The University of Hartford has appointed Aarti S. Ivanic as dean of the Barney School of Business, beginning July 1, 2024. Ivanic succeeds Carmen Cotei, who has served as interim dean since May 2023.
Ivanic comes to the University from Wagner College in Staten Island, New York, where she served as the founding dean of the Nicolais School of Business since 2021. Previously, Ivanic was the academic director of MBA programs at the University of San Diego Knauss School of Business, where she oversaw curriculum, academic program review, and AACSB accreditation.
“I am excited to join the Barney School of Business and the University of Hartford at this incredible time of momentum,” said Ivanic. “I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, administrators, and industry partners to continue to build and invest in programs to facilitate student success. The Barney School’s focus on career readiness, market-relevant academic programs, and strong industry partnerships prepares our students for an ever-changing world. I am thrilled to join a community of scholars and leaders who value and emphasize student success.”
Aarti S. Ivanic, Appointed Dean of Barney School of BusinessI look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, administrators, and industry partners to continue to build and invest in programs to facilitate student success.
Ivanic notes that students and their experiences are always at the core of her strategic decisions. At Wagner, Ivanic is known as a collaborative, inclusive, and transformative leader. Beginning her tenure during the pandemic, she led the Nicolais School of Business’ positive trajectory in faculty growth, increased enrollments, and industry partnerships—and enhanced fundraising initiatives. Partnering with faculty, she developed and launched programs to enhance student career readiness.
Provost Katherine Black said, “I am thrilled that Aarti Ivanic is joining us. As higher education evolves, we must continue to think creatively about our offerings and opportunities to prepare the business leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to working with Aarti to advance the goals of the Barney School of Business and the University of Hartford.”
Ivanic earned her doctoral degree in marketing from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Purdue University. Her teaching interests and expertise are marketing research and analytics.