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Kaustav Misra leads SUNY New Paltz Business School
Misra transitiond from SUNY Fredonia to lead SUNY New Paltz's School of Business, and succeeded Kristin Backhaus.
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Bhavana P - Wed, 15, Jul 2026
- 13:46 EDT
- 37
Kaustav Misra / SUNY New Paltz
The State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz has appointed Indian-origin academic Kaustav Misra as dean of its School of Business, following a competitive national search.
Misra joins SUNY New Paltz after serving for more than three years as dean of the School of Business at SUNY Fredonia, where he oversaw academic and student affairs, financial planning, personnel administration and accreditation while also directing the university's Center for Innovation and Economic Development.
“I am honored to join SUNY New Paltz as the incoming Dean of the School of Business. The University’s historic campus, strategic Hudson Valley location, outstanding student body, and dedicated faculty create a strong foundation for continued excellence. I look forward to building on this momentum by advancing innovative programs, aligning with regional workforce development needs, strengthening partnerships, and further elevating student success and community impact,” Misra said.
Also read: Chetan Krishnaswamy joins USIBC Global Board of Directors
An applied economist, Misra has held academic leadership positions at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan and Central Connecticut State University before becoming dean at SUNY Fredonia in 2023.
During his tenure at Fredonia, he launched initiatives including the Best in Business Awards, Women Entrepreneurship Day, the International Business Analytics Conference, an Analytics Career Fair and a Shark Tank-style business pitch competition for high school students.
He also introduced new academic offerings, including an online MBA in accounting, an online sports management completion program and bachelor's degree programs in alternative energy management, healthcare administration and data analytics with a financial economics focus.
Misra has also led strategic planning efforts, supported expanded in-person, online and hybrid instruction, implemented faculty retention initiatives and contributed to three successful Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business reaccreditation processes.
Originally from West Bengal, India, Misra earned his bachelor's degree from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya before pursuing graduate studies in the United States. He holds master's degrees from the University of Kentucky and Webster University and a doctorate in applied economics from Mississippi State University.
He succeeds Kristin Backhaus, who has led the School of Business since 2015 and will remain at SUNY New Paltz as a faculty member and director of economic development and community engagement.
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