VCU School of Business names new associate deans for academic and strategic affairs
Appointments formalize roles after a year of interim service and mark a transition in academic and strategic leadership.
By Megan Nash
The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business has moved to formalize its academic and strategic leadership after a year of interim stewardship, appointing Carol Scotese, Ph.D., and Mayoor “Max” Mohan, Ph.D., to permanent associate dean roles beginning in January 2026.
Scotese has been named associate dean for academic and faculty affairs, and Mohan has been named associate dean for strategic affairs and research initiatives.
Scotese, an associate professor of economics, has been a member of the VCU faculty for more than 25 years. Before stepping into interim leadership in late 2024, she served as chair of the Department of Economics for five years and faculty director for the Online M.B.A. program. As chair, she expanded online course offerings through competitive grants, developed departmental assessment plans and built partnerships with external organizations.
She also contributed to universitywide initiatives, including the VCU Quality Enhancement Plan, and participated in governance efforts focused on student outcomes and faculty equity.
In her role as associate dean, Scotese oversees faculty recruiting and support, academic policy, governance, accreditation reporting and schoolwide assessment initiatives.
“I look forward to supporting our faculty as they produce internationally acclaimed research and guide our students from classroom to careers,” said Scotese. “Strong, equitable governance provides the foundation enabling innovation, excellence and impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to help build and sustain that foundation.”
Scotese earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Penn State University. Her research focuses on economic growth and the labor market effects of automation.
Mohan, a professor of marketing, joined the VCU faculty in 2013 and has played a central role in the School of Business’s strategic planning process. Since August 2024, he has led multiyear planning efforts and supported faculty research and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
He has also been active in faculty governance through service on the Faculty Senate, Faculty Council and several university committees. He has received multiple honors from VCU and the School of Business and is a recipient of the National/International Recognition Award (NIRA) recognizing exceptional accomplishments in scholarship, global partnerships and leadership in their fields.
“The strategic work of the past year reinforced a simple lesson: plans matter most when they help our faculty and staff see themselves in our mission,” said Mohan. “In this role, my focus is to build on that — strengthening research support, expanding cross-disciplinary collaboration and translating strategy into action in ways that benefit our students and the broader community.”
Mohan earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Oklahoma State University. His research centers on business-to-business marketing, brand strategy and innovation.
Dean Brian Brown, Ph.D., said the appointments reflect the school’s academic priorities and long-term direction.
“The addition of Dr. Mohan and Dr. Scotese to the leadership team has already made an enormous impact,” said Brown. They’ve helped us establish a positive, winning culture and expanded what’s possible for the School of Business. Their continued service will help propel us towards an even more ambitious future.”
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