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The University of Houston has announced Xianjun Geng as the new dean for its C. T. Bauer College of Business, following a comprehensive national search. Geng is set to begin his tenure on May 1.
Geng joins UH from Tulane University's A. B. Freeman School of Business, where he held positions as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Professor of Management Science, among others. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Austin and degrees from Tsinghua University in Beijing.
Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, expressed confidence in Geng's capabilities: “Dr. Geng brings energy, enthusiasm and a vision for growth to Bauer College... We’re grateful to have him on board.”
Before Tulane, Geng was part of the faculty at the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Washington. He has an extensive publication record in top business journals and has held various leadership roles within the academic community.
Geng highlighted four factors influencing his decision to join UH: “Impact, people, culture and fit,” noting that “the synergy between the university and the city is the envy of many other universities.”
He will take over from interim dean Praveen Kumar who stepped into the role after Paul A. Pavlou's departure in June 2024.
In anticipation of his new role, Geng plans to engage with stakeholders within Bauer College: “I am a strong believer and practitioner of shared governance, which starts with listening to all stakeholders... I look forward to creating and implementing a shared vision.”
Bauer College hosts more than 6,400 students across various programs including finance, accounting, management, marketing, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship. The college also features several centers dedicated to specialized fields such as entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.
Named after Charles T. "Ted" Bauer who believed "People are the Product," Geng aligns with this philosophy: “A business college is all about its people... I am excited to work with,” he stated regarding his upcoming tenure at Bauer College.