Current Position and Past Experience
Tara J. Konya is currently the Director of MBA and Graduate Business Programs at the University of New England, where she provides academic, operational, and strategic leadership for the design, delivery, and growth of fully online business education for the College of Business and College of Professional Studies. Prior to this, Tara served as Portfolio Director at the University of Maryland Global Campus, leading globally delivered graduate business administration, leadership, and innovation programs and driving large-scale curriculum redesigns aligned with workforce needs.
With more than two decades of experience across higher education, K–12, and retail leadership, Tara’s career has been shaped by both classrooms and retail floors. Those experiences inform how she approaches education—starting with how people actually learn and work, then building programs that are practical, relevant, and designed to deliver results.
Tara has led the transformation of nationally ranked MBA programs by redefining what business education should deliver workforce aligned skills, applied learning, and measurable career relevance. Her work includes modernizing scalable online MBA curricula, redesigning leadership programs for military learners, and developing courses in sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership grounded in real-world problem solving.
In addition to institutional leadership, Tara provides contract and advisory support in business curriculum development and accreditation. She works with academic leaders to design programs, develop assessment strategies, and produce the self-studies, narratives, and evidence-based documentation required for IACBE and ACBSP accreditation and reaffirmation.
Education, Honors and Achievements
Tara holds a PhD in Business (Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies) from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and a Master of Arts in Education from Monmouth University. With research expertise in consumer insights, innovation, and sustainability, Tara bridges theory and practice to advance future-ready business education.
Personal Details and Community Involvement
Outside of work, Tara enjoys active travel and exploring new cultures. She recently skied in the Austrian Alps and is looking forward to biking along the Seine. She also enjoys cooking savory dishes from around the world and staying active through hiking, cycling, rowing, and yoga. Tara is also a supporter of LGBTQ+ initiatives and has volunteered with Portland Pride.
