Nevada City, CA—In a significant leadership transition, the California College of Ayurveda (CCA) has appointed Dr. Mahadevan Seetharaman as its new Dean, effective April 1, 2025. This move follows CCA's integration with the Hindu University of America (HUA) in August 2024, marking a new chapter in the institution's commitment to advancing Ayurvedic education in the United States.
Key Facts:
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Leadership Transition: Dr. Seetharaman succeeds Dr. Marc Halpern, who founded CCA in 1995 and has been a pivotal figure in its development. Dr. Halpern will continue as a consultant, advisor, and faculty member.
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Extensive Experience: Dr. Seetharaman brings over 20 years of executive leadership in high-growth companies, with a deep understanding of the U.S. integrative health sector.
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Academic Credentials: He earned his Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 2003.
Dr. Seetharaman is the founder of Ayurveda Living, a platform dedicated to providing contemporary Ayurvedic health and wellness information. His roles as a yoga teacher and Ayurvedic diet and nutrition consultant further underscore his dedication to holistic health practices. Additionally, he has co-founded the Texas Ayurveda Professionals Association (TAPAS) and serves on the boards of the American Association of Ayurvedic Professionals (AAAP), the American Academy of Yoga and Meditation (AAYM), and the Global Council for Ayurveda Research (GCAR).
The appointment of Dr. Seetharaman is expected to usher in a period of growth and innovation for CCA, reinforcing its status as a premier institution for Ayurvedic education and practice.
Do You Know? The California College of Ayurveda, established in 1995, was the first state-approved Ayurvedic medical school in the United States, setting the standard for Ayurvedic education in the country.
Key Terms:
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Ayurveda: A traditional system of medicine originating in India, focusing on balancing bodily systems through diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.
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Integrative Health: An approach to care that combines conventional medical treatments with complementary and alternative therapies.
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Medicinal Chemistry: The discipline at the intersection of chemistry and pharmacology involved in designing and developing pharmaceutical agents.