School of Business Appoints New Director of Graduate Programs

Portrait of Shalei Simms

The State University of New York at Old Westbury has announced the appointment of Dr. Shalei V. K. Simms as director of graduate programs for the College’s School of Business.

In this role, she leads the administration and operation of the School of Business’ graduate programs in Accounting, Forensic Accounting and Taxation. Together with the graduate program faculty and school leadership, she is responsible for supervising and coordinating the administration and governance of the programs, serving as a point of contact for prospective and current students of the programs, and acting as the liaison among the graduate students, program faculty, and School and College administrations.

“Dr. Simms has been instrumental to the success of the School of Business since she joined its faculty in 2011,” said Raj Devasagayam, dean of the SUNY Old Westbury School of Business. “She is a highly regarded member of our community whose intellect, professionalism and work ethic are certain to continue the growth of our graduate programs and to ensure the ongoing enhancement of the instruction and services we provide our students.”

Along with her role leading the graduate programs, Simms remains an associate professor of management in the School of Business, where she teaches business strategy and entrepreneurship.  Her research discusses decision making with an emphasis on risk-taking, which she has presented both nationally and internationally. A member of the board of directors of Teachers Federal Credit Union, Simms earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Management from Rutgers University in Newark, N.J. and a B.A. from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn.

SUNY Old Westbury has been preparing students for careers in accounting, finance, management, and marketing for more than 40 years. Through the instruction and research of its faculty, the School of Business pursues its mission of empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and values to think critically, communicate effectively, and act responsibly. Serving nearly 900 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the School of Business offers rigorous academic training in a small class atmosphere.