UC Irvine announces Ian Williamson as new dean for business school

UC Irvine announced the appointment of Ian Williamson, pro vice-chancellor and dean of the Wellington School of Business and Government at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, as the dean for the Paul Merage School of Business.

He will succeed the college’s current dean, Eric Spangenberg, who will be transitioning into a faculty position to resume full-time scholarship after Dec. 31.

“The Paul Merage School of Business warmly welcomes Dr. Ian Williamson as our next dean,” Spangenberg said. “Our market position of digital leadership has allowed us to respond to the current challenges of remote instruction much better than the competition. We are excited to enter the next phase of the School’s development under Dr. Williamson’s leadership.”

Williamson will start his new role on Jan. 1.

“It is a great honor to serve as the next dean of the Paul Merage School of Business,” Williamson said in a statement.

“With its world-class research faculty and professional staff, links to the vibrant Orange County business community and strong ties to civic society, the school is well-positioned to lead the next evolution of business education,” Williamson said. “Now more than ever, business schools must play an instrumental role in promoting the economic and social well-being of communities.”

During his three-year-tenure as pro vice-chancellor and dean, Williamson developed and implemented a faculty strategic plan to enhance postgraduate education. He also is credited with expanding international partnerships in Asia and South America and established an entrepreneur and innovation program.

Williamson has a Ph.D. in organizational behavior from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and held faculty positions at universities across the United States, Switzerland, Australia and Indonesia.

“Professor Williamson brings the depth and breadth of experience across disciplines, industries and continents that are necessary to meet the challenges of an evolving educational landscape within a global economy as we prepare the next generation of business leaders,” UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman said.

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