Dean

Meet the Dean

Dr. Suzanne Zivnuska brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience in the CSU system to her role as Dean of the College of Business at Cal State Monterey Bay. She joins CSUMB from Chico State, where she served as interim dean and previously held roles as associate dean, department chair and director of the Professional Consulting Program.

A champion of student success, innovation and inclusive excellence, Dr. Zivnuska has led initiatives in program development, AACSB re-accreditation, advising and community engagement. Her research focuses on healthy workplace practices, including work-life balance, mindfulness, ethics and civility.

She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in organizational communication and psychology from UC Davis, master's degrees in social work and public administration from The Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in business from Florida State University with a focus on human resource management and organizational behavior.

Message from the Dean

Dear College of Business Community,

It is a true honor to introduce myself as the new Dean of the College of Business at Cal State Monterey Bay. I am deeply committed to advancing our mission of student success, academic excellence and positive societal impact.

My vision for the college is one of growth and distinction: an AACSB-accredited business school that is widely recognized in our region for engaged community partnerships, an entrepreneurial spirit, lifelong learning and a genuine commitment to making a difference in the world. Together, I believe we can shape the College of Business into a hub of innovation, collaboration and impact — a place where SurfacingLeadership is more than a tagline, but a shared way of learning, working and serving.

I am especially grateful to those who have paved the way for this next chapter. I want to thank former deans Shyam Kamath and Marylou Shockley for all they have done to position the college so well within our community. I am also appreciative of our engaged board members for their steadfast support, and of the warm welcome I have received from faculty, staff and the broader university community.

Looking ahead, I am excited to highlight several important initiatives. This fall, we are proud to launch our new Accounting Program, designed to prepare students for in-demand careers and professional certification. We are also introducing an innovative Agriculture Supply Chain Program to serve the vital needs of our region’s economy. In addition, we continue to build on the success of the Pebble Beach Scholars Program, which is welcoming its second cohort of outstanding students who will benefit from mentorship, scholarships and unique learning opportunities. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to providing students with relevant, high-impact educational experiences that connect classroom learning with the real world.

I come to CSUMB after 19 years at Chico State, where I served in progressive leadership roles and discovered the power of higher education to transform lives. My academic training at Florida State University in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management helped me become an expert in optimizing employee performance, work-life balance and organizational effectiveness. Along the way, I have published more than 30 scholarly articles and taught courses in organizational behavior, human resource management, consulting and negotiation.

What excites me most about joining CSUMB is the opportunity to work with such dedicated students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners. Together, we will create a joyful college culture defined by professionalism, collaboration and innovation. I truly believe that business can — and must — be a force for good in society, and I am eager to partner with all of you in advancing that vision.

Thank you again for the warm welcome to this incredible community. I look forward to meeting you, learning from you and building a bright future together.

Warmly,

Dr. Suzanne Zivnuska
Dean, College of Business
Cal State Monterey Bay