Author Profile
Harika Rao | Associate Dean in the College of Business Management, Lynn University
Current Position and Past Experience
Dr. Harika Rao is the Associate Dean for the College of Business and Management at Lynn University. In this role, she oversees the college's operations and collaborates closely with faculty to advance academic excellence, support student success, and strengthen undergraduate and graduate business programs. She also teaches courses in management and leadership, computer management systems, strategy, and innovation.
Dr. Rao brings extensive experience in higher education as an administrator, educator, and scholar. Throughout her career, she has focused on leadership, curriculum development, and innovative teaching practices that promote student engagement and independent learning. Beyond her institutional leadership, she has served on the boards of nonprofit organizations and has volunteered on international curriculum development projects for educational institutions.
An active researcher and author, Dr. Rao has written several books, published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and contributed chapters to multiple higher education publications. Her research interests include gamification, student engagement, pedagogy, leadership styles, and accreditation.
Education, Honors, and Achievements
Dr. Rao earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from Western Illinois University, a Master of Business Administration from Lynn University, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Administration from Lynn University.
Her leadership, teaching, and scholarly contributions have been recognized through numerous awards. She was named one of the South Florida Business Journal's 40 Under 40 in 2023 and received the Business Faculty of the Year award from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) in 2022. At Lynn University, she has been recognized multiple times for Academic and Creative Excellence (2019–2023), earned the Award for Excellence in Teaching and Dedication to Students (2020–2021), and received the Dean's Award for Excellence in Graduate Education in 2015. She is also a member of the Sigma Beta Delta, Kappa Delta Pi, and Pi Lambda Theta honor societies.
Personal Details and Community Involvement
Beyond her academic and leadership roles, Dr. Rao is actively engaged in serving the local community. She volunteers with nonprofit organizations throughout the Boca Raton area, where she leads workshops on employability and career readiness, helping individuals develop the skills needed for professional success. Outside of work, Dr. Rao is a trained Kathak (Indian classical dance) dancer who enjoys celebrating her cultural heritage through dance and has a passion for cooking and exploring diverse cuisines.
Dr. Harika Rao is the Associate Dean for the College of Business and Management at Lynn University. In this role, she oversees the college's operations and collaborates closely with faculty to advance academic excellence, support student success, and strengthen undergraduate and graduate business programs. She also teaches courses in management and leadership, computer management systems, strategy, and innovation.
Dr. Rao brings extensive experience in higher education as an administrator, educator, and scholar. Throughout her career, she has focused on leadership, curriculum development, and innovative teaching practices that promote student engagement and independent learning. Beyond her institutional leadership, she has served on the boards of nonprofit organizations and has volunteered on international curriculum development projects for educational institutions.
An active researcher and author, Dr. Rao has written several books, published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and contributed chapters to multiple higher education publications. Her research interests include gamification, student engagement, pedagogy, leadership styles, and accreditation.
Education, Honors, and Achievements
Dr. Rao earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from Western Illinois University, a Master of Business Administration from Lynn University, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Administration from Lynn University.
Her leadership, teaching, and scholarly contributions have been recognized through numerous awards. She was named one of the South Florida Business Journal's 40 Under 40 in 2023 and received the Business Faculty of the Year award from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) in 2022. At Lynn University, she has been recognized multiple times for Academic and Creative Excellence (2019–2023), earned the Award for Excellence in Teaching and Dedication to Students (2020–2021), and received the Dean's Award for Excellence in Graduate Education in 2015. She is also a member of the Sigma Beta Delta, Kappa Delta Pi, and Pi Lambda Theta honor societies.
Personal Details and Community Involvement
Beyond her academic and leadership roles, Dr. Rao is actively engaged in serving the local community. She volunteers with nonprofit organizations throughout the Boca Raton area, where she leads workshops on employability and career readiness, helping individuals develop the skills needed for professional success. Outside of work, Dr. Rao is a trained Kathak (Indian classical dance) dancer who enjoys celebrating her cultural heritage through dance and has a passion for cooking and exploring diverse cuisines.
Articles by this author:
