Westcliff University Appoints Dr. Jorge Cardenas as Dean of the College of Business

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Westcliff University, a leading global institution in career-focused higher education, today announced the appointment of Dr. Jorge Cardenas, D.B.A., as the new Dean of its College of Business. With extensive experience as a professor, department chair and assistant dean, Dr. Cardenas brings a practitioner-informed, globally aware perspective to one of Westcliff’s largest academic divisions.

Dr. Cardenas’ appointment marks an important milestone for the College of Business as it continues strengthening industry alignment and international business competencies across its undergraduate, MBA and DBA programs. His leadership will guide the college’s efforts to expand experiential learning opportunities and ensure graduates are prepared to navigate rapidly evolving economic and technological landscapes.

“Graduate business education today has to be applied,” said Dr. Cardenas. “Students need to understand how strategic decisions are made in a live business setting, under real constraints, with real consequences. Our responsibility is to ensure that what happens in the classroom reflects what happens in the marketplace.”

Born and raised in San Diego along the U.S.–Mexico border, Dr. Cardenas developed an early appreciation for international collaboration and cross-cultural exchange. His father worked on distance learning initiatives throughout Latin America and also served in government leadership roles in Baja California, shaping his understanding of how business operates across cultures, regulatory systems and economic environments.

“Business is the language of organizations,” Dr. Cardenas added. “Once you grasp that language, you can work across industries, countries and systems.”

As dean, Dr. Cardenas will focus on maintaining curriculum relevance amid profound shifts reshaping the global economy. Artificial intelligence, supply chain disruption, geopolitical realignment and entrepreneurship are transforming organizational strategy and execution. Under his leadership, the College of Business will continue strengthening foundational disciplines—marketing, finance, operations and strategy—while advancing competencies in technology integration, data-informed decision-making and global management.

Dr. Cardenas emphasizes the importance of moving beyond theory to execution. “Knowing theory is important,” he explained. “But procedural knowledge—the ability to apply concepts through simulations, consulting projects and real-world analysis—is what prepares students to lead effectively.”

Westcliff University’s College of Business serves working professionals and emerging leaders through flexible online and hybrid programs that integrate faculty mentorship, hands-on projects and applied assessments aligned with professional expectations.

“Dr. Cardenas brings a powerful combination of academic leadership, global insight and commitment to real-world business preparation,” added Dr. Anthony Lee, president and CEO of Westcliff University. “His leadership will further position our College of Business to prepare graduates ready to steer through complexity and drive meaningful impact in today’s global economy.”

For more information about Westcliff University’s College of Business, visit https://www.westcliff.edu/academics/college-of-business/.

About Westcliff University: Westcliff University is an innovative global higher education institution with its finger on the pulse of the international business landscape and the needs of today’s employers. Founded in 1993 and based in Irvine, Calif., it offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees spanning 20+ areas of study, including business, education, technology, nursing, law, computer science and engineering. Westcliff is a California Public Benefit Corporation that affirms its dedication to operating in the best interests of its students and the surrounding community. With more than 7,000 enrolled students, its programs focus on both the hard and soft skills needed to secure quality jobs in high-growth industries. The university offers hands-on learning through community and business engagement while delivering innovative and affordable programs online and at campuses around the world, earning continued national recognition, including a ranking on the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges list. Visit www.westcliff.edu and www.wsulaw.edu to learn more, and follow Westcliff on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.