultural change. Since 2019, as professor and director, she has guided immersive programs all over the world, in countries including Greece, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. In her travels, she’s dedicated herself to providing students the space to work on real-world consulting projects for global companies and nonprofits.
Shah’s extensive educational background has gone on to further impact her top priorities as associate dean, with her goals being building community and making connections between current students and faculty stronger, especially in the face of adversity.
“One of the most exciting things is that I believe I can cultivate a greater sense of community amongst students and faculty,” Shah said. “I think there’s been some challenges in the last few years and I’m hoping as things turn around and look at the next few years, the faculty and the students can begin to demonstrate all that makes the O’Malley School at Manhattan University special, and I could really be a good bridge for that.”
Shah’s emphasis on how she hopes to impact students’ experiences demonstrates her interest in preparing business students for the real world that awaits them. She further discussed how this vision goes on to connect to her broader goals for MU’s campus.
“Manhattan is like this hidden gem, and it shouldn’t be hidden at all,” Shah said. “So I think that there’s a whole community that knows very little about the O’Malley School of Business in Manhattan University…I hope that in this position, as we look outward, we can attract new students. I believe that I leave that legacy here, but also the students that are already here, I want them to understand that where they are is somewhere very special and to take advantage of that.”
Hany Guirguis, Ph.D., dean of the O’Malley School of Business, also shared what Shah’s appointment signals about the direction of MU and the impact that is to come for future generations on campus.
“Dr. Shah’s appointment to this leadership role demonstrates the OMSB’s commitment to global engagement, diversity, and experiential learning,” Guirguis wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “It also communicates to both current and prospective students that we are dedicated to enhancing their experience at the OMSB. Dr. Shah’s influence will likely inspire students to think beyond borders, embrace social responsibility, and pursue careers that balance profit with purpose.”
Guirguis further wrote to The Quadrangle about Shah’s qualities and what he hopes students will take away from working with her as both a leader and mentor.
“Dr. Shah is a very compassionate and approachable person,” Guirguis wrote. “She excels at mentoring and coaching students, making them feel completely at ease when sharing their ideas and issues in her office. I believe that her mentorship would encourage students to think bigger and pursue careers that make a difference.”
Students have already been able to feel this impact, with some sharing with The Quadrangle what they hope to see from Shah in her new position as associate dean.
Kevin Burke, a senior accounting major, spoke to The Quadrangle about his perspective on Shah’s work and how influential it will be to students.
“I am excited for the new associate dean and I’m eager to [see] what she brings in my last year on campus and in years to come,” Burke said. “I spoke with her during new student orientation and she has a big emphasis on global business and is eager for students to go abroad and see the business functions of other countries.”
Further building on her work and experiences abroad, Guirguis went on to share in what ways Shah’s focus on social consciousness, equity and globalization will go on to influence the way business curriculum is delivered at MU.
“Our Lasallian values remain at the core of our mission and distinction,” Guirguis wrote. “Dr. Shah has experienced that mission through her volunteerism, service and academic pursuits. Therefore, I am confident that her appointment will reshape business education at the OMSB to be more interdisciplinary, experiential and socially grounded.”
Shah, who plans to continue her global immersions in order for students to receive live consulting experience with business firms, went on to tell The Quadrangle how global exposure is essential to today’s business students.
“Everything that is related to the economy is global,” Shah said. “One thing could happen halfway across the world and will truly impact what kind of jobs you have in the United States, what kind of skills our students should learn. Everything is so globally integrated that I think it’s imperative that we take a global perspective on everything. If we sit and isolate ourselves in some way or have a very limited perspective with what we teach within the business school, our students will suffer long term. They just need to be prepared for the big world.”