Apr 21, 2025
Dear colleagues,
I am pleased to announce that Ian Williamson has been reappointed to an additional five-year term as Dean of the Paul Merage School of Business, beginning July 1, 2025. This decision follows a thorough review, which included materials submitted by Dean Williamson and feedback from faculty, staff, campus administrators and external stakeholders. We are grateful to the review committee and its chair, Dean Austen Parrish, for their efforts throughout the process.
Since joining UC Irvine in January 2021, Dean Williamson has exhibited strong leadership by effectively navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic and managing ongoing budget reductions. Dean Williamson was lauded for his thoughtful and transparent leadership style and for setting a clear strategic vision for the School that aligns with campus goals. In addition, in 2024, Dean Williamson was appointed Secretary-Treasurer of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Under his leadership, the Merage School has led curricular innovations, especially in digital technology and AI. The School has launched new programs including the FLEX MBA, the Master in Management, the Master of Science in Business Analytics part-time online degree, and the Leadership Development Institute for corporate executives. In addition, the School has established inclusive excellence as a cornerstone of its strategic vision through a range of initiatives.
During Dean Williamson's tenure, the Merage School recruited 11 new faculty members to support its research focus on AI, financial technology, healthcare and sustainability. The School has also aimed to enhance staff engagement through transparent communication and organizational restructuring.
Currently ranked No. 27 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, the Merage School's undergraduate program is the youngest program ranked in the top 30. The Full-Time MBA is ranked in the top 50 and the FLEX MBA program is ranked No. 23, its highest ranking in the history of the program.
The Merage School has deepened its engagement in the local community through programs such as the Future Leaders Initiative, a philanthropically supported summer program designed to encourage high school and community college students to pursue business careers, and the expansion of the School's Dean's Advisory Board which includes 25 new business leaders.
Dean Williamson is well-positioned to support the School in addressing upcoming challenges and further advancing its goals. Please join me in congratulating Dean Williamson on his reappointment and thanking him for his contributions to UC Irvine.
Sincerely,
Hal Stern
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Distinguished Professor, Department of Statistics