Saadiya Fratila, director of business administration for the College of Arts and Science at the University of Missouri-Columbia, has been named assistant vice chancellor for business operations and strategy at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Fratila’s appointment begins July 1.

In this role, Fratila will spearhead revenue-generating initiatives across various operational facets, including print and mail services, events and hospitality management, and parking operations. With a keen eye for strategic development, she will craft and execute a forward-thinking vision aligned with the university’s overarching goals. Additionally, Fratila will oversee the campus’s business administration function, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness, while also managing dining and retail contracts. She will report to Alysha O’Neil, vice chancellor for finance and operations.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the positive impact Saadiya can have on business operations at S&T given her extensive background in higher education and broad international experience,” O’Neil says.

Fratila holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Peshawar, Pakistan. Her career includes experience with international humanitarian organizations, such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), where she specialized in post-conflict and post-disaster regions across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Fratila joined MU’s staff a decade ago, most recently serving as the director of business administration for the College of Arts and Science since 2020. In this role, she has provided strategic fiscal guidance to the college dean, covering a broad spectrum of areas, including strategic planning, finance, budget planning, human resources operations, information technology, facilities, renovations, capital expenditures, real estate and faculty recruitment.

“I am excited to join an exceptionally proficient business team at S&T,” she says. “Envisioning abundant potential and opportunities, I anticipate a journey filled with growth and achievement. Challenges will undoubtedly arise, yet I view them as essential milestones on the path to success. My aim is to cultivate trust through unwavering integrity, nurturing an environment conducive to growth and steering towards a future defined by excellence and impactful change.”