Welcome to the Monte Ahuja College of Business

About the College of Business

At the Monte Ahuja College of Business, serving you—the student—is our focus.

And we don’t just teach you business.

  • As an integral part of Cleveland State University, the Monte Ahuja College of Business gives you access to the complete resources of Cleveland State University.
  • Our unique downtown Cleveland location physically locates you in the center of business. You are where business happens.
  • As a trusted partner to successful businesses all over the region, the Monte Ahuja College of Business provides not only a practical, applied, effective education, but also a host of engaged learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

The Monte Ahuja College of Business Vision and Mission:

Our Vision: We Are Northeast Ohio's Business Cornerstone.

Our Mission: To support the Northeast Ohio business community by creating and advancing business-ready talent, impactful business knowledge, and foundational community engagement.

Learn more here.


Meet Monte and Usha Ahuja: CSU and Community PhilanthropistsMonte and Usha Ahuja

Monte Ahuja is often described as "self-made," "hard-working" and "entrepreneur." But perhaps "giver" is the most accurate term for this captain of industry.

Mr. Ahuja gives generously of his wealth but he also gives of his time and talent to organizations throughout Northeast Ohio. In doing so, he has significantly impacted the business, educational and medical communities, thereby improving the quality of life and providing opportunity for others. Partnering with him for all these endeavors is his wife of 40 years, Usha Ahuja, a mathematician and educator.

The Ahujas donated $10 million to Cleveland State University, marking the largest gift in the University's 47-year history. In appreciation, the University's Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name the College of Business the Monte Ahuja College of Business. This generous gift funds scholarships in business and engineering, as well as an endowed professorship in business, the Monte Ahuja Endowed Chair of Global Business.

A native of India, Mr. Ahuja came to the United States in 1969 with $12 in his pocket and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Punjab Engineering College. He went on to earn a master's degree in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University and a master's degree in business administration from Cleveland State University in 1975.

That same year, showing the drive and initiative that have defined his life, he turned an MBA class project into what would become a multi-million dollar company. Based on the business plan developed for a CSU entrepreneurship course, Mr. Ahuja founded Transtar Industries, Inc. Transtar grew to become the leading worldwide distributor of quality transmission parts to the motor vehicle repair industry. After 35 years as chairman and chief executive officer, Mr. Ahuja sold his interest in Transtar. Today, he is the chairman and CEO of MURA Holdings, LLC, a private investment company.

As a self-made man, Mr. Ahuja understands the value of an excellent education. He has consistently shown his appreciation to CSU through a distinguished record of service and generous financial support.

Mr. Ahuja served as a member of the CSU Board of Trustees from 1991-2000, including six years as chairman, and was the first alumnus to hold that post. He and his wife gave $2 million to the College of Business in 2000, and established the Ahuja Endowed Scholarship Fund in Business Administration and Engineering and the Distinguished Scholar in Comparative Indian and Western Philosophy. In 1990, Mr. Ahuja was named one of Cleveland State's Top 25 Distinguished Alumni. In 2001, CSU awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Business degree.

As the community's leading philanthropists, the Ahujas also have generously supported other organizations. Their gifts include $30 million to University Hospitals, which funded the Ahuja Medical Center in Beachwood.

The Ahujas have unselfishly given their time and energy to a host of civic organizations, including University Hospitals, BioEnterprise, Ursuline College, the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Musical Arts Association, and many others.

They are respected leaders of the Indian community in Northeast Ohio and their accolades have been many, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Both are committed to giving back to the region that has enabled them to lead productive and rewarding lives.

Learn more about Monte Ahuja here.