“Every student can succeed if we surround them with the right people; faculty, staff, peers, and mentors.”
CBA Dean Ali Malekzadeh knows how to enhance the student learning experience. He brings a wide range of previous success in program development and a clear vision for business student success.
Perseverance. That’s the word that describes the life and career of Ali Malekzadeh, Edgerley Family Dean of the College of Business Administration. In his personal and professional endeavors he has worked hard and has been committed to reaching his goals.
He was the captain of his high school’s basketball team, a varsity goalie at the University of Denver; he is a fourth level black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Every day he runs five miles and lifts weights to stay in shape.
“At the gym you see people who go to the gym to lose weight; they last for a couple of weeks. The ones who go for years, they are the ones who are in great shape,” said Malekzadeh. His perseverance in sports is just one aspect of his perseverance in life. “I go until I drop.”
For the College of Business Administration, where Malekzadeh introduces himself as Ali to students and donors alike, he has a clear vision. He wants every student to succeed. He wants more world-class faculty, more staff, more alumni involvement, the best curriculum, effective and efficient operations, as well as an executive mentor for every student. So far, he has gained the commitment of more than 100 alumni and friends to become K-State Business Executive Mentors.
“He is very personable, and has real passion for us,” said Alyssa Adamany, a sophomore in accounting who works in the office of student services. “He once sat down with me to talk about my plans and future career. He is a great addition to the college; we are very lucky to have him.”
Read the rest of Dean Ali’s story here.