USD’s Knauss School of Business Announces New Dean

The University of San Diego (USD) has named Brian C. Tietje, PhD, as the dean of the Knauss School of Business. He will assume his new position on July 1, 2025.

Dr. Tietje has had a distinguished career as a dean, professor and exemplary leader in various academic environments. Currently, he is the dean of the College of Business at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). Prior to his role as business dean, he celebrated a 22-year career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo that included nine years as Vice Provost of International, Graduate & Extended Education and an award-winning marketing professor in the Orfalea College of Business.

Dr. Tietje has consulted with various organizations as a strategic planning facilitator and board member for several nonprofits in family services and economic development. His background closely aligns with the Knauss School of Business’ mission to develop socially responsible leaders with a global mindset, fostered through values-based education and innovative research. 

“Because of his ability to connect with faculty and students, deep knowledge of business education, commitment to student success, and demonstrated ability to lead in a complex environment, I am confident that Dr. Tietje will build on the momentum that the Knauss School of Business has achieved over the past few years--with a heightened commitment to USD’s academic mission,” said Gail F. Baker, PhD, Senior Vice President and Provost at USD.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business as we advance USD’s mission through free enterprise, business excellence, and global engagement,” shared Dr. Tietje.

The Knauss School of Business has a variety of centers, institutes and programs that bring together researchers, educators, students and businesses to create a meaningful impact on people, communities and the environment. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the school’s rankings: U.S. News and World Report placed it at #77 for Best Undergraduate Business Programs, Fortune ranked its MBA program #58 in the nation, and The Princeton Review recognized it as the #8 Best Green MBA.

For a headshot of Dr. Tietje, click here. For BROLL of the Knauss School of Business and campus, click here.

About the University of San Diego

Strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, we confront humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love. With more than 8,000 students from 75 countries and 44 states, USD is among the Top 20 Best Private Schools for Making an Impact according to The Princeton Review. USD’s eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Knauss School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. In 2021, USD was named a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican with a seven-year commitment to address humanity’s urgent challenges by working together to take care of our common home.