MU chancellor appoints Ramchand as provost

June 21st, 2018

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Chancellor Alexander N. Cartwright announced that Latha Ramchand, dean of the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, has been appointed as provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. Her appointment is effective Aug. 15, 2018.

“Dr. Ramchand is a strong leader with a demonstrated track record in higher education, and I’m thrilled to have her join the University of Missouri,” Cartwright said. “She has the expertise to lead programs of excellence, student success initiatives, research, economic development and engagement. She also understands the importance of supporting and recognizing faculty who drive our scholarly activities in creative works and research, which benefit our broader community and the world.”

During her time at the University of Houston, Ramchand introduced several new programs and initiatives. These included Red Labs, a start-up accelerator that helps launch student-led technology startups, and Sustaining Urban Renewal through Entrepreneurship (SURE), a program that connects students and community entrepreneurs with the goal of reducing poverty.

As dean, Ramchand worked to promote inclusion and diversity across campus. Three out of four businesses launched by the SURE program are owned by women and more than 67 percent are minority-owned. The Working Families Agenda she developed provides resources and support for women in business school, along with research that organizations can use to implement policies that create a diverse workplace.

“I am honored to have been selected to join the University of Missouri’s leadership team,” Ramchand said. “The faith that the search committee and Chancellor Cartwright have shown in me is humbling and encouraging. I am excited to serve a university that is committed to transformation through intellectual inquiry and learning, and I look forward to promoting engaged learning communities within an inclusive ecosystem.”

Joi Moore, professor and director of the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies, co-chaired the search committee with Marshall Stewart, vice chancellor for Extension and Engagement.

“Latha has shown great talent for stewardship and promoting equity and excellence in her role at the University of Houston,” Moore said. “Her care for both students and faculty is evident, and we could not be happier to welcome her to the University of Missouri.”

“We are in the midst of developing bold strategies to achieve the important objectives of a public research university, and Latha is the bold leader we need to keep us moving in the right direction,” Stewart said. “Her skills in academic research, teaching and leadership lend the knowledge and versatility that is required to help lead this institution.”

Prior to her current position, Ramchand served as associate dean of programs and administration at the University of Houston for four years. She also served as associate dean of graduate and professional programs from 2006-2007.

Ramchand earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in economics in from the University of Bombay, as well as a doctorate in finance from Northwestern University. She has won numerous awards, including Educator of the Year for 2013 from the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2008 and 2011 from the University of Houston, and Outstanding Woman in Business in 2016 from the Leadera group.

“Latha’s drive for continuous improvement and demonstrable results for the benefit of the university, the students, businesses and the community at large are evident at the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business. I am confident she will be a great asset for the University of Missouri,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president of NRG Retail, the largest competitive residential electricity business in the United States. “Although she will be missed, we wish her all the best in this new journey as she creates lasting change at Mizzou.”

“Latha demonstrated her bold leadership and vision through the innovations she brought to the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business,” said John King, Southwest Region Assurance Managing Partner for Ernst & Young LLP. “She relentlessly focuses on student success by connecting students with real-world experiences to help them launch their careers. She is a seasoned and inclusive leader who will add great experience and skill to Mizzou.”

Ramchand is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Houston, both of which are associations of investment professionals.

Pronunciation guide: Latha Ramchand is pronounced LAH-tuh RAHM-chund.