Arvind Mahajan named a Texas A&M Presidential Professor

Arvind Mahajan of Mays Business School has been named a Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence at Texas A&M University, an honor he will retain for the remainder of his career.

Texas A&M President Michael K. Young announced this year’s recipients of the award, which former Texas A&M President Robert M. Gates established in 2003 to underscore the importance of teaching at a major research university. Two award recipients each spring are given a $25,000 stipend. The other recipient this year was James Herman of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

“Dr. Herman and Dr. Mahajan epitomize the essence of teaching excellence here at Texas A&M and are, thus, richly deserving of this high honor and all the benefits that accompany it,” Young said. “I wish them continued success in their stellar careers.”

Mahajan is a Regents Professor and the Lamar Savings Professor of Finance at Mays. He joined the Texas A&M faculty in 1980. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Delhi in India, an MBA at the University of Scranton and a Ph.D. at Georgia State University. He is widely recognized as an outstanding educator who has inspired thousands of students and business executives around the world.

He is widely published and is a recognized scholar in the area of international business and corporate finance. His contributions to the university’s teaching mission have been recognized with numerous awards over several decades. In addition to receiving multiple college-level teaching awards, he is a three-time recipient of The Association of Former Students’ university-level Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching.

Mahajan teaches in the MBA Program and has been director of the Aggies on Wall Street program in the Department of Finance since 2013. He also serves as director of the master’s in finance program and the Certified Financial Analyst Institute Partnership Program.

He is well-regarded by his peers, former and current students, and business executives.  “He is known as a demanding, deeply caring and highly effective teacher,” said Mays Dean Eli Jones. “He also is known for using innovative teaching materials and bringing his vast knowledge of Wall Street into the classroom.”

Nominations for the Presidential Professor awards are made by students, faculty members and deans in each of the university’s colleges. Faculty Senate representatives review each nomination and narrow the list that is sent to the president for the final selections.

Mahajan will be recognized at the Mays commencement ceremony on May 14.