Khayum to be honored as USI Honorary Degree recipient

Dr. Mohammed Khayum, University of Southern Indiana Provost Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Economics, is receiving an honorary Doctor of Business degree for his extensive service and unwavering dedication to USI.

During his tenure as Provost, Khayum spearheaded a range of transformative initiatives at USI. This included establishing graduate and undergraduate degree programs, expanding online learning opportunities and active involvement in community and economic development projects. From 2010 onward, he played a pivotal role in shaping and executing the University's
strategic plans. Khayum's efforts were particularly concentrated on bolstering data integration
and fostering collaboration within the University, with a special emphasis on improving student recruitment and retention strategies.

Before becoming Provost, he was the Dean of USI's Romain College of Business from 2006 to 2018. Khayum joined the University in 1991. During his time at USI, he held various positions, including Professor, Department Chair and Associate Dean. Over his 12-year tenure as Dean, he worked to extend the College's business and accounting accreditations, implement an accelerated Master of Business Administration Program and established the Romain College of Business Innovative Speaker Series. This Series featured influential figures such as T. Boone Pickens, Ben Bernanke, Oscar Salazar, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) and Steve Wozniak.

As a faculty member, Khayum delivered courses spanning global economic issues, statistics, micro- and macroeconomics and forecasting at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. His contributions extended beyond the classroom, encompassing significant scholarly work, including publications in numerous academic journals.

He also conducted economic impact studies and forecasts, benefiting the University and a diverse array of businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Tri-state region. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Guyana and master's and doctoral degrees in economics from Temple University in Pennsylvania.