Manhattan University Names Associate Dean for the O’Malley School of Business
Manhattan University announced the appointment of Gishma Shah, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Global Business Studies, as the new Associate Dean of the O’Malley School of Business. Dr. Shah joined Manhattan University in 2008 after earning her Ph.D. in Global Affairs and International Business from Rutgers University. A respected scholar and global business expert, she brings nearly two decades of academic and international experience to this leadership role. Her research on globalization, gender equity, and cultural change has been featured in leading outlets, including the Harvard Business Review, and she is a frequent presenter at international conferences.
Since 2019, Dr. Shah has served as Director of Global Business Studies at Manhattan, where she has led immersive programs in India, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Malaysia, and Singapore. Through these initiatives, students have engaged in real-world consulting projects with global companies and nonprofits, applying their learning to challenges such as sustainable product design and social enterprise marketing. These experiences reflect her commitment to experiential learning and align closely with Manhattan University’s Lasallian values.
“Dr. Shah brings extensive leadership experience in global business studies and a strong commitment to volunteerism. Her scholarly contributions and insights into gender identity and migration have thoroughly prepared her for this important role,” said O’Malley School of Business Dean Hany Guirguis.
Beyond academia, Dr. Shah is a lifelong volunteer with Operation Smile, having participated in service missions to Honduras, the Philippines, Russia, India, Kenya, South Africa, and Ecuador. She is also a published novelist; her debut novel, Anagram Destiny, explores themes of identity, migration, and globalization, drawing inspiration from both her academic scholarship and her upbringing as the daughter of Indian immigrants.
“My global experiences profoundly shape my approach to teaching and leadership—grounding my work in empathy, cross-cultural connection, and a classroom that reflects the real-world complexity of business and humanity,” said Dr. Shah. “As Associate Dean, I look forward to working with Dean Guirguis, our faculty, and students to expand cross-border partnerships, create immersive learning opportunities, and position the O’Malley School of Business as a hub for globally minded, socially conscious business education in a rapidly evolving environment.”
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About Manhattan University
Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Lasallian Catholic institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Manhattan University offers programs that integrate a broad liberal arts education coupled with a concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences with professional preparation in business and engineering, ensuring graduates will excel in their chosen fields. The University consists of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. For further information, please visit www.manhattan.edu.