Capella University Announces Appointment of Innovation Technology Leader Karthik Iyappan Gunasekaran to Board of Trustees

By: Capella University via Business Wire

April 16, 2025 at 07:01 AM EDT

Capella University is pleased to announce the appointment of Karthik Iyappan Gunasekaran to its Board of Trustees. With over 15 years of leadership experience in educational technology and digital innovation, Gunasekaran is a distinguished product management executive who brings a wealth of expertise in leveraging technology to further advance learning platforms.

Most recently serving as VP of AI & Software Products at the Project Management Institute and previously leading product teams at Udemy and Kaplan, Gunasekaran has demonstrated exceptional skill in developing cutting-edge educational technologies, AI-driven learning solutions, and global product strategies. His experience includes leading initiatives that expanded mobile learning platforms to over 65 million users and developing AI-powered learning companions.

“It’s this type of entrepreneurial thinking, along with his extensive higher education experience that will be instrumental in guiding Capella’s strategic technological and education initiatives,” said Constance St. Germain, President of Capella University. “I have no doubt he will add tremendous value and help us meet Capella's mission of empowering learners through innovative digital education.”

Gunasekaran previously worked as a business advisor at Harvard Innovation Labs and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as a guest lecturer at Tufts University Gordon Institute and an executive board member at the University of Pennsylvania. He received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, a master’s degree in digital technologies from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.

The Capella University Board of Trustees oversees institutional compliance of regulatory and constituent requirements that serve students and stakeholders. The Board aims to represent today’s learners, encourage academic success and promote the public good. Board members are selected based on expertise and alignment with Capella’s institutional mission.

About Capella University

Capella University (www.capella.edu) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Founded in 1993, the University is dedicated to providing flexible, professionally aligned online degree programs designed to help working adults advance in their careers. Known for its commitment to learner success, academic quality and innovations in online education, Capella pioneered competency-based direct assessment programs, allowing students to learn at their own pace. For more information, call 1.888.CAPELLA (888.227.3552).