Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

The associate deans who serve the Central Michigan University College of Business Administration, Misty Bennett and Sanjay Kumar, bring unique life and professional experiences to their roles.

Bennett, a CMU alum, began her role in March 2023 while Kumar was hired in May 2024. 

From the ins and outs of their positions to what they love most about CMU and their top book recommendations for young professionals, get to know these CBA leaders.

1. Did you always want to work in education?

Bennett: I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I always sympathize with students who feel lost in their academic journey. As a first-generation college student and from a low-income background, I had a special appreciation for the value of completing a degree. I took a chemistry class during my undergrad and won a scholarship from Dow Chemical to major in chemistry. However, after time in the lab, I realized textbook chemistry is very different from “real world” lab chemistry.

Exploring a new major, I knew I loved business, leadership and organizational behavior. I taught a course during my doctoral program and really enjoyed it.

Kumar: Since middle school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. When I got to college, I felt teaching in that setting was the right path for me. I’ve always felt being an educator is such a rewarding profession because of its impact and meaning on the world and society.

2. How would you describe your career progression?

Kumar: I was a professor for several years at various universities before making the leap into administration. For me, that transition was an opportunity to make a stronger impact on the academic landscape as a whole.

I am very excited to now be a CMU Chippewa, having started in the associate dean role in May. I look forward to experiencing my first semester on campus this fall.

Bennett: After receiving my master’s degree in industrial organizational psychology, I continued my doctorate in the same area. During my doctoral program, I worked in HR with Dow Chemical where I gained valuable experience working with data to make business decisions. 

In 2009 I became the first female hired into the management department in a tenured track position at CMU. I stepped into the associate dean role in 2023.

3. How would you describe your role as an associate dean?

Bennett: I’m very focused on student and faculty success. I like to think about my role as that of a problem solver. I try to identify obstacles getting in the way of success and find ways to remove them.

Kumar: I have the opportunity to look at academics from a broader view. With a background in international education, and having received education in both India and the U.S., I’m very passionate about helping international students have a well-rounded experience. Much of my work will be focused on our graduate programs from this perspective.

4. What do you love most about CMU?

Kumar: I love what CMU stands for. It’s a professional yet personal environment and has a friendly atmosphere. It’s a testament to the many people I’ve met so far who have spent their entire careers here. 

Bennett: As a triple alum (undergrad, masters and doctorate!) there are many things I love about CMU. Mostly, it feels like family. From faculty and staff to students, we all care about each other and want to support one another.

5. Where is your favorite spot on campus?

Bennett: I love walking on campus, especially through the Fabiano Botanical Garden.

Kumar: While I’m still finding my way around campus, I very much enjoy the library. I love its central location in the heart of campus and the constant buzz of resources and activities.

6. What has been your proudest professional moment?

Kumar: I’ve had many interactions with students over the years. When they come back after graduating and tell me how much of an impact I’ve had on their lives, it gives me tremendous happiness. 

Bennett: I’m very proud to be a female leader. I recently heard from a junior female faculty member who told me how impactful it was to have a female associate dean, and that it was an example of what she can also aspire to.

7. What do you credit with your career success?

Bennett: I’m a big believer in cognitive reframing. When you encounter a problem, how can you reframe it? Framing situations as a challenge — not a problem — has helped me regain an active role in overcoming them.

Kumar: I’ve never been fearful of new situations. Throughout my own education and career, I’ve been at seven universities. I’ve always put myself in new situations. Being comfortable with the uncomfortable is how I’ve grown.

8. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just graduating to set them out on the right path?

Kumar: Take calculated risks. If there’s an opportunity you may not feel ready for, try it anyway. Be open to exploring the possibilities and taking on new challenges.

Bennett: Graduates are entering a new phase of life, which can come with uncertainty and stress. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Sometimes, taking things day by day is the best way to make progress. 

9. What book recommendation would you give to young professionals?

Bennett: Instead of a book, I recommend the app Headway. It provides a five-minute synopsis of a book so you get the gist of it without reading it in full. Being in the business world, there are always new books to read. This isn’t a replacement for reading, but it helps keep me on top of new literature when I’m short on time.

Kumar: “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson. It’s a great, easy read about navigating change in life and work.

10. What’s one fun fact about you others wouldn’t know?

Kumar: I love to travel — for work and for personal enjoyment. I also love math puzzles. If I’m not working, you can probably find me doing a math puzzle.

Bennett: I love hip-hop dance and play jazz trumpet. People who come into my office are often surprised to hear hip-hop or jazz music in the background.