International Exchange Series: Dean Karthik Kannan

The University of Arizona is home to many extraordinary leaders whose global backgrounds have influenced their approach to education and innovation. Through this series, the Arizona International team hopes to showcase their stories and highlight why international education is not just important, it’s essential to shaping a truly global university.

In the premiere episode of International Exchange, Dr. Karthik Kannan, dean and Halle Chair in Leadership of Eller College of Management speaks with Dr. Jenny Lee, about how international experiences shape leadership, education, and innovation. Dean Kannan reflects on his journey from his hometown in Tamil Nadu, India, to leading a top-ranked U.S. business school, sharing insights on his family's legacy in education, his experience as an international student, and the challenges of cultural adaptation. The conversation also explores Eller’s global engagement and the impact of transnational education.