Slippery Rock University (SRU) has named Prasad Vemala as the new dean of its College of Business, following a national search.
A veteran academic administrator and seasoned professor, Vemala will officially begin his tenure on May 19, 2025, succeeding former dean Lawrence Shao and interim dean Joe Cali.
In his new leadership role, Vemala will oversee a wide-ranging portfolio that includes five departments, two of which form the AACSB-accredited School of Business, a distinction held by less than 6% of business schools worldwide.
The College of Business comprises more than 80 faculty and staff members, all of whom will look to Vemala for visionary leadership and strategic growth.
“Dr. Vemala is a tremendous addition to our leadership team, and we’re excited for what the future holds for our College of Business under his guidance,” said Michael Zieg, SRU provost and vice president for academic affairs.
A Track Record of Excellence
Vemala brings over a decade of academic leadership and teaching experience. Most recently, he served as interim dean of the Rockwell School of Business at Robert Morris University (RMU) from 2022 to 2024.
From 2015 to 2022, he was associate dean and also directed the Massey Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, where he championed student-led innovation and business development initiatives.
Before joining RMU, Vemala was an assistant professor of management at McNeese State University from 2009 to 2014.
Over the years, his commitment to academic excellence, student success, and entrepreneurial thinking has earned him recognition as a collaborative leader and innovative educator.
A Vision for the Future
In his first public remarks since the announcement, Vemala expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity and a strong alignment with SRU’s mission and values:
“I am deeply honored to join SRU as dean of the College of Business. As someone who values the transformative power of education, I am excited to contribute to an institution deeply committed to student success and community engagement,” said Vemala.
“My conversations with leaders, faculty, staff, and students have helped me appreciate the vibrant culture that makes SRU special, and I am convinced this is a forward-looking institution with an inspiring vision for the future. I am profoundly grateful to be part of this distinguished community and eager to collaborate with everyone who contributes to making the College of Business such a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.”
Impressive Academic Credentials
Vemala holds an impressive educational background that bridges business, technology, and global perspectives.
He earned his Ph.D. in Finance and International Business from Texas A&M International University, a Master’s in Computer Science and an MBA from the University of South Dakota, and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from Bangalore University in India.
Acknowledgment of a Community Effort
Provost Zieg extended his gratitude to everyone involved in the search process, recognizing the collective effort that led to Vemala’s selection:
“We would not have had such a successful search without the dedicated support and engagement from members of the search committee, faculty, staff, students, and the entire campus community. It was a team effort. I also thank our previous deans, including Lawrence Shao and interim dean Joe Cali, for their contributions to raising the profile of the college and making it a top-choice destination for faculty, staff, and students.”
Looking Ahead
As SRU continues to expand its academic footprint and strengthen its global reputation, the appointment of Prasad Vemala signals a bold new chapter for the College of Business, one focused on innovation, inclusivity, and impactful education.
Under his leadership, the college is poised to evolve into a stronger hub for business education, entrepreneurial thinking, and student-centered success.
