EQU Advisory Leading Search Assignment for California State University, Chico
January 7, 2026 – Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently tapped by California State University, Chico (Chico State) to lead in its search for a new dean of the College of Business.
Reporting to the provost and vice president of academic affairs, the dean of the College of Business serves as the lead academic and administrative officer for the college, providing leadership in advancing its mission, programs, and operations. The dean promotes academic excellence in teaching, research, and service and ensures responsible management of fiscal and human resources. This person will be a visible, externally oriented leader with a demonstrated record of securing philanthropic support, corporate partnerships, and revenue-generating academic programs that strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
This role requires an earned doctorate and record of academic accomplishments to qualify for a tenured appointment at the rank of professor in one of the college’s academic disciplines, according to EQU Advisory. The ideal candidate will have prior administrative and academic leadership experience with at least five years of increasingly responsible administrative and supervisory experience with the knowledge of university and system-wide infrastructure, policies, and procedures.
Additionally, this person will have comprehensive knowledge of effective supervisory practices and techniques, employee-employer relationships, and the management of a unit. It is also essential that the next dean have experience managing public records, managing contracts, working with labor/management relations in a collaborative collective bargaining environment as well as with the AACSB International accreditation process.
The next dean will be a steadfast advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as an entrepreneurial, resourceful, and collaborative leader that embodies the highest levels of integrity and accountability. This person will present exemplary interpersonal skills as demonstrated by being self-motivated, proactive, empathetic, and service-oriented with a keen focus on the organization they serve.
One of seven colleges and home to one of the largest majors on campus, Chico State’s College of Business provides a variety of excellent programs, student organizations, and supportive faculty and staff. The College of Business is among just six percent of all business schools worldwide that meet the high accreditation standards set by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
Related: EQU Advisors Seeking Vice Provost for Bellevue College
California State University, Chico (commonly known as Chico State) is a public university in Northern California and part of the 23-campus California State University system. Located in the city of Chico in Butte County, the university is known for its strong undergraduate focus, hands-on learning, and commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Chico State offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programs across disciplines such as business, education, engineering, agriculture, and the arts and sciences, and it maintains a reputation for fostering close faculty-student connections and an active campus culture. Founded in 1887, it is one of the oldest campuses in the CSU system and serves as a major educational and economic anchor for the North State region.
Serving Higher Education and Non-Profit Institutions
EQU Advisors is co-founded by Veena Abraham and Robert Luke. The firm serves higher education and non-profit institutions and leaders through executive search, management consulting, and candidate advising. Throughout our careers, they have completed approximately 200 searches across a full range of private and public institutions including liberal arts colleges, regional universities and colleges, research universities and institutes, members of the Ivy League, as well as national non-profit organizations.
EQU Advisors Leading Advancement Search for Aria University
EQU Advisors has been retained by Aria University to lead in its search for a vice president of advancement. As a member of the president’s cabinet, the VP plays an integral role in the Aria University’s operations, working closely with the university’s senior leadership team and the president on all fundraising matters. The VP is also responsible for developing and overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic planning of the new division of advancement. This division will advance the university’s mission by expanding awareness and support. The vice president will foster a dynamic culture that promotes brand visibility, philanthropy, and strategic engagement with both internal and external stakeholders.
EQU Advisors’ experience includes searches for presidents and chief executive officers, provosts and vice presidents, deans and other leadership positions. Eighty-two percent of the firm’s placements within the last three years identified as women; Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, or from two or more races; and/or part of the LGBTQIA+ communities.
Ms. Abraham draws upon her experience as an attorney, higher education administrator, and executive search consultant. Based in Orlando, FL, she has experience in a range of searches for senior academic administrators, including presidents, provosts, and deans at distinguished educational and cultural institutions across the nation. Prior to becoming a higher education consultant, Ms. Abraham was senior director of regional engagement for the University of Miami in Florida.
Mr. Luke draws upon 20 years of higher education consulting and administrative experience supporting universities, colleges, and non-profit institutions through complex leadership transitions. Based in Providence, RI, he has a record placing vice presidents for academic affairs, finance and development as well as deans of architecture, science and engineering, social work and social policy. Additionally, Mr. Luke has completed several CEO searches for leading scientific centers, institutes and laboratories, and non-profit organizations. In addition to consulting, he is known for his administrative and operational leadership, which he developed across a variety of sectors. He came to higher education consulting in 2013 from George Washington University.
Related: Colleges and Universities Rely on Search Firms to Find Leaders in Polarizing Times
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
