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Old Dominion University appoints Kuntal Bhattacharyya director of new logistics and maritime school
Kuntal Bhattacharyya will lead industry engagement, workforce development, and innovative education at SSCLMO.
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Kuntal Bhattacharyya. / Image – ODU
Old Dominion University (ODU) has appointed Indian-American professor and risk manager Kuntal Bhattacharyya as the inaugural director of its newly established School of Supply Chain, Logistics, and Maritime Operations (SSCLMO).
With 17 years in academia, Bhattacharyya has a proven track record of curriculum development, corporate fundraising, and forging industry partnerships, a university statement noted. He led Indiana State University’s Logistics 4.0 Innovation Hub@Plainfield and served as executive director of graduate programs at the Scott College of Business.
In his new role, Bhattacharyya said he plans to continue his focus on industry engagement, workforce development, and innovative education. He aims to build an inclusive framework centered on innovation, education, and research. Bhattacharyya also stressed the importance of developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students to navigate the complexities of global supply chains. He is passionate about mentoring students and shaping them into confident professionals ready to tackle real-world challenges.
“The way I have always prepared my students is very much ‘outside-of-the-box-thinking,’ giving them real projects, working with companies to deliver an outcome that is not necessarily within the scope of a textbook. That keeps students on their toes. When they come through that kind of rigorous training and enter the industry, it becomes a very seamless integration,” he said.
As part of his vision, Bhattacharyya plans to engage with K-12 students to raise awareness of career opportunities in supply chain and maritime operations, building on Old Dominion’s ongoing outreach efforts.
“While preparing our students to step into these important roles, we will also be keeping some of the best and the brightest minds in Hampton Roads. Dr. Bhattacharyya’s experience directly corresponds to that mission,” said Elspeth McMahon, Old Dominion’s associate vice president for maritime initiatives.
Provost Brian K. Payne echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Bhattacharyya’s expertise in strategic sourcing. “Dr. Bhattacharyya brings experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, financial economics, humanitarian logistics, and Industry 4.0 applications in manufacturing to lead the new school, which will prepare students for impactful careers in the supply chain and maritime industry,” he said.
Bhattacharyya, who is a certified risk manager, earned a master’s degree in management from the University of Akron and a doctorate in operations management from Kent State University.
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