In Memoriam: Former Penn State Harrisburg Chancellor Dr. Mukund Kulkarni Dead at 75
- In addition to his administrative appointment, he held the rank of professor of finance.
Dr. Mukund Kulkarni, former chancellor of Penn State Harrisburg, died on June 2. A resident of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, he was 75, and is survived by his wife, Prabha, daughters, Gauri Vikram and Manjiree Hardik and four grandchildren.
“Mukund was an exemplary colleague and a dear friend,” said Madlyn Hanes, Penn State’s senior vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor. “Under his leadership, Penn State Harrisburg grew and prospered, securing its standing as a vital asset in the region. Mukund’s many contributions to the college, the University, and the broader community earned him high regard, and his legacy will be long lasting. He will be deeply missed.”
Kulkarni became the chancellor of Penn State Harrisburg in 2010. He joined the college in 1985 as a member of the business faculty, and advanced in faculty rank and leadership posts prior to becoming chancellor. He also had served as director of undergraduate studies, director of the School of Business Administration, and senior associate dean for academic affairs.
In addition to his administrative appointment, Kulkarni held the rank of professor of finance. He was widely published in academic journals and had presented papers at several scholarly conferences. His research interests were in the areas of capital budgeting, banking operations, and information content of stock prices. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in his native India, an MBA from Marshall University, and a doctorate from the University of Kentucky.
As per Penn State News, “Kulkarni’s dedication to students and the community, as well as his interest in supporting the arts, was recognized in 2018 when the college received more than $3 million in gifts donated in his honor.” The gifts supported student scholarships, the naming of the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre in the college’s Student Enrichment Center, and the Mukund S. Kulkarni Cultural Series Program Fund.
Kulkarni was one of the founders of the organization Asian Indian Americans of Central Pennsylvania and had also served as its president; and was currently serving as an advisory council member. He also served as president and chairperson of the Hindu American Religious Institute.
Upon his retirement from Penn State, Kulkarni spoke to Penn State News on the legacy he was leaving behind. “There are certain [successes] that are easy to see. … But the one thing I hope I have created and I hope will continue even after I leave is that I changed the tone of dialogue,” she said. “Bringing civility, politeness and respect when we address each other, when we talk to each other, when we write to each other. I think that is important and I hope that remains as my legacy.”
(Top photo courtesy: Sharon Siegfried/Penn State Harrisburg)