H. Rao Unnava, dean of the University of California, Davis Graduate School of Management, has been named Poets&Quants' Dean of the Year for 2024. This prestigious recognition from the leading business education resource celebrates Unnava's leadership and the significant changes implemented since he became dean in 2016. His selection places him among an elite group of academic leaders from institutions like Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business, underscoring the impact of his ambitious agenda and decisive yet unassuming leadership style.
Under Unnava's guidance, the school has experienced remarkable growth, with nearly 70% of this year's 441 incoming graduate students enrolled in programs created during his tenure. This enrollment surge demonstrates the market appeal of his innovative approach. John A. Byrne, editor-in-chief at Poets&Quants, noted that Unnava has "led a revolution in innovation" since becoming dean, evident in numerous new partnerships, degrees, and programs.
The school has achieved several firsts among University of California business schools under Unnava's leadership. These innovations include launching an online MBA program, introducing a Master's in Management, creating credit-bearing stackable credentials applicable to degree programs, and offering free access to all online content for alumni. Additionally, Unnava spearheaded a deferred tuition plan for online MBA candidates and successfully launched an undergraduate business major in partnership with two other Davis colleges—a feat previously considered unattainable.
Unnava's leadership philosophy emphasizes institutional progress over personal gain. "The hardest thing is moving things forward through a bureaucracy, and the easiest thing is whatever you do, you do it for the institution and not for yourself," he remarked. This approach has enabled him to navigate academic structures while implementing transformative changes that address evolving student needs and industry demands.
For HR vendors and talent management professionals, Unnava's recognition carries significant implications. The innovations at UC Davis Graduate School of Management reflect broader trends in business education toward greater flexibility, accessibility, and relevance to contemporary workplace needs. The success of stackable credentials, online programs, and deferred tuition models demonstrates how educational institutions are adapting to serve non-traditional students and working professionals—key demographics for HR vendors targeting corporate learning and development markets.
The growing emphasis on innovative leadership in business education, as highlighted by Unnava's award, suggests that HR vendors should monitor how business schools are evolving their offerings. These changes may influence the skills and expectations of future business graduates entering the workforce, potentially affecting hiring practices, leadership development programs, and continuing education partnerships. Unnava's achievements at UC Davis provide a case study in how institutions can remain competitive by challenging traditional models and embracing new educational formats.
As business education continues to evolve in response to global economic changes, leaders like Unnava demonstrate the potential for transformative impact through visionary leadership. His recognition as Dean of the Year not only validates his specific accomplishments but also signals the increasing importance of adaptive, innovative approaches in higher education leadership. For more information about H. Rao Unnava and his initiatives, readers can visit the Poets&Quants website.
