Gustavson School of Business announces dean transition

June 20, 2023

Victoria B.C. – The Gustavson School of Business at UVic announces a leadership transition. Dr. Saul Klein completes his second term as dean on June 30, 2023, and the school will welcome incoming dean Dr. Anita Bhappu on July 1.

Klein, who served as dean for 11 years, will continue as a professor of marketing, strategy and international business at the school.

“The school owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Saul for his leadership through these years,” says Mia Maki, associate dean, external. “As dean, he inspired innovation, facilitated growth throughout the school and shared his vast knowledge with students. He motivated, encouraged, built bridges and kept us steady through the challenges of a global pandemic. We honour his vision and deep commitment to seeing our school succeed, and are especially thankful that he agreed to stay on for an extra year beyond his original term end date.”

Since becoming dean in 2012, Klein has championed the school’s commitment to responsible management education, a core value for which the school has gone on to gain international recognition.

The school sincerely thanks Klein for his leadership and is thrilled to welcome Bhappu on July 1, as she begins a five-year, renewable term as dean.

Bhappu joins the school from the University of California, Merced, where she most recently served as associate dean for student success and department chair of management of complex systems.

“We are excited to welcome a strong leader with an outstanding record of research and teaching, personal and professional integrity, and commitment to supporting the success of others,” says Elizabeth Croft, vice-president academic and provost and chair of the search committee. “Dr. Bhappu will bring innovative leadership to Gustavson, aligned with our shared values, and will champion UVic on national and international stages.”

The school looks forward to introducing Bhappu to the community over the coming months. 

Media contact:

Sasha Milam (Gustavson School of Business Communications) at 250-516-2611 or bizcomm@uvic.ca