Meet Pia Gupta, Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s new associate dean of undergraduate student success — and champion of “Become by Doing.”
Pia Gupta is no stranger to guiding students toward achievement. With more than two decades of leadership in higher education, she has led initiatives that expand academic offerings, boost student engagement, and improve retention. She joins Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s College of Business Administration as the new associate dean of undergraduate student success after two decades with California State University, Long Beach, including her duties as professor and chair of the Department of Finance in which she has served since 2019.
She has a history of creating innovative systems to support student success, strengthening pathways for academic advising, and leading graduation initiatives — all of which have directly improved student performance and persistence. She’s also played a pivotal role in three successful AACSB re-accreditation cycles through strategic planning, report writing, and peer review engagement.
We caught up with the new associate dean to learn more about her background, her plans for CPP, and the inspiration behind her student-centered approach.
Welcome to CPP. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I earned my Ph.D. in finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio and began my academic career in California in 2006 as an assistant professor at CSU Long Beach. The CSU system’s mission — to provide high-quality, affordable education that serves the community — has always resonated with me.
Over the past six years at CSULB, I served as chair of the finance department, where I focused on enhancing student engagement, promoting inclusion, and building strong industry connections to support student success. I’m also an active researcher, publishing regularly in top-tier journals in corporate finance and investments. Outside of work, I enjoy working out, experimenting in the kitchen, and traveling with my husband to photograph wildlife.
What inspired you to take on the role of associate dean of undergraduate student success at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s College of Business Administration?
This role felt like a natural extension of my passion for student success. CPP’s ‘Become by Doing’ philosophy aligns perfectly with my belief in preparing students for real-world challenges while they’re still in school. I was also deeply inspired by the faculty and staff I met during my interview, especially Dean Krishnamurthy’s vision of connecting students to prosperous financial futures through a blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience. I’m excited to be part of a team that’s committed to making a meaningful impact on students’ lives.
How does your research background in finance and international business influence your approach to student success?
My background in finance and international business gives me a data-driven lens through which to view student success. By analyzing data, we can identify barriers and develop targeted solutions. For example, labor market data can help us pinpoint the skills employers are seeking, allowing us to adapt our curriculum to better prepare students for the workforce.
Can you talk about your student success priorities for this upcoming year?
Career readiness is at the top of my list. I plan to establish a dedicated career success team within the College of Business Administration to complement university-wide career services. I also want to strengthen alumni engagement by inviting them to share their experiences, offer guidance, and open doors for our students.
What has been your favorite thing about campus so far?
The pride among CPP alumni has truly stood out to me. Many of them continue to work on campus, and their enthusiasm for giving back is inspiring. I’ve also loved exploring the campus itself. Its greenery, open spaces, and distinctive architecture make it a unique place to work and learn.
Mentorship and career preparation are crucial in business education. What are your goals for connecting students with industry and alumni mentors?
I’m committed to building strong bridges between students, alumni, and industry professionals. We’ll host networking events, organize company visits, and collaborate with student clubs to bring in guest speakers for workshops and seminars. These connections are vital for helping students navigate their career paths.
Can you share a few tips or advice with undergraduate students to make the most of their time here?
- Get involved early. Join clubs, attend events, and find communities that align with your goals.
- Use your resources. Don’t hesitate to seek help from advising, career services, or counseling.
- Stay curious. College is about more than just checking boxes. It’s a time to ask questions, explore, and grow.
- Own your story. Your background and experiences are your strengths. Always remember that you belong here.
Gupta recently had a paper published in the Review of Financial Economics entitled “I've Got to Catch a Flight: The Effects of Investor Travel On Earnings Announcement Responses,” written with Reza Houston and Min-Yu (Stella) Liao
If you’d prefer to hear a podcast episode dedicated to this paper, check out her research on the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Pulse .