Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Linfield University with the Recruitment of Dean of the School of Business
September 16, 2026 – Blue Rock Human Capital has helped to recruit Isaac Wanasika as the new dean of the School of Business at Linfield University. “Blue Rock Human Capital was pleased to work with Linfield University to identify their new dean of the School of Business,” said Jacquelyn Elliot, president and COO of Blue Rock Human Capital. “Today’s higher education leaders must be able to bridge academic excellence with real-world business acumen and governance experience. Isaac Wanasika brings Fortune 500 leadership, entrepreneurial partnership-building, and public company board experience that will serve Linfield University well. We look forward to seeing him drive continued growth and innovation for the institution.”
“We are so fortunate to have Dr. Wanasika joining us as dean of the School of Business,” said Beth Concepción, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “His background in the corporate world, combined with his higher education experience, makes him a well-rounded, globally minded and forward-thinking leader. Dr. Wanasika is a thoughtful and purposeful leader who collaborates well, makes data-driven decisions and always puts students first. We are excited about his vision for the School of Business and how we can build on the qualities that make Linfield unique.”
Dr. Wanasika joins Linfield after 16 years at the University of Northern Colorado. Most recently, he served as chair of the Department of Management and Hospitality and Event Management. He also served as professor of management. His career combines more than 15 years in higher education with 12 years at Royal Dutch Shell.
Beyond academic program development, Dr. Wanasika has raised external funds and built strong partnerships between higher education, business, government and nonprofits. He founded the Weld Startup Ecosystem, a community collaboration in Colorado that strengthens entrepreneurship and regional economic development.
As dean, Dr. Wanasika will lead a School of Business recognized for preparing ethical, innovative leaders. Its personalized education is grounded in the liberal arts. He will work closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni and business leaders. Together, they will strengthen experiential learning, cultivate strategic partnerships and expand the school’s impact throughout Oregon and beyond. Building on Linfield’s tradition of personalized education, he will help prepare graduates to lead organizations, launch ventures and contribute to their communities with integrity and purpose.
“I am honored to join the Linfield community, and grateful to everyone who has built the School of Business into what it is,” Dr. Wanasika said. “My commitment is to lead collaboratively and continue building on the school’s foundation of excellence.”
Related: Blue Rock Human Capital Assists Warren Wilson College With Senior Search
Linfield University is an independent, non-profit university with campuses in McMinnville and Portland, Oregon. Since 1858, it has connected a traditional liberal arts experience with practical education through 56 majors, including wine studies, sport management and nursing. Linfield has been recognized four years running for having the Best Ethnic Diversity in the Pacific Northwest by U.S. News and World Report. Thirty-two percent of Linfield students are first-generation college students, and more than one-third are U.S. students of color. Linfield competes in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference.
100 Percent Minority/Female-Owned Firm
Blue Rock Human Capital, formerly Blue Rock Search, is a 100 percent minority/female-owned executive search firm. As a member of the SRA Network, the firm is also a Hunt Scanlon HR/Diversity Recruiting Power 65 recruiter. The firm’s consultants specialize in the targeted identification, assessment, and placement of executives across five distinct practice areas: Private equity, human resources and diversity, franchise, higher education, and CX. Blue Rock’s processes, technology, tools, and search methodology are designed to flex to the needs of its clients.
Ruben Moreno leads the Blue Rock HR executive search practice specializing in the identification, assessment, recruitment, and onboarding of chief HR officers and their teams. As a subject matter expert and specialized executive recruiter, he has been dedicated to partnering with his clients to identify, assess, and recruit the best human resources leadership talent available for over 12 years.
Dr. Elliott brings 25+ years in C-suite leadership with a focus in university and business higher education. Her areas of expertise focus on business development, organizational leadership, and strategic planning. She is known for her diverse background in higher education to include academic affairs, institutional advancement, international education, and all aspects of strategic enrollment management.
Related: Blue Rock Human Capital Recruits Chief People Officer for Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
