Today's guest is Dr. Raj Bellani, Vice President of External Affairs, Career Outcomes, and Chief of Staff at Denison University in Ohio.
At Denison, Raj plays a key role in advancing the university’s strategic plan—strengthening its global engagement, enhancing faculty and staff mentoring, and promoting innovation and wellness across campus.
Before arriving in Granville, Raj served as Dean of Experiential Learning and Career Planning at DePauw University’s Hubbard Center for Student Engagement, overseeing career services, service-learning programs, national fellowships, and alumni initiatives.
Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions at the Rhode Island School of Design—including International Recruitment Director, Associate Provost, and Dean of Students—and served in a variety of administrative roles at Colgate University.
Beyond campus, Raj contributes his expertise to several boards in the Columbus area, including the Greater Columbus Arts Council.
He earned degrees from SUNY Geneseo, Western Illinois University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
What is Small College America?
Small College America is a podcast series that presents critical discussions at the forefront by interviewing small college higher education leaders, policy experts, and innovators. The podcast will delve into the evolving role of small colleges, their economic impact, innovative strategies for sustainability, and how they can continue to provide a highly personalized educational experience. The series is co-hosted by Dean Hoke, Co-Founder of Edu Alliance Group and a Senior Fellow with the Sagamore Institute, and Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President for Strategy & Innovation and Vice President of Enrollment & Communication for Augustana College.