SEARCH PROFILE: DEAN, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS SEARCH PROFILE: Dean, College of Business and Economics 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY 4 EAST BAY AREA OF CALIFORNIA 5 UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP 5 ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS 6 THE DEAN 7 LEADERSHIP AGENDA 9 QUALIFICATIONS 9 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 10 APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS 10SEARCH PROFILE: Dean, College of Business and Economics 3 California State University, East Bay (Cal State East Bay) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Dean of the College of Business and Economics (CBE). Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean will lead a vibrant college of outstanding faculty and staff in one of the most dynamic business/ industry environments in the world. This is an exciting opportunity to lead with talented colleagues and to help form the Academic Affairs leadership team.SEARCH PROFILE: Dean, College of Business and Economics 4 ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY Cal State East Bay is recognized as a regionally engaged and globally oriented university with a strong commitment to academic innovation, faculty and student research, student success, community focused service learning, diversity, and sustainability. The University consistently is rated as a top performing school for social mobility, value-added impact, affordability and value, and online programs. Founded in 1957, Cal State East Bay is one of 22 universities of the California State University (CSU) system. The beautiful main campus is located in the Hayward Hills with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Situated above the city of Hayward, the University offers an ideal setting for teaching and learning with easy access to the many cities in the Bay Area. With a student population of nearly 15,000, the institution has a satellite campus in Concord, a conference center in San Ramon Valley, and a significant presence online. The University’s students arrive predominantly from Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and more than 60% are first-generation college students. The university employs over 1,300 faculty and staff and has an operating budget of $213 million. The campus is designated a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). It most recently was awarded a Seal of Excelencia for going beyond enrollment to more intentionally serve Latinx students. Cal State East Bay has the distinction of having the second highest percentage of Black and African American students in the CSU system at 9%. Cal State East Bay‘s four colleges, including Business and Economics ; Health ; Letters, Arts and Social Sciences ; and Science, offer a total of 48 bachelor’s degrees, 56 minors, 23 credentials and certificates, 34 master’s degrees, a doctorate in Educational Leadership, and five subject matter preparation programs. INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES The Cal State East Bay Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) express a shared, campus-wide articulation of expectations for all degree recipients. Through development of the higher order capacities represented by the Cal State East Bay ILOs, students acquire the habits of lifelong learning and community engagement that prepare them to effectively apply their skills personally and professionally. STUDENT LIFE Cal State East Bay offers a full range of student co-curricular activities, including clubs, organizations, service-learning opportunities, and NCAA Division II athletics. Student Life and Leadership Programs provide opportunities for student learning beyond the classroom and enhance the mission of the University through the coordination and support of a variety of special programs that promote campus life, leadership, and community engagement. Programs include orientation for new students and families; the recognition and development of student clubs and organizations; leadership conferences, seminars and workshops; and campus-wide programs and events.MISSION Cal State East Bay welcomes and supports a diverse student body with academically rich, culturally relevant learning experiences that prepare students to apply their education to meaningful lifework and to be socially responsible contributors to society. Through its educational programs and activities, the University strives to meet the educational needs and to contribute to the vitality of the East Bay, the state, the nation, and global communities.SEARCH PROFILE: Dean, College of Business and Economics 5 THE EAST BAY AREA OF CALIFORNIA The East Bay (primarily Alameda and Contra Costa counties) is the most populous subregion of the San Francisco Bay area with 2.8 million residents. Economically diverse and innovation-driven, the region is anchored by numerous universities and has a strong presence influencing world-wide technology and innovation. Software development, AI, high-performance computing, and biotech are established and ever expanding. Almost $4 billion in venture capital funding was raised in 2024. There is also a significant cluster of biomedical research, pharmaceutical, and medical device manufacturing, and healthcare providers. Additional industry leaders include manufacturing, precision engineering, and international trade and logistics. Estimated at $300 billion, the GDP of the East Bay is one of the largest regional economies in the world (ranked 52nd worldwide). The largest cities are (in order) Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Concord, Berkeley, Antioch, and Richmond. Other notable cities include Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon, and Alameda, which are smaller but economically significant. UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP President Cathy Sandeen, Ph.D., MBA, MA is the sixth president of Cal State East Bay, joining the campus in 2021. As a two-time alumna of the California State University (Humboldt and San Francisco), she has a deep understanding of the CSU mission. Prior to returning to her hometown in the East Bay, Dr. Sandeen was Chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage and Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Colleges and UW-Extension. Dr. Sandeen also held leadership positions in the University of California system, including UCLA, Santa Cruz and San Francisco. She earned a Ph.D. in communication from the University of Utah, a Master of Business Administration degree from UCLA, and a Master of Arts from San Francisco State. Dr. Sandeen is committed to continuing Cal State East Bay’s momentum in students’ economic mobility, social justice, and sustainability. Anthony Muscat joined Cal State East Bay in July 2025 as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Muscat most recently served as the Dean of the College of Engineering at Wichita State University. His background also includes leadership roles at San José State University and the University of Arizona. He holds a Ph.D. and an M.S. in chemical engineering from Stanford. Dr. Muscat’s approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration and inclusivity.SEARCH PROFILE: Dean, College of Business and Economics 6 ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS Over 3,000 majors span the undergraduate and graduate programs of the College and represent a mix of traditional students and working professionals. The College offers flexible formats that include evening, weekend, hybrid, and online options. Strong ties to Bay Area and Silicon Valley companies provide opportunities for students to intern and network with some of the most iconic companies in the world. The regional business connections also provide vibrant research and partnership opportunities for the faculty and the University in general. The College of Business and Economics is committed to advancing high-quality business research that supports the creation, dissemination, and application of knowledge. CBE’s goal is not only to uphold scholarly excellence but also to ensure that research generates a meaningful and positive impact on society. In this context, society includes faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader East Bay business and local communities served. From 2017 to 2022, CBE faculty produced a portfolio of 362 intellectual contributions, including 87 in Basic or Discovery Scholarship, 239 in Applied or Integration/Application Scholarship, and 36 in Teaching and Learning Scholarship. Since 2025, CBE has maintained an official affiliation with the CFA Institute, strengthening the College’s connection to professional business education. The College is a community of 97 total faculty and staff, whose commitment to student success is evident and sincere (57 FTTT faculty, 27 lecturers, and 13 staff). The all-funds budget for the College is approximately $10 million and is a combination of State General Fund, auxiliary enterprises, and indirect cost recovery from grants and awards.The College is fully accredited by AACSB and is beginning work to prepare for the review cycle in 2027. The next Dean will lead this effort. POINTS OF PRIDE • Recognized by Princeton Review as one of the Best Business Schools in the West • Ranked by the San Francisco Business Times among the largest Bay Area MBA programs • Consistently noted for affordability and flexibility • Ethical AI in Business and Leadership Certificate— first of its kindINSTITUTES & CENTERS • Center for Economic Education • Smith Center for Private Enterprise Studies • East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – CBE is the lead agency for small business development in Alameda and Contra Costa counties • Women in Leadership Fellowship • Student Investment Fund • Employee Ownership Initiative COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT Provide quality business education to inspire students from diverse backgrounds to become successful professionals and pioneers in a changing environment. ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS • Accounting & Finance • Economics • Management • Marketing DEGREES • BS Accounting and Analytics • BS Business Administration (with 9 concentrations) • BS Business Analytics • BS Economics • MBA (with concentrations, an accelerated MBA, and an Executive MBA for Global Innovators) • MS Accountancy • MS Business Analytics • MS Economics • MS Marketing AnalyticsSEARCH PROFILE: Dean, College of Business and Economics 7 THE DEAN The Dean of the College of Business and Economics serves as the academic and administrative leader of the College, reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Working closely with the Associate Dean, department chairs, faculty, and faculty governance, the Dean provides strategic direction while fostering a culture of academic excellence, collaboration, and innovation. The successful candidate will lead the College with an inclusive approach and genuine recognition of faculty expertise. This requires exceptional emotional intelligence and professional integrity, building trust through empathy, active listening, and authentic connection with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners. This role delivers visible leadership and builds strong, collaborative relationships across the College through frequent and meaningful in-person engagements. Reporting directly to the Dean are the four Academic Department Chairs. The Dean’s staff includes the Associate Dean, Assistant to the Dean, Human Resources Analyst, Budget and Data Analyst, and Communications Specialist. The Dean provides leadership for all personnel appointed in the College, with special attention towards those in Unit 03 positions (such as, but not limited to, tenure and tenure-track faculty), all personnel overseeing centers, institutes, programs, or other units housed in the College, including those offered through special sessions, continuing education, University Extension, or any other university auxiliary.RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership and Vision • Provide long-term vision and strategic leadership for the College, aligned with the University’s mission and goals. • Develop recognition for the College regionally, nationally, and globally. • Serve as a persuasive advocate for the College both within the University and externally. • Maintain a consistent and in-person leadership presence to foster trust, accessibility, and connection across the College. Academic Excellence and Program Innovation • Build and develop high-quality academic and professional degree programs. • Ensure continued Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation and lead ongoing program innovation. • Manage AACSB and WSCUC accreditation standards, ensuring faculty and programs consistently meet expectations. • Oversee all programs of the College, including developing and strengthening partnerships with major accounting firms, technology companies, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations to expand student opportunities and industry engagement. • Initiate and maintain cooperative relationships with other universities, community colleges, community organizations, and state and local agencies. • Establish strategic plans to enhance enrollment and facilitate student success for College programs.SEARCH PROFILE: Dean, College of Business and Economics 8 THE DEAN (CONT.) Faculty Development and Support • Foster a supportive and inclusive academic environment that champions authentic engagement and strengthens shared governance. • Empower faculty through meaningful consultation, transparent decision-making, and sustained support for teaching, scholarship, and service. • Build a vibrant faculty community of tenure-track and lecturer faculty, uniting diverse perspectives and expertise to advance the College’s mission. • Support excellence in faculty teaching, research, creative activity, and professional contributions that shape the reputation and impact of the College. • Inspire and cultivate faculty leadership to guide the College into the future. Student Success • Champion student success by monitoring outcomes, closing equity gaps, and ensuring access to high- quality learning experiences both in-person and on-line. • Advance student learning by responding to emerging evidence-based curricular trends and innovative practices. • Expand career pathways for students by engaging employers, alumni, industry, and community partners to create new opportunities.External Engagement and Advancement • Strengthen relationships with alumni, industry leaders, government, and community partners to expand opportunities for students and faculty. • Create and nurture partnerships with the business community. • Lead fundraising and resource development efforts, including scholarships, program support, endowed professorships, and other areas. Administration and Resource Management • Effectively manage personnel, programs, and financial resources. • Oversee administrative operations in alignment with university policies and priorities. • Ensure the financial integrity of the College. Other Responsibilities • Other duties as assigned. SEARCH PROFILE: Dean, College of Business and Economics 9 LEADERSHIP AGENDA INTERNAL PRIORITIES • Increase enrollment through recruitment and retention of students at all levels (traditional entering freshmen, transfer, graduate) through partnership with campus partners. • Strengthen academic programs and advance faculty teaching and scholarship to enhance the College’s reputation and impact. • Lead the College’s accreditation efforts in a collaborative and timely manner, empowering faculty and ensuring a quality visit and successful re- accreditation. • Champion student success by closing equity gaps and creating opportunities for all learners to thrive. • Foster a collaborative and inclusive College culture where all faculty, staff, and students can contribute and succeed. • Build strong relationships across colleges to expand interdisciplinary programs and shared initiatives.EXTERNAL PRIORITIES • Cultivate partnerships with alumni, industry, and community organizations to create pathways for innovation, impact, and opportunity. • Support the delivery and development of relevant and responsive programs that have increased visibility and community impact. • Lead fundraising and resource development while representing the College with distinction on campus and beyond. • Position the College as a regional catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and economic development. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • Four years of academic leadership experience at the chair level or above. • Terminal degree in a discipline within the College, or an MBA with significant experience commensurate with leading a College of Business and Economics. • A record of teaching, service, and scholarship sufficient to merit appointment with tenure at the rank of full professor in the College. • A record of achievement demonstrated through one or more of the following: scholarly and educational accomplishments, corporate or public enterprise experience, business community involvement, and fundraising. • Evidence of collaborative and transparent leadership, making shared decisions that foster collegiality and trust. DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Leadership & Management • Experience as an associate dean or dean. • Substantial leadership and administrative experience in an academic environment, with a record of fostering innovation, equity, entrepreneurship, scholarship, and research. • Skill in effective resource management and implementation of policies within a large, complex public organization. • Ability to lead successful fundraising initiatives and build financial sustainability for the College.• Experience with AACSB accreditation. • Experience at a campus with a collective bargaining agreement. Interpersonal & Community Engagement • Proven ability to build authentic, collaborative relationships with faculty, students, staff, administration, and external stakeholders. • Strong emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, empathy, trust-building, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Demonstrated success in supporting and advancing faculty teaching, research, and professional development. • Ability to develop partnerships with industry and community leaders to expand opportunities for the College. • Commitment to fostering an inclusive community that embraces the strengths of everyone, ensuring access and opportunity for all. • Commitment to maintaining an on-campus, in-person presence, ensuring daily engagement with the College community. • Commitment to shared governance. Ethics & Commitment • Knowledge of ethical practices in business and higher education. • Demonstrated integrity and accountability in leadership and decision-making.SEARCH PROFILE: Dean, College of Business and Economics 10 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Classification: Management (MPP) IV, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, 12-Month Classification. Anticipated Hiring Range: $250,000 - $280,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The CSU System offers a full range of benefits. Please see this link for more information. APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS Cal State East Bay is being assisted by Stacey Morgan Foster, JD, Senior Consultant ( stacey.foster@ academicsearch.org ), and Carolyn Kelly, Search Manager (carolyn.kelly@academicsearch.org ), with Academic Search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in strict confidence. Applicants should send electronically the following as two separate documents (in PDF format) to CSUEBDeanCBE@academicsearch.org : 1. A detailed cover letter, addressed to the Search Committee, expressing your interest in this position and addressing how you meet the qualifications as outlined in the profile. 2. A current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV ). Although the search remains open until the position is filled, for full consideration by the Search Committee, candidates should submit all application materials by February 25, 2026 . Semifinalists for the position will be invited for a confidential interview via Zoom. References will be requested at this time. Finalists will be invited for a campus interview. The expected start date is July 1, 2026.Although nominations are not required to be considered for this position, leaders who know of outstanding candidates are welcome to submit confidential nominations by sending an email to CSUEBDeanCBE@ academicsearch.org . Please include the nominee’s full name, position, institution/organization, and email address. OTHER The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Cal State East Bay does not discriminate on the basis of any protected categories: age, ancestry, citizenship, color, disability, gender, immigration status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. The University is committed to the principles of diversity in employment and to creating a stimulating learning environment for its diverse student body.ABOUT ACADEMIC SEARCH Academic Search is assisting Cal State East Bay in this work. For more than four decades, Academic Search has offered executive search services to higher education institutions, associations, and related organizations. Academic Search was founded by higher education leaders on the principle that we provide the most value to partner institutions by combining best practices with our deep knowledge and experience. Our mission today is to enhance institutional capacity by providing outstanding executive recruitment services, executive coaching, and transition support, in partnership with our parent organization, the American Academic Leadership Institute. academicsearch.org • 202-332-4049
