Scott Dawson

Scott Dawson is the Dean of the Business School at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), having assumed the role on July 1, 2020. He holds a Ph.D. and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Arizona. Dawson's academic career began at Louisiana State University, and he later spent nearly three decades at Portland State University, where he served as Dean from 2000 to 2014. Before joining CU Denver, he was the Dean of the Orfalea College of Business at California Polytechnic State University from 2014 to 2019.123

Under his leadership, CU Denver's Business School has focused on societal impact areas such as inequality, health and well-being, and sustainability. Dawson has been instrumental in launching new programs, including an Executive MBA and a Master’s in Sustainable Business, set to start in fall 2024. He emphasizes supporting first-generation and underrepresented students through various initiatives.12

Dawson's vision for the Business School is encapsulated in a strategic plan aimed at enhancing community engagement and educational offerings that align with industry needs. He is committed to fostering student success and addressing structural inequalities through education.23