Dr. Carlos Mena has been appointed as the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs at The School of Business, effective January 1, 2025. In this role, Dr. Mena will oversee the continued growth and development of the school's graduate degree and certificate programs, spearhead strategic planning and implementation efforts, and lead the school's JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) programs and initiatives.
"I'm excited about this role because I want to make a real difference for our students, our programs and our University, helping us continue to grow and thrive. I plan to focus on strengthening our community, supporting our faculty, and ensuring fair, transparent processes. Basically I'll be part coach, part cheerleader, and part referee - but without the striped shirt!"
Since joining The School of Business in 2018, Carlos has made an indelible impact through his teaching, research, and dedication to student success. As a Professor of Supply Chain Management, he has guided hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students, creating transformative learning experiences that prepare them to lead with confidence. His research in the industry addresses critical challenges related to risk, resilience, and sustainability, driving meaningful change in the field.
"Our business programs excel because we blend academic rigor with real-world impact. We aim to transform students' lives, giving them the skills and knowledge to tackle complex problems while staying grounded in values like sustainability and community engagement. Plus, let's face it - Portland is a pretty cool place to study business."
Looking ahead, Dr. Mena is eager to embrace new opportunities, address emerging challenges, and continue advancing innovative solutions - all with the same commitment to sustainability, equity, and resilience that defines his favorite research on coffee supply chains.
"Our programs are like well-crafted Portland coffee - strong, complex, and designed to energize. While there are always opportunities for process improvement and growth, we're fortunate to have talent faculty and staff ready to take on these challenges. I'm excited to help cultivate more connections, celebrations, and collaborations."
Previously, Dr. Melissa Appleyard held the position of Associate Dean of Graduate Programs for eight years. Under her leadership and in collaboration with colleagues across the campus and the Portland Metro area, The School of Business accomplished many significant milestones. These include the launch of the 2018 Strategic Plan, introduction of the MS in Applied Data and Science for Business, and incorporation of cutting-edge technologies and future-focused topics across the graduate curriculum.
Melissa's leadership was also instrumental in founding the Center for Entrepreneurship at PSU, implementing the NSF Lab2Market grant, creating both the Design Thinking / Innovation / Entrepreneurship (DTIE) Junior Cluster, and the BA 495 Business Strategy Capstone class. Her efforts have provided world-class education experiences both inside and outside the classroom for our student. Dr. Appleyard will continue working at The School of Business as the Ames Professor in Management of Innovation and Technology.
Congratulations Dr. Mena on his new leadership role and thank you Dr. Appleyard for her extraordinary contributions to The School of Business.