Dean’s Intro
An introduction from OCOB’s new dean, Dr. Damon Fleming, and some thoughts on the stories in this issue.
Dear alumni, students, and friends,
Welcome to the 2021 edition of Cal Poly Business.
I am thrilled to be the new dean of the Orfalea College of Business (OCOB). I come into this role inspired by Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy and legacy—and the unique opportunities at OCOB to be the indisputable leader for experiential business education and research.
In this magazine, you will find insight into activities from the past year that highlight these strengths and more. Some examples include how the OCOB learning experience was adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborations between our college and the World Bank to end global poverty, research by students and faculty that is helping to create more sustainable local and national economies, and interviews with alumni executives addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The future of the Orfalea College of Business rests in its powerful combination of exceptional students, highly collaborative faculty and staff, and an engaged business and alumni community. Together we will continue to prepare career-ready graduates to positively impact the world.
The future of the Orfalea College of Business rests in its powerful combination of exceptional students, highly collaborative faculty and staff, and an engaged business and alumni community. Together we will continue to prepare career-ready graduates to positively impact the world.
With this goal in mind, I bring to leadership my perspectives as a Southern California native, a community college transfer student, a two-time California State University (CSU) alumnus, a CSU professor, and the dean of a highly diverse campus community. I am honored to serve with the exceptional team of OCOB faculty and staff. We are unwavering in our mission to prepare career-ready global business leaders through hands on discovery and application.
I invite you to explore all the exciting news from this past year—and to continue to follow us at Cal Poly Business as we report on the exciting projects ahead.
Respectfully,
Damon M. Fleming, Ph.D., CFA
Dean and Professor of Accounting