California Lutheran University School of Management professor Vlad Vaiman, Ph.D., has been awarded one of the most prestigious appointments offered to U.S. scholars: A 2025-26 Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Business and Economics.

Vaiman is the first Cal Lutheran School of Management professor to receive the award. He will spend a total of four months conducting research at the Hanken School of Economics in Finland, a leading global university with 115 years of experience in research and education in economics and business.

His research will explore the integration of General Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) for managing human talent in workplaces and examine how GenAI alters power dynamics, affects employee well-being, team interactions and task delegation. It also will develop practical strategies for organizations, highlight human-centric approaches to foster effective collaboration and minimize disruptions to ensure GenAI enhances human talent, rather than replace it. 

“The Fulbright experience will provide me an excellent opportunity to deepen my research, explore new academic partnerships and contribute to the development of innovative educational practices,” Vaiman said. “It will help advance my research in talent management and foster a global network of scholars committed to this important field.”

Vaiman applied for the appointment after being invited by Hanken, which is among the top 1% of business schools worldwide to have the three most respected accreditations for business schools (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). The application review process included rigorous evaluations of his academic and professional standing and his proposal by the Fulbright Foundation.  

Vaiman will be in Finland in November and December and again next March and April.

About the Fulbright Program: Founded in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the flagship international academic exchange program sponsored by the United States government. Its goals are to increase mutual understanding and support friendly and peaceful relations between residents of the United States and other countries. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) directs the global Fulbright program, manages priorities, allocates resources and funds the Fulbright program’s administration by non-governmental organizations that serve as implementing partners in the United States. The U.S. government oversees the fellowships and scholarships in partnership with over 160 countries. Learn more at FulbrightProgram.org.

About California Lutheran University: Founded in 1959 and federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, California Lutheran University is home to over 2,200 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students. Our students come from 58 countries and represent many faiths and spiritualities. Our dedicated, accomplished faculty teach in small classes, guiding our students as they grow into open-minded leaders who are strong in character and judgment, confident in identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Everyone at Cal Lutheran is committed to helping students pursue their passions, discover their purpose and transform their communities. Learn more at CalLutheran.edu.