H. Rao Unnava, dean of the University of California, Davis Graduate School of Management, has been honored as Poets&Quants' Dean of the Year for 2024, a testament to his visionary leadership and the substantial advancements he has fostered since his appointment in 2016. This accolade places Unnava among the ranks of esteemed deans from institutions such as Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business, highlighting his significant impact on the academic community.
Under Unnava's stewardship, the UC Davis Graduate School of Management has witnessed a period of remarkable innovation, including the introduction of new degrees, programs, and partnerships. A notable achievement is the enrollment growth, with nearly 70% of this year's 441 graduate students joining programs established during his tenure. This growth reflects the success of Unnava's initiatives in meeting the evolving needs of students and the business world.
Unnava's leadership philosophy, centered on institutional progress over personal accolades, has driven the school to achieve several firsts among University of California business schools. These milestones include the launch of an online MBA program, a Master's in Management, and the innovative deferred tuition plan for online MBA candidates, enhancing accessibility to quality business education.
The introduction of an undergraduate business major, in collaboration with two other Davis colleges, stands as a crowning achievement of Unnava's deanship, breaking new ground in business education. His efforts have not only elevated the UC Davis Graduate School of Management's stature but also set a benchmark for innovation and inclusivity in higher education.
For further details on H. Rao Unnava's contributions and the UC Davis Graduate School of Management's programs, visit https://poetsandquants.com.


