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Sunil Chopra named Kellogg interim dean

Sunil Chopra, senior associate dean for curriculum and teaching and the IBM Distinguished Professor of Operations Management, has been appointed interim dean of the Kellogg School, effective Sept. 1, 2009.

"I welcome this opportunity, and look forward to continuing to foster the great momentum Dean Dipak C. Jain established during his tenure," Chopra said. "I would like to extend my appreciation to him for all that he has accomplished in the past and all that he will continue to contribute to Kellogg in the future."

Chopra, who joined Kellogg in 1989, brings a deep understanding of the school, significant administrative experience and an exceptional record of scholarship, said Northwestern University Provost Dan Linzer. A national search for a permanent successor to Jain will begin this summer, Linzer added.

In the next year, Chopra plans to focus on five initiatives launched by Jain during his tenure: building the Kellogg brand; enriching the Kellogg culture; strengthening the alumni network; increasing fundraising; and working with recruiters to ensure that Kellogg students enjoy best-in-class career opportunities.

"My goal is to build upon the Kellogg School's rich legacy by continuing to partner with students, faculty, alumni and staff to advance the school's mission of developing global leaders who make contributions of lasting significance," said Chopra.

Chopra has served as senior associate dean at the Kellogg School since August 2006. In this role, he has been responsible for curriculum planning, teaching needs and other student activities for the Full-Time, Part-Time and Executive MBA programs.

Chopra's research and teaching interests are in operations management, supply chain management and network design. He has co-authored several papers and books, including Managing Business Process Flows (Prentice Hall, 1999) and Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation (Prentice Hall, 2003). In 2002, Supply Chain Management was named "best book of the year" by the Institute of Industrial Engineers. Chopra has also won several teaching awards at Kellogg.

"I truly believe that the Kellogg School's culture of innovation and collaboration will continue to guide us on our journey from success to significance," said Chopra, "and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead."