Meet Prashant Malaviya: The Dean Who Inspires Students to be Humbitious

As the senior associate dean for MBA programs at Georgetown McDonough, Prashant Malaviya has spent the last six of his 13 years at Georgetown ensuring students graduate ready to take on the world’s most pressing challenges. It is no surprise then that the Georgetown MBA has been recognized by Bloomberg Businessweek for having both the world’s best-trained and most innovative graduates. Beyond preparing students for careers, he and his team reinforce Georgetown’s values, preparing students to also make a difference in the world.

How did you choose your career path? 

It was during the second year of my MBA that I started to think about academia as a career, so I spoke with some of my professors and decided to do a Ph.D. in marketing as the path to becoming an academic. To a large extent, my interest in academics and teaching was sparked because I had become the default tutor for all my MBA colleagues and would regularly hold sessions for them. I began to really enjoy these teaching sessions…and the rest is history!  

What is your personal philosophy? 

I am always trying to be my best self, whatever that might be at any given moment, and always trying to add value to every situation. Not sure if this is a life philosophy, but it is what tends to guide me in all important moments of life.

What are students surprised to learn about you during the program? 

I guess my love of wine might surprise some, as would my aspirations as a young man to become a professional sports person or an actor. Nothing came of these aspirations, so I guess the only surprise might be that I chose to be a nerd when I could have been a cool dude!

What can we find you doing outside of Georgetown?
I love staycations! So, I spend a lot of time at home, mostly just lazing around.

How are you influenced by Georgetown’s Jesuit values?
Immensely. I deeply believe in the Jesuit model of pedagogy — the virtuous cycle of “learn – act – reflect.” When applied thoughtfully in education, it leads to individual transformation and discerning leaders, who are then equipped to serve the common good.

What has been the biggest change to the business world since you started teaching? 

In the area of marketing, the emergence of digital media is undoubtedly the biggest change. The business world has changed dramatically as a result of the rapid adoption of technology in all aspects of business.

How would you describe the sense of community at Georgetown McDonough? 

The sense of community at Georgetown McDonough is amazing! Hoyas truly care for other Hoyas, as they do for women and men across the globe.

What is the one thing you hope students take away from your program? 

Be humbitious! (Humbitious = a person who is humble + ambitious)

What is the one thing you recommend a student does before graduating from your program? 

Take at least one class outside of the McDonough School in another college at Georgetown or taught by a professor from a non-business background.