Dean Chooses to Resign

Business school leader to step down at the end of five-year term

Nicolas SonnenburgTHE SANTA CLARASeptember 25, 2014

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Leavey School of Business is set to see a leadership change. 

After serving as dean of the college for five years, Drew Starbird will return to the teaching staff in the summer of 2015.

First appointed in 2009 as an interim dean following Dr. Barry Posner’s resignation, Starbird was hired as dean in 2010. During his term, he has led the business school through turbulent times, such as the impact of the 2008 recession on university enrollment and funding.

Starbird said he is proud of expanding graduate business and entrepreneurship programs, as well as hiring nearly 20 new faculty members in the face of financial pressure. 

Despite stepping down from his position, Starbird will still be active in the affairs of the business school. Starting next fall he will be returning to the classroom to teach operations management and information systems.

“One of the most satisfying parts of my role as a professor is helping students grasp complex ideas and concepts,” Starbird said. “I have missed the direct interaction with the students and I am looking forward to returning to the classroom.” 

Starbird said he plans stay and teach at Santa Clara for “many years to come.”

According to Dennis Jacobs, provost and vice president for academic affairs, a search committee comprised of Silicon Valley leaders and faculty and staff from Leavey, will work with a professional search firm to find a new dean. The committee will develop a position description that “conveys the distinctive character of Santa Clara, priorities for the Leavey School of Business and responsibilities of the dean,” Jacobs said.

Contact Nicolas Sonnenburg at nsonnenburg@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.