Faculty Spotlight: Bharat Kolluri

Professor of Economics Bharat Kolluri is among the Barney School of Business’s most respected and beloved professors, having taught hundreds of University of Hartford students over the last three decades. As a professor, he has the opportunity to witness first-hand the transformative power of a career-ready education and wants to support the future success of students by giving back.  

You recently made a gift to the University of Hartford—what inspired you to make that gift?

To give back to our students within our own means. I want to provide more opportunities to deserving students.

Why is it important for you to support the University?

The University attracts some bright students that do well and it is important that we recognize their merit and support their achievements.

What are your top three favorite things about the University?

1. Students who come to this university benefit from small class sizes. They therefore receive individualized attention from their professors. 
2. The tremendous pride and joy that I feel when I think of the achievements by our illustrious alumni.
3. Personally, I always wished to settle in the Northeast. The University has an excellent location because of its proximity to both New York City and Boston—the city of Hartford is like a diamond between the two cities.

What is one thing you wish other people knew about the University of Hartford?

Personal touch, regard, and respect to each other in our University community of faculty, staff, and students.

What is the best part of working at the University?

Having sufficient freedom to accomplish my priorities in life, both professional and family-related.

What is your favorite UHart tradition or event?

The annual Aramark Christmas party.

Do you have any additional comments you'd like to share with the community?

I will always cherish my teaching experience in programs such as the Healthcare EMBA and my off-campus teaching experience with companies including Pratt & Whitney, Aetna, Cigna, and Northeast Utility in the 90's. I also cherish the time teaching faculty from several Eastern European countries such as Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, and Albania in their newly started MBA programs during the summers of 1992 through 1994—this was under the Millan grant received by a consortium of five universities under the leadership of the University of Hartford. I am also delighted that I am teaching in the new Cigna MBA program at present.

More about Professor Kolluri:

Bharat Kolluri is a professor of economics in the Department of Economics, Finance, and Insurance. He holds a bachelor’s in mathematics and a master’s in statistics from Andhra University in India, and master’s and doctorate degrees in economics from the State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo. He taught at both Andhra and SUNY, Buffalo prior to joining the faculty at the University of Hartford. A respected scholar in his field, Kolluri has contributed to several journal publications including the Review of Economics and Statistics, Applied Economics, and the Review of Pacific Basin Financial Markets and Policies. In 2014, he was invited to deliver the inaugural session address at the 2nd International Conference on India 2020, Vision for the Financial Sector in Delhi. Outside of teaching and journal articles, he has published the text book, Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Business: Using Microsoft Office Excel (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2016) with Professors Michael Panik and Rao Singamsetti. At present, he is working on the second and expanded version of the same book. See moreabout Kolluri on his faculty page.

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