Raminder Luther, PhD, of Winchester, has been appointed dean of the Bertolon School of Business at Salem State University. The appointment was effective February 13, 2022.
Luther has performed the role of interim dean of the Bertolon School of Business since May 2020, and prior to that, she served as professor of finance in the school for 22 years.
“Dr. Luther’s breadth of experience and proven track record of moving the school forward, including during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, gives us every confidence that she can continue building on her success in ensuring the quality academics and student experience of our Bertolon School of Business,” said President John Keenan.
“I am honored to be appointed to this role,” said Luther. “In my years with the Bertolon School of Business, I have witnessed first-hand the talent and dedication of our students, faculty and staff. The past two years in particular have proven that there is no limit to what the Bertolon School of Business community can achieve together. As the only AACSB-accredited business school on the North Shore, I take great pride in the opportunities we bring to the region, and I look forward to continuing the Bertolon School of Business’s legacy of excellence and access.”
In December 2020, Salem State announced that its Bertolon School of Business was awarded AACSB Accreditation, a distinction enjoyed by only five percent of business schools worldwide, making it the first of Massachusetts’ nine state universities to receive this accreditation. This years-long, rigorous accreditation process involved the entire Bertolon community and beyond, and Luther played a crucial role ensuring that the final stages of the review by AACSB proceeded as planned despite the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Dr. Luther is an exceptional scholar and leader,” said David Silva, provost and academic vice president. “Her years as a professor and interim dean for the Bertolon School of Business have allowed Dr. Luther to combine her expertise with a passion for bringing opportunities to the North Shore through a top-notch business education. I have no doubt that her leadership will bring the continued advancement of student success, faculty scholarship, and increasingly robust relationships with the region’s business leaders.”
Prior to joining Salem State, Luther held the roles of manufacturing operations manager for a Fortune 100 company and marketing engineer for a Fortune 500 company in India. She holds a PhD in finance from the University of Mississippi, an MBA in marketing from FMS, University of Delhi, and a BS in electrical engineering from Panjab University.
Dr. Luther is a certified financial planner and an active member in her community and has served on the boards of multiple non-profit organizations including Special Olympics MA and The Indian American Forum for Political Education-MA. She also provides her services as a pro-bono financial planner.
During her time as dean, Luther plans to continue to grow the Bertolon School of Business’ focus on experiential learning, entrepreneurship, faculty research, and engagement with the external community.
“The Bertolon School of Business’ impact reaches far beyond its successful graduates, and benefits the community at large. I see great potential to build on our relationships in the years ahead,” said Luther.