The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has appointed Indian‑American academic leader Gurpreet S. Dhillon as the next dean of its College of Business Administration (CBA), effective January 12, 2026, pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. The appointment was officially announced by UNO’s Academic Affairs office on November 30, 2025.
Dhillon joins UNO from his role as the G. Brint Ryan Endowed Chair of AI and Cybersecurity at the University of North Texas, where he has built a career spanning more than 20 years of international leadership and scholarly work. The university release highlights his “global academic and research leadership experience.”
In part of his rationale for joining UNO, Dhillon noted that the university’s “metropolitan mission”- its commitment to access, community engagement, and practical innovation – aligns strongly with his belief that business education should prepare students to lead in a rapidly evolving digital economy. He emphasized his intention to help the college adapt to “global interdependence and rapid technological change.”
UNO leadership echoed this excitement. Phil He, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, praised Dhillon’s “rare blend of scholarly distinction, innovative vision, and global leadership,” and said those qualities position him to advance UNO’s mission effectively.
Dhillon brings a strong academic and research pedigree. He earned a Ph.D. in Information Systems from the London School of Economics and holds an honorary doctorate from Örebro University in Sweden. Over his career, he has authored more than a dozen books – including a widely used graduate textbook on cybersecurity – and published over 100 research papers in leading academic journals. His scholarship has been cited in major media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, NBC, and NPR. According to the media coverage, he is ranked among the top 2% of researchers globally in his discipline.
Many in higher education and beyond will likely view this appointment as more than a routine personnel change. It signals UNO’s intention to invest in business education that is deeply integrated with technology, cybersecurity, and global systems. As economies, workplaces, and industries become more digitally driven, Dhillon’s background positions UNO to produce graduates equipped for leadership in business – with a deep understanding of technology, security, and the ethical implications of a globalized world.
For South Asian American representation in academia, Dhillon’s selection underscores the continuing visibility and impact of Indian‑American scholars in leadership roles at U.S. institutions. As dean, he will have influence over curriculum design, hiring priorities, and the strategic direction of the business college — shaping what “business education for a digital age” will mean for students and communities in Nebraska and beyond.
Given UNO’s institutional capacity and regional role, Dhillon’s tenure may also affect workforce development, local industry partnerships, and opportunities for technology‑infused business programs, especially for students from diverse backgrounds seeking access to emerging fields.
Key Takeaways About Gurpreet S. Dhillon
- Gurpreet S. Dhillon has been named dean of the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration, effective January 2026.
- The appointment reflects UNO’s strategic emphasis on combining business education with technology, cybersecurity, and global perspectives.
- Dhillon holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems from the London School of Economics and has published extensively, including a widely used cybersecurity textbook.
- His academic portfolio spans over two decades of international leadership, research, and teaching across multiple continents.
- The selection enhances South Asian American representation in senior academic leadership and could shape how business education evolves for a digital, interconnected economy.
