Contact: Anastasia Faunce, CCAPS Marketing, [email protected]
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (07/30/2024) — After an extensive national search, the University of Minnesota has selected Dr. Radhika Seshan as the next Dean of the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS). She began her new role on July 29, 2024.
As CCAPS Dean, Dr. Seshan will serve as the college’s chief academic and administrative officer, collaborating broadly to manage and advance CCAPS’s diverse population of staff, faculty, and approximately 23,000 learners, including Minnesota high school students in pre-college programs; bachelor's and master's degree students; professionals in conferences, short courses, certificates, and bootcamps; and members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Dr. Seshan also will serve as an effective advocate for building collaborations across the University and relationships with external stakeholders — including business and industry leaders — to assess workforce needs, enhance programs, and expand learning and career opportunities for students.
“A talented workforce is vital for the long-term development of our state’s economy. The University of Minnesota has played an essential role in preparing this workforce. It is a privilege to be part of this ecosystem, especially with a college like CCAPS, since we focus on expanding equitable access to higher education,” said Dr. Seshan.
Dr. Seshan brings to the University “an extensive record of success in developing and sustaining professional and community education programs,” said University Executive Vice President and Provost Rachel T.A. Croson in announcing Seshan’s appointment. “During her tenure as dean of the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University and dean of San Diego State University Global Campus, she led transformative initiatives to elevate student success, build international partnerships, and enhance the brand and reach of programs that serve professional, global, and lifelong learners.”
Before her work in higher education, Dr. Seshan held leadership roles in the technology industry. Her commitment to professional learners is rooted in a strong foundation in industry.
Seshan holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Houston and a B.A. from the University of Chennai, India.
Dr. Seshan succeeds Dean Robert (Bob) Stine, who is retiring after 16 years of outstanding leadership during which he transformed CCAPS into an agile, innovative college, with impactful and relevant programming that has positioned the college well for the future. Stine retires with more than 42 years of distinguished service to the University.
About the College of Continuing and Professional Studies
Established in 1913, the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) empowers lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals through professional courses, applied and individualized degrees and other academic pathways. With values that include Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration and Excellence, the College pursues a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds and identities are embraced. Learn more at ccaps.umn.edu.