KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 1, 2018

With the untimely passing of Management Professor Dr. Satya Chakravorty, the Michael J. Coles College of Business this week said goodbye to one of its most preeminent scholars, as well as an exceptional educator and a dear friend.

Satya began teaching at Kennesaw State University in 1992, following five years as a graduate student teacher at the University of Georgia. Before immigrating to the United States, he worked as an engineer and a manager at Escorts, Ltd., a major Indian engineering company operating in more than 40 countries.

Throughout his career, Satya established himself as a leading expert in operations management and manufacturing. He held a Master Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma, received training by the Avraham Goldratt Institute on the Theory of Constraints process improvement methodology, and was a Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management with APICS, the leading association for supply chain professionals.

In 2001, Satya’s knowledge and teaching experience led former Coles College Dean Tim Mescon to appoint him Caraustar Professor of Purchasing & Operations Management. Endowed by Caraustar, one of the country’s largest manufacturers, the position allowed Satya to conduct extensive research on innovative approaches to supply chain management.

“Satya was very passionate about his research,” says Dr. Robin Cheramie, chair of the Coles College Department of Management and Entrepreneurship. “He enjoyed conducting research that was applicable to business, and he was very accomplished in his field.”

Between 2004 and 2018, Satya published nearly 50 scholarly research articles, presented at more than 60 academic and professional conferences, and received several awards, including the Kennesaw State University Foundation Research Award in 2005 and 2007. He also received a $250,000 federal grant in 2005 to research minimizing the impact of service interruptions at major U.S. ports.

In addition to being a prolific researcher, Satya was a gifted educator who enjoyed helping his undergraduate and graduate students make connections between in-class material and actual business processes.

“Students enjoyed his class because he was able to provide real-world examples for the concepts he was teaching,” Cheramie says. “Many of his examples came from his own consulting experience. He was a dedicated teacher and was highly engaged in helping his students learn.”

While Satya’s colleagues in the Coles College of Business will miss having his expertise in the College, they will also miss his warmth.

“I will remember Satya for his enthusiasm, wit, and energy,” says Dr. Kathy Schwaig, Dean of Coles College. “Every encounter with Satya was filled with all three.”

“Satya brought a unique energy to the College,” says Cheramie. “He had a sharp wit and was devoted to family and friends.”

Satya earned his PhD in Production and Operations Management from the University of Georgia, and his Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Rajasthan, India.