Dr. Pia Gupta, a renowned Indian-origin academic leader with over two decades of experience in higher education, has been named the new Associate Dean of Undergraduate Student Success at Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Business Administration (CBA).
This strategic appointment marks a significant step in Cal Poly Pomona’s mission to elevate academic achievement, student engagement, retention, and experiential learning.
Who Is Dr. Pia Gupta?
Dr. Pia Gupta is a distinguished academician and administrator recognized for her leadership in finance education, student success programs, and institutional accreditation.
Before joining Cal Poly Pomona, she served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Finance at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where she led numerous successful initiatives to enhance student learning and faculty development.
Her Role at Cal Poly Pomona
As the new Associate Dean of Undergraduate Student Success, Dr. Gupta is set to lead university-wide efforts aimed at:
- Enhancing academic outcomes for undergraduate students
- Promoting experiential learning through real-world exposure
- Improving student retention and engagement
- Streamlining academic advising and support services
- Implementing national best practices in student success
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the college, one focused on empowering our students to connect with prosperous economic futures,” said Dean Sandeep Krishnamurthy of the College of Business Administration.
Track Record of Excellence
Leadership at Cal State Long Beach
At CSULB, Dr. Gupta:
- Expanded the finance department’s academic offerings
- Spearheaded student engagement initiatives
- Strengthened faculty recruitment and retention
- Contributed to three successful AACSB reaccreditation cycles
Her work on graduation pipelines, academic advising reform, and early alert systems has directly impacted student performance and persistence.
Advocate for Experiential Learning
Dr. Gupta is a co-founder of the CSULB Finance Symposium, a platform that connects students with industry leaders. She also played a key role in developing the STEM-designated Master of Financial Analytics program, aligning academic innovation with market needs.
Research and Global Impact
Dr. Gupta’s scholarly work has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals, including:
- Journal of Corporate Finance
- Journal of Business Finance and Accounting
- Managerial Finance
Her research spans corporate governance, financial markets, and pedagogical innovation. She has also served as President of the Western Decision Sciences Institute and contributed to nonprofit organizations supporting global education and underserved communities.
A Vision for Student Success at Cal Poly Pomona
“I see my role as a collaborative and student-centered leader who brings national best practices to our shared work,” Dr. Gupta shared. “Together, we can create meaningful changes that make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.”
She aims to build a streamlined and inclusive academic environment by:
- Partnering with faculty, staff, and students
- Creating hands-on opportunities tied to real-world outcomes
- Fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and innovation
Educational Background
Dr. Pia Gupta holds a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she developed a foundation in both academic theory and applied financial research.
Conclusion
With a proven record of academic leadership, research excellence, and commitment to student success, Dr. Pia Gupta’s appointment as Associate Dean at Cal Poly Pomona is poised to make a significant impact on the future of undergraduate business education.
