Inaugural School of Business and Technology Dean Leonard Arvi honored as higher education leader

Leonard Arvi, the inaugural dean of McDaniel College's new School of Business and Technology, has been honored as a higher education leader in Maryland by being named to the list of 2026 Influential Marylanders by The Daily Record. Those recognized are “exceptional leaders whose vision, innovation and service have helped shape Maryland's business, civic and nonprofit communities."

“The 2026 Influential Marylanders demonstrate an impressive record of accomplishment, leadership and vision. They are actively engaged in the community, and they mentor others," said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/The Daily Record. "This year's honorees are such an impressive group of leaders, and they are examples for everyone to emulate. We at The Daily Record are pleased to honor this year’s Influential Marylanders."

Influential Marylanders was created in 2006 to recognize individuals for their significant contributions to their respective fields and for their leadership in Maryland. Those on the list are chosen by the editors of The Daily Record. 

In addition to Arvi, McDaniel alumni James Cardea '89, a partner at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg & Cardea, PA, and Gregory T. Miller M.S. '87, president and CEO of Penn-Mar Human Services, are also on the list.

This year's honorees are such an impressive group of leaders, and they are examples for everyone to emulate," said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/The Daily Record.

As the dean of McDaniel's School of Business and Technology, which is set to open in fall 2027, Arvi oversees McDaniel's academic programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, Economics, Entrepreneurship, International Business, Marketing, and Management. 

Arvi previously taught as a Finance professor at Salisbury University, where he served as department chairperson of Finance for the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business. He helped to develop the Judkins Family Financial Research Center and served as a member of the board for the Shore Hatchery competition, which is held twice a year for Mid-Atlantic business startups. In 2024, he became a member of the AI Task Force consortium between Salisbury University, the University of Baltimore, and Frostburg State University.

A serial entrepreneur, Arvi’s expertise includes real estate finance and investments. He is also an advocate for financial literacy, serving on the board for Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore Wicomico County and as a financial literacy trainer with the ProjectREAD adult literacy program. In addition, he has advised the Mayor of Salisbury on economic development, served on the City of Salisbury Sustainability Committee, and was a member of the Greater Salisbury Committee’s Blue-Ribbon panel. 

Arvi holds both a master’s degree and doctorate in Finance from Florida International University, where he taught as an adjunct instructor. He is also a graduate of the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand with a master’s degree in Computer Science and previously worked as a software engineering analyst and IT strategist at the Stock Exchange of Thailand. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from St. Joseph’s College in India.