Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

After thirteen years as Dean, Dr. Devashis Mitra will complete his term at the end of June, concluding a period of growth and change for the University of New Brunswick’s faculty of management.

“Serving in this role has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life,” Dr. Mitra shared recently. Over more than a decade, this sense of purpose helped guide the faculty’s focus on student experience, program relevance, and external engagement.

The impact of Dr. Mitra’s tenure can be seen across several areas.

Raising UNB’s global profile

A key milestone during his deanship was the faculty’s achievement of AACSB accreditation, placing UNB among internationally recognized business schools.

The designation reflected sustained effort across the faculty. As Dr. Mitra noted, “Any success during my tenure has been the result of a collective commitment to excellence and impact.” It has also strengthened the faculty’s position in attracting students, partners, and opportunities.

Innovating for a changing world

Ensuring programs remained aligned with evolving workforce needs was a consistent priority.

During this period, the faculty launched its online MBA, expanding access for working professionals. The Master of Quantitative Investment Management introduced a specialized, industry aligned graduate program, while the addition of a Data Analytics concentration within the MBA reflected the growing importance of data driven decision making.

Together, these developments expanded both access and program relevance.

Making Experiential Learning central

One of the most notable shifts has been the integration of experiential learning throughout the student experience.

Through the Vision 2025 strategic plan, experiential learning was embedded across all four years of the BBA program. This approach ensures students graduate with practical, applied experience alongside their academic studies.

Partnerships have played an important role in this work. Vestcor has supported the Student Investment Fund since its early years, helping provide students with exposure to real world investment practices. The Fraser Student Venture Fund contributed a one-million-dollar gift to enhance the Venture Assessment course, alongside engagement with organizations such as the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation.

More broadly, industry partners including NB Power, McCain Foods, Irving Oil, and J. D. Irving, Limited, as well as organizations like Planet Hatch and the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, contribute projects, mentorship, and insight. These collaborations allow students to work on real challenges while building professional connections.

Alumni engagement has also grown significantly. Graduates are now active contributors to the student experience, serving as mentors, guest speakers, and project partners, and offering guidance on career development. Together, alumni and industry partners have helped strengthen the link between classroom learning and professional practice.

Expanding global opportunities

The faculty also expanded its global reach during this period.

Partnerships with international universities created opportunities for dual degrees and student mobility, while efforts to deepen relationships with recruiters and partners contributed to increased international student enrollment. These developments have broadened the perspectives and experiences available to students.

Strengthening academic and research capacity

At the same time, the faculty invested in research and academic strength through the recruitment of research active members. This has contributed to increased scholarly output and ensures that teaching remains informed by current, relevant research.

A shared foundation

As he prepares to step down, Dr. Mitra reflected, “The foundations we have built together are strong, and the people who make up this community are extraordinary. I am profoundly thankful for the trust placed in me and the opportunity to serve.”

Dr. Mitra’s time as Dean leaves a faculty that is globally connected and closely engaged with students, alumni, and partners. As UNB looks ahead, it does so building on that foundation.

Photo: Dr. Devashis Mitra’s 13-year term as Dean of UNB’s faculty of management was a period of growth and change.