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Raj Agnihotri to lead the Ivy College of Business

May 08, 2025

AMES, Iowa – Raj Agnihotri  has been named the next Raisbeck Endowed Dean of Iowa State University’s Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business. He will begin his service July 1, 2025.

Agnihotri currently serves in the college as Mary Warner Professor and Morrill Professor of marketing and assistant dean for industry engagement. He will succeed Dean David Spalding, who announced his retirement from the role in 2024.

“Dr. Agnihotri is an accomplished researcher and student-centric leader. He has the experience and vision to advance business education and strengthen our entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem to benefit Iowa’s economy,” said Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen. “I am confident he will continue elevating the reputation of the Ivy College of Business, both nationally and globally, and build on the excellent momentum created by Dean David Spalding.”

Agnihotri earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Pune in India, an MBA in management from Oklahoma City University, and a Ph.D. in marketing from Kent State University. He has served at Iowa State since 2018, and in his current role as assistant dean since 2024. Prior positions include appointments at the University of Texas-Arlington and Ohio University.

At Iowa State, Agnihotri is founding director of the Ivy Sales Forum and inaugural assistant dean for industry engagement. He has received numerous awards for his teaching and research, and is also co-author of "ABCs of Relationship Selling through Service," a textbook used in sales classes around the world.

“It is a profound honor to be selected as the next Raisbeck Endowed Dean of the Ivy College,” said Agnihotri. “I am committed to serving our students, providing an excellent education that prepares them for professional success and to upholding the college's tradition of excellence in research. I look forward to collaborating with the faculty, staff, students, partners, and alumni to reach new heights.” 

In making the announcement, Senior Vice President and Provost Jason Keith expressed his thanks to the search committee, led by Associate Provost for Academic Programs Ann Marie VanDerZanden and College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Dan Grooms, and to the college’s faculty and staff for their thoughtful consideration of candidates.

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