The Associate Dean's Compass

This flagship AACSB Academy program supports new associate deans turning strategy into action. Through eight to ten modules of live sessions, applied projects, and peer learning, participants will build collaboration and influence skills while creating a personal leadership action plan and engaging with a global peer network.

Whether at accredited or non-accredited schools, globally, associate deans operate at the intersection of strategy and execution, balancing faculty and student success, accreditation and compliance, stakeholder engagement, and innovation.

This program goes beyond a traditional seminar format by offering multi-module applied learning experiences that blend synchronous and asynchronous modules, peer learning, and networking. Engage with real-world scenarios drawn from the Seminar for New Associate Deans (SNAD)

Why Join? 

• Learn by doing: Scenario-based simulations, applied projects, and case analysis rooted in real challenges faced by associate deans.
• Grow your network: Build lifelong connections with peers worldwide through live discussions, peer coaching, and collaborative projects.
• Future-ready leadership: Explore critical trends including accreditation, assurance of learning, digital transformation, societal impact, and student success.
• Personalized outcomes: Develop and present your own Leadership Action Plan to sustain long-term career effectiveness and growth.

Who Should Participate? 

New or transitioning Associate Deans, Deputy/Assistant Deans, or other academic leaders across AACSB-accredited and non-accredited institutions worldwide.

Program Highlights

• 5 Synchronous Sessions for high-impact networking, simulations, and applied learning.
• Asynchronous Modules for self-paced reflection, casework, and knowledge building.
• Capstone Project: A personal leadership action plan tailored to your role and institution.
• Global Perspective: Designed for a worldwide audience, incorporating diverse contexts and best practices.

Facilitators

Amit Deokar, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Amit Deokar is the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs & Accreditation at the Manning School of Business at UMass Lowell. Prior to his role as Associate Dean, Dr. Deokar served as Director of Assessment and Department Chair for Operations & Information Systems. His area of expertise is in Management Information Systems, particularly in AI/machine learning applications, and enterprise data management. He has delivered keynotes on the advancement and adoption of Generative AI in higher education and businesses. Dr. Deokar received his Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona and has prior education in Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Victoria Parker, University of New Hampshire

Victoria (Vicky) Parker has served as Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Faculty Administration at the University of New Hampshire’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics since fall 2017.   She oversees graduate business programs, faculty development, accreditation activities, and is the college’s DEI champion.  Prior to UNH, Vicky led and taught in graduate programs in healthcare management for over 15 years at Boston University’s School of Public Health and served as a commissioner for the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).  Education includes A.B. Biology, Brown University, Ed.M., Harvard University, and D.B.A. Organizational Behavior, Boston University.