(Photo by Nha Ha)
The interim dean of the Orfalea College of Business has not yet been announced, though the administration plans to do so before commencement, according to Cal Poly spokesperson Matt Lazier.
“Appointment of the interim dean is happening through the Academic Affairs division,” Lazier said. “They expect to make an announcement on the appointment before commencement.”
The decision follows the impending departure of current dean Dave Christy, who will leave Cal Poly in mid-summer to take on a position as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Baruch College in New York City.
Both Christy and Cal Poly Provost Kathleen Enz Finken, who is overseeing the appointment of an interim dean, were not available for comment.
The search for a permanent dean has not yet started but will begin in the near future, according to Lazier.
“The interim appointment is expected to be for one year, and they anticipate launching the search for a permanent dean this summer,” Lazier said.
Though the leadership of the college is currently ambiguous, students say they are not concerned about the direction the college will take.
“I’m not too worried they haven’t chosen someone to fill the position,” business administration junior Melanie Ulrich said. “The college of business seems to be pretty organized and efficient, so I’m sure they have it under control.”
These administrative changes come after a period of increasing rankings for the Orfalea College of Business, including its five consecutive years on the Bloomberg Businessweek ranking of the nation’s top undergraduate business colleges, moving up five spots to a ranking of 64 on the list in 2013.
Christy has served as dean since 2004, and said he intends to embody Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy in his position at Baruch College.
Laura Pezzini contributed to this staff report.