Dr. Sri Beldona Selected as Chief Academic Officer and Special Assistant to the President at East Texas A&M University

Dr. Beldona will help build corporate partnerships and industry-aligned programs at ETAMU-Dallas.

East Texas A&M University (ETAMU) is pleased to announce that Sri Beldona, Ph.D., has been selected as chief academic officer (CAO) and special assistant to the president, a new leadership position focused on advancing the academic mission and operational excellence at the university’s Dallas location, East Texas A&M University-Dallas.

Reporting directly to the provost with secondary reporting to the president, Beldona will be responsible for building and nurturing strong connections with Dallas metropolitan industry partners to support the university's goals in academic offerings, philanthropy, and student career preparedness. Beldona will serve as a senior representative for ETAMU-Dallas, working collaboratively with vice presidents, deans, the Dallas chief operating officer, faculty, staff, and external partners to ensure programs and initiatives are aligned with local market needs and institutional priorities.

Beldona joins the Lion family with an impressive background in developing innovative and market-driven curricula and raising and managing multi-million-dollar budgets in academic and corporate settings. His previous roles include vice president of strategic planning at Marketing Management, Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas, professor and associate dean at the University of Dallas, and most recently, professor and dean of Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University.

With a proven track record in fundraising and philanthropy, Beldona has raised over $10 million toward scholarships and STEM-designated programs. He also played a pivotal role in securing a $12 million gift for the University of Dallas. Beldona also has an impressive history of building and securing external partnerships and advancing academic development, such as increasing enrollment by more than 60%. His experience in Dallas-Fort Worth academics and industries also positions him well to continue developing ETAMU's urban presence and success.

Beldona expressed enthusiasm for the new role. “I am thrilled to bring my experience and passion for higher education leadership to this dynamic institution,” he said. “East Texas A&M University is poised for an exciting future, and I am eager to be part of the journey to achieve bold aspirations. Together, we will create meaningful opportunities that will leave a legacy for current and future generations.”

Beldona also thanked Dr. Mark Rudin, president of ETAMU, and Dr. Tammi Vacha-Haase, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, for their trust in his leadership and vision.

“I am excited to work alongside a talented team to enhance academic programs, foster research opportunities and expand pathways that empower students to achieve their goals. Together, we will continue to build on the university’s strong foundation of transformative education,” he said.

Vacha-Haase emphasized that Beldona is the ideal leader for this pivotal role at a crucial time in the university's growth.

“As ETAMU continues to expand throughout the Dallas metropolitan area, Dr. Beldona brings a deep appreciation for our institution's history while maintaining a forward-focused vision for expansion,” Vacha-Haase said. “His extensive expertise, leadership and strong relationship-building skills will be instrumental in advancing our institution's mission of transforming lives.”

Beldona earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration and M.S. in International Business from Temple University, an MBA in Marketing from Pune University, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Gulbarga University.

He begins his new role and will be tenured as a full professor in ETAMU's College of Business, effective March 15, 2025.