Raj Biyani, a former Microsoft executive and Goshen College alumnus, returns as the institution’s first chief innovation officer to lead its human-centered artificial intelligence strategy.
Raj Biyani’s professional journey has come full circle, returning him to his roots at Goshen College in Indiana. The 1992 alumnus has been appointed as the college’s inaugural chief innovation officer, a role that will see him spearheading the ethical and practical integration of artificial intelligence in higher education.
This appointment marks a significant homecoming for Biyani, who was born and raised in India before moving to the United States in the late 1980s. His foundational experiences in India laid the groundwork for his academic pursuits at Goshen College, where he earned a degree in computer science and accounting.
Following his undergraduate studies, Biyani furthered his education by obtaining an MBA with honors from the University of Chicago and completing the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. His career is highlighted by a remarkable 17-year tenure at Microsoft, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s global expansion efforts.
During his time at Microsoft, Biyani served as the managing director of Microsoft IT’s operations in India, overseeing a 1,200-member engineering center. His leadership was so impactful that it became a case study at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, the Indian Institute of Management, and Singapore Management University.
In addition to his management accomplishments, Biyani holds multiple U.S. patents and was the founding product manager for the precursor to the Microsoft App Store. He also co-produced the CNBC documentary “Inventing the Zero, Reaching for Infinity,” which showcased the rise of the Indian IT industry to a global audience.
Goshen College President Rebecca Stoltzfus expressed enthusiasm about Biyani’s return, stating, “Raj brings strategic clarity, entrepreneurial energy, and humility in a rare combination. We are fortunate to have him not only as an accomplished alumnus but now as a colleague who will help shape our institutional strategy.”
Biyani’s involvement with the college began as a volunteer effort after he received the Culture for Service Award in late 2025. Since then, he has guest-lectured in over 25 classes and designed a comprehensive 12-part AI seminar for faculty and staff. His influence is already evident through the AI Innovators Program, which has funded 45 projects across 14 academic departments.
The new chief innovation officer emphasizes a “human wisdom” approach to technology. While many institutions focus on AI as a tool for efficiency, Biyani aims to prioritize the human responsibility that accompanies technological advancements.
<p“At Goshen College, we are not limiting ourselves by just asking what AI can do, but rather what we should do with it and why,” Biyani stated. “I am excited to contribute to this mission because those are questions worth dedicating the next chapter of my life to.”
As Biyani embarks on this new chapter, his vision for integrating AI in education promises to shape the future of Goshen College and its approach to technology in a rapidly evolving landscape.
According to The American Bazaar, Biyani’s leadership is expected to foster an environment where ethical considerations and human values are at the forefront of technological innovation.