Laurier appoints interim dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics

Nov. 15, 2022

Wilfrid Laurier University has appointed Kalyani Menon as the interim dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics following the conclusion of Shelley McGill’s acting dean term, which ends Dec. 31, 2022. Menon will serve as interim dean beginning Jan. 1, 2023, for a period of 18 months or until the dean search is completed and the successful candidate commences their appointment.

“Kalyani is a highly respected leader who is well positioned to continue to build on the successes and reputation of the Lazaridis School,” said Heidi Northwood, interim provost and vice-president: academic. “I look forward to working with her in this role while we pause our search for a permanent dean and re-enter the market at a later date.”

Menon is currently associate dean of faculty development and research in the Department of Business. Prior to this role, she was associate dean of graduate business programs and has also served as area coordinator for the Marketing Area over a period of seven years.

“I believe so strongly in the incredible community of the Lazaridis School and will champion the community over the course of my appointment,” said Menon. “A key aim of mine is to work together to build the profile of the Lazaridis School, amplifying the great work of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends.”

Beyond her administrative appointments, Menon is actively engaged in research, teaching and service. She has received several research grants for her work on consumer wellbeing. She is an innovative, award-winning teacher who has taught and supervised undergraduate, masters and PhD students.

She currently serves on Wilfrid Laurier University’s Senate and Board of Governors and has been an active member of several administrative committees across the university. In addition, she currently leads the Lazaridis School’s strategic planning exercise.

Menon earned her PhD in marketing from McGill University and her master’s in business economics and honours bachelor of arts in economics from Delhi University in India.

“I’d like to thank Shelley for her dedication and commitment to the Lazaridis School and for interrupting her scheduled retirement in order to serve as acting dean over the last six months,” said Northwood. “Her strong leadership has helped to ensure the Lazaridis School will remain one of Canada’s top destinations and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”

Laurier will launch an international search for a permanent dean of the Lazaridis School in Fall 2023 with an anticipated start date of July 2024.