Experienced educator and corporate leader to lead business school beginning Aug. 1
Business education is changing rapidly. Technology, entrepreneurship and global markets are reshaping the skills graduates need to succeed. Throughout his career, Isaac Wanasika has built innovative academic programs, strengthened industry partnerships and created opportunities that prepare students to lead in this changing world
Beginning Aug. 1, Wanasika will bring that experience to Linfield University as dean of the School of Business.
Wanasika joins Linfield after 16 years at the University of Northern Colorado. Most recently, he served as chair of the Department of Management and Hospitality and Event Management. He also served as professor of management. His career combines more than 15 years in higher education with 12 years at Royal Dutch Shell. Combined, those experiences give him a unique perspective on connecting classroom learning with today’s business environment.
“We are so fortunate to have Dr. Wanasika joining us as dean of the School of Business. His background in the corporate world, combined with his higher education experience, makes him a well-rounded, globally minded and forward-thinking leader,” said Beth Concepción, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Wanasika is a thoughtful and purposeful leader who collaborates well, makes data-driven decisions and always puts students first. We are excited about his vision for the School of Business and how we can build on the qualities that make Linfield unique.”
As dean, Wanasika will lead a School of Business recognized for preparing ethical, innovative leaders. Its personalized education is grounded in the liberal arts. In recent years, the school has earned repeated recognition from Colleges of Distinction for its strong teaching, experiential learning and career preparation. Undergraduate and graduate programs prepare students for careers across fields including accounting, finance, management, marketing, sport management and wine business. Across each program, students develop integrity, global awareness and hands-on experience.
Wanasika succeeds Jennifer Madden, the inaugural dean of Linfield’s School of Business, who helped shape the school’s identity and expand its academic offerings. Madden served from the school’s inception in 2020 until 2025.
Throughout his career, Wanasika has championed innovation in business education. At the University of Northern Colorado, he transformed and expanded academic opportunities in areas including data analytics, hospitality and event management, and the executive MBA program. In addition, Wanasika developed entrepreneurship curricula across campus, a degree-completion pathway for adult learners and embedded microcredentials for career readiness.
Beyond academic program development, Wanasika has raised external funds and built strong partnerships between higher education, business, government and nonprofits. He founded the Weld Startup Ecosystem, a community collaboration in Colorado that strengthens entrepreneurship and regional economic development.
Wanasika is a respected scholar in strategic management, innovation and leadership. He has published extensively in academic journals and co-authored multiple editions of Snapshots of Great Leadership. In addition, he serves on the board of directors for Pinnacol Assurance, bringing current corporate governance experience to his academic leadership.
“I am honored to join the Linfield community, and grateful to everyone who has built the School of Business into what it is,” Wanasika said. “My commitment is to lead collaboratively and continue building on the school’s foundation of excellence.”
As dean, Wanasika will work closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni and business leaders. Together, they will strengthen experiential learning, cultivate strategic partnerships and expand the school’s impact throughout Oregon and beyond. Building on Linfield’s tradition of personalized education, he will help prepare graduates to lead organizations, launch ventures and contribute to their communities with integrity and purpose.
