UC Davis Business Dean H. Rao Unnava Named Poets&Quants' Dean of the Year for 2024

H. Rao Unnava, dean of the University of California, Davis Graduate School of Management, has been named Poets&Quants' Dean of the Year for 2024, recognizing his significant contributions to business education and leadership. This prestigious accolade places Unnava among an elite group of academic leaders from renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Yale School of Management.

Unnava, a 65-year-old marketing professor, assumed the role of dean at UC Davis in June 2016 after a distinguished 32-year career at The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business. His selection for this honor stems from his ambitious change agenda and decisive, unassuming leadership style that has propelled the UC Davis Graduate School of Management to new heights.

John A. Byrne, editor-in-chief at Poets&Quants, praised Unnava's transformative impact, stating, "Since becoming dean of UC Davis Graduate School of Management in June of 2026, H. Rao Unnava has led a revolution in innovation." This revolution is evident in the school's numerous achievements under Unnava's guidance, including the launch of new partnerships, degree programs, and innovative educational initiatives.

One of the most striking indicators of Unnava's influence is the fact that nearly 70% of this year's 441 incoming graduate students are enrolled in programs created during his tenure. This statistic underscores the dean's ability to anticipate and respond to evolving educational needs and market demands.

Unnava's leadership has positioned UC Davis at the forefront of business education innovation within the University of California system. The school became the first UC business school to introduce an online MBA and a Master's in Management program. Additionally, it pioneered the implementation of credit-bearing stackable credentials applicable toward degree programs, a move that enhances flexibility and accessibility for students.

In a groundbreaking initiative, UC Davis became the first to offer all of its online content to alumni at no cost, fostering continued learning and engagement with the school community. The introduction of a deferred tuition plan for online MBA candidates further demonstrates Unnava's commitment to making quality education more accessible.

Perhaps one of Unnava's most significant achievements was the successful launch of an undergraduate business major, a feat many considered impossible. This accomplishment required collaboration with two other Davis colleges, showcasing Unnava's ability to forge partnerships and overcome institutional barriers.

Reflecting on his approach to leadership, Unnava emphasized the importance of institutional focus over personal gain: "The hardest thing is moving things forward through a bureaucracy, and the easiest thing is whatever you do, you do it for the institution and not for yourself. I came here to do my best for the Graduate School of Management."

This recognition of Unnava's leadership comes at a time when business education is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. His innovative approaches and successful initiatives provide a blueprint for other institutions seeking to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education and prepare students for the evolving demands of the business world.

As the 14th dean to receive this honor, Unnava's recognition highlights the critical role of visionary leadership in shaping the future of business education. His achievements at UC Davis serve as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and student-centered approaches in elevating the quality and relevance of business programs.

The impact of Unnava's leadership extends beyond UC Davis, influencing the broader landscape of business education and setting new standards for innovation and accessibility. As business schools worldwide grapple with rapid technological advancements, changing student demographics, and evolving industry needs, Unnava's strategies offer valuable insights for navigating these challenges successfully.