New dean plans to focus on responsible business and accreditation

By Roger Ruvolo

A commitment to responsible business has been a key principle of CSUMB’s College of Business from its inception. Those ideals have no greater champion than Suzanne Zivnuska, the college’s new dean. Zivnuska began her new job Aug. 4.

Among her top objectives, she said, is "demonstrating the important societal impact our college makes and how business can be leveraged as a force for good." 

She also wants to “warmly welcome students and make sure that they feel connected to our community." 

And, she said, another key goal is to attain accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Only about 6% of business schools worldwide qualify. 

“We’re almost there,” Zivnuska said. “The accreditation visit comes up in October 2026, and preparing for it is job one. We are going to get there, but it will take us all working together. …  Honoring our successes by achieving accreditation will be a great win, and the college is going to be well-prepared!”  

CSUMB’s College of Business is unique in teaching what it calls “responsible business” by teaching QBL, or the quintuple bottom line – profit, people, planet, ethics and equity – as guiding values.  

Long-term efforts have been made, Zivnuska said, by numerous people at the college. She cited the college’s founding dean, Shyam Kamath, and interim dean, Marylou Shockley, for their work to advance the college. 

“I feel so lucky to be working with them,” Zivnuska said. “This college has the potential to be the most dynamic department on campus.” 

A native of California, Zivnuska earned bachelor’s degrees (in psychology and communications) at UC Davis before moving to Ohio State for her master’s degree in public administration. In 2003, Zivnuska earned her PhD in human resources management and organizational behavior at Florida State University. 

Zivnuska’s career in academic instruction and administration began almost immediately. She eventually served more than 19 years at Cal State Chico before moving this year to CSUMB. At Chico, Zivnuska served in several capacities, including as interim dean of the business school. 

An avid outdoors enthusiast, Zivnuska enjoys whitewater rafting and bicycling.