Capella University appoints EdTech and AI executive Karthik Iyappan Gunasekaran to its Board of Trustees
Capella University has appointed Karthik Iyappan Gunasekaran to its Board of Trustees, citing his leadership in education technology, AI integration, and global product development.
The Minnesota-based institution, which delivers online, career-aligned degree programs, says Gunasekaran’s appointment will support its ongoing digital education strategy.
Gunasekaran currently serves as vice president of AI and software products at the Project Management Institute. His previous roles include senior product leadership at Udemy and Kaplan, where he was involved in building scalable learning platforms and AI-powered education tools for global audiences.
EdTech and governance experience
In addition to his corporate experience, Gunasekaran has served in advisory and academic roles, including at Harvard Innovation Labs and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has also been a guest lecturer at Tufts University and a board member at the University of Pennsylvania.
Capella’s Board of Trustees oversees regulatory compliance and institutional governance while advising on strategic direction. Trustees are selected for their alignment with the university’s mission and their ability to represent diverse learner needs.
Constance St. Germain, president of Capella University, says: “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. I have no doubt he will add tremendous value and help us meet Capella's mission of empowering learners through innovative digital education.”
