ODU names inaugural director of supply chain/logistics school

Old Dominion University has named Kuntal Bhattacharyya as inaugural director of its new School of Supply Chain, Logistics and Maritime Operations (SSCLMO), the university announced Tuesday. 

Previously, Bhattacharyya worked as project director of Indiana State University’s Logistics 4.0 Innovation Hub, where students study artificial intelligence, machine learning and the management of logistics companies. He also worked as executive director of graduate programs and as chair of ISU’s Scott College of Business’ Department of Marketing and Operations. While directing ISU’s graduate programs, Bhattacharyya streamlined curriculums, coursework and student experience and led the creation of an online MBA program. 

Bhattacharyya earned a master’s degree in management from the University of Akron and a doctorate in operations management from Kent State University. He is also a certified risk manager.

Bhattacharyya is a perfect fit for the role, said ODU Provost Brian K. Payne. “Dr. Bhattacharyya brings experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, financial economics, humanitarian logistics and Industry 4.0 applications in manufacturing to lead the new school which will prepare students for impactful careers in the maritime industry,” Payne said in a statement. 

In September, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) approved the SSCLMO. The new school welcomes its first class Aug. 22.

“Leveraging our strategic location, the SSCLMO will work closely with maritime, supply chain and logistics companies to support the shipbuilding and ship repair, transportation and defense industries, as well as others, to best prepare our students for exciting careers that are so vital to our country’s blue economy,” Elspeth McMahon, associate vice president for maritime initiatives at ODU, stated in the news release. 

The school will be located in Innovation Research Park 1 on Monarch Way and housed under the Office of Academic Affairs.