Santa Clara University launches a commercial course.
100 Years of Leavey
A timeline of the years
1854
1923
President Zacheus J. Maher, S.J., announces the formation of the College of Commerce and Finance. In 1924, Kenna Hall is constructed. 35 students enroll at the college.
William H. Pabst is named first dean.
1925
The name changes to College of Business Administration.
1927
The first nine Bachelor in Commercial Science degrees are awarded.
1929
Edward J. Kelly is named dean.
1941
Students and faculty alike enlist and are drafted into World War II. Charles Dirksen is named dean.
1945
Enrollment sees a postwar boom.
1947
The school admits women to evening classes.
1953
The college receives AACSB accreditation.
1959
The MBA program launches.
1961
The university allows women to join its full-time undergraduate ranks. The college graduates the first woman university wide this same year, an MBA.
1962
The college is called the School of Business.
1967
Kenna Hall is remodeled in an attempt to keep up with changing educational needs.
1978
Hewlett Packard in Santa Rosa becomes the MBA program’s first off-site campus.
1979
Andre Delbecq is named dean.
1983
The Dorothy and Thomas Leavey School of Business Administration is dedicated. The school launches an International Business Studies program.
1990
James L. Koch is named dean.
1993
Kenna Hall is remodeled again.
1994
A new MBA curriculum is announced.
1996
Barry Posner is named dean.
1999
An Executive MBA program is announced.
2008
The school gets its first new home — and a place to house all programs under one roof — since 1924 with the opening of Lucas Hall.
2010
Andrew Starbird is named dean.
2015
Caryn Beck-Dudley is named dean.
2021
Ed Grier is named dean.
2023
The Leavey School of Business celebrates a centennial.
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