News

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 27, 2025—Ed Grier, who has served as dean of Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business for the past four years, has announced plans to retire at the end of the calendar year. 

As dean, Grier strengthened faculty expertise, championed research, and deepened engagement with Silicon Valley and global partners. Among his accomplishments:  

• He expanded academic offerings to meet evolving global and industry demands, including the launch of a new hybrid executive MBA format and the creation of an M.S. in sports business, developed with Bay Area sports executives.
• He strengthened the school’s online programs, including creating a partnership with Santa Clara Online to host Leavey’s M.S. in Marketing Program.
• He led the development of a bold new strategic plan,  Leavey PLUS, establishing a vision for partnerships, leadership, unity, and sustainability to guide the school for years to come. 

During Grier’s tenure, the school’s evening MBA program reached #19 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings—the first top-20 finish in five years. 

In July 2023,  in honor of the Leavey School of Business’ 100th anniversary, Grier rang the New York Stock Exchange closing bell, joined by notable Leavey faculty, alumni, and trustees.

Grier came to Santa Clara in 2021 from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he was dean of the School of Business. He previously had a successful 29-year career with The Walt Disney Company, where he served in a variety of executive roles around the globe, including president of the $2 billion, 20,000-employee Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.

“Dean Grier has been a dynamic and approachable leader for the students, faculty, and staff of the Leavey School of Business for the past four years,” said James M. Glaser, provost and executive vice president at Santa Clara University. “The university owes him a deep debt of gratitude for his stewardship and care of our esteemed school of business.”  

“Looking back, it’s been one of the great joys and most meaningful chapters of my career to help shape the future of business alongside the brilliant students, passionate faculty, dedicated staff, and vibrant community at the Leavey School of Business,” said Grier. “Together, we’ve strengthened the school, embraced change, and laid the groundwork for continued impact. I leave with deep pride in all we’ve accomplished—and full confidence that the best is yet to come.”

He will step down at the end of December 2025 and continue in a consultative capacity through June 2026. Details about the search for the next dean will be shared in the coming weeks.

About Leavey School of Business
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, one of the most dynamic business environments in the world, Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business combines academic excellence in the 450-year Jesuit tradition, with an energetic, innovative spirit that typifies the region. Ranked #1 in Silicon Valley and among the top 20 nationwide by U.S. News & World Report for its professional MBA programs (evening MBA and executive MBA), the Leavey School of Business offers a wide portfolio of renowned graduate-level MBA and M.S. programs, both in-person and online, including a new M.S. in Sports Business degree.  The School's undergraduate program ranks among the top 15% of schools nationwide. For more information, visit www.scu.edu/business.

Media Contact
Deborah Lohse | SCU Media Communications | dlohse@scu.edu | 408-554-5121