Pictured from left are Trustee Dr. Steven Cunningham, Dr. Babu George, Honoree and MBA Director/Professor of Business Administration; Dr. Tracy M. Cook, Interim President; Trustee Dr. Ormella Cummings
Dr. Babu George, MBA director and professor of business administration in the School of Business, was Alcorn State University’s recipient of the Diversity Award for Excellence presented by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (MS IHL).
MS IHL presents awards to nominees for positively advancing diversity and inclusion on university campuses and the community. The award began in 1992 and is presented yearly during Black History Month.
“Dr. Babu George’s commitment to students is commendable,” said Dr. Tracy M. Cook, interim president. “He has diligently worked toward creating an inclusive, safe space for students and colleagues. I applaud his work to ensure that Alcorn is a welcoming environment for all.”
George has been a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout his career.
“This recognition deepens my commitment to uphold Alcorn State’s legacy of celebrating diversity and fostering a campus where everyone belongs,” said Dr. George. “It inspires me to continue to work alongside students, faculty, and our entire community to build a more inclusive and equitable future.”
Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joyce Buckner-Brown said, “Diversity, inclusion, and belonging are inherently linked to the strength and vibrancy of Alcorn State University. Dr. Babu George implements inclusive practices that model respect to create a classroom culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has been effective in encouraging open and honest dialogue, empowering students to share their experiences without ridicule, and processing information shared by linking it to course content.”
His dedication is reflected in his interactions throughout the School of Business and beyond.
“Dr. George’s indefatigable work in fostering international recruitment, curriculum development, student support, and establishing innovative programs has unequivocally bolstered diversity and inclusivity at Alcorn School of Business,” said Dr. Antwon Woods, dean of the ASU School of Business. “Evidence of Dr. George’s commitment to inclusivity is the active role he plays in working with and mentoring international students as they navigate through their academic journey. Dr. George’s contribution to curriculum development strengthens his credentials as a deserving applicant for the award.”
He has served in various academic-administrative roles at multiple universities, including Fort Hays State University, the University of Nevada — Las Vegas, Alaska Pacific University, and the University of Southern Mississippi.
An avid researcher, he has published more than 200 research papers in international scholarly journals. His most recently published books include Progress in Green Economics, Mobility, and Globalization; Digital Transformation in Business and Society; International Case Studies in the Management of Disasters, to name a few.
Additionally, he maintains his visiting professor designations at more than 15 universities worldwide.
His current research interests include sustainability and digital transformation.
George was born and raised in a remote village in Kerala, in the southernmost region of India, and later migrated to the United States under the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Outstanding Researcher program.
He holds a Ph.D. in management, a doctorate in business administration in international business, and an Education Specialist degree in higher education innovation and leadership, and is a graduate of Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management program.
George is an avid traveler, having visited more than 70 countries, and celebrates the beauty of diversity in cultures.
