Cal Poly Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Larisa Preiser-Houy as permanent dean, effective June 1, 2026.
Preiser-Houy has served as interim dean of the College of Professional & Global Education (CPGE) since October 2023, providing strategic and operational leadership during a period of organizational growth and transformation. Under her leadership, the college has advanced graduate and professional education offerings, strengthened workforce and global engagement, expanded industry and community partnerships, and continued building the infrastructure needed to support long-term growth.
Her appointment follows a national search and reflects the university’s confidence in the direction she has helped establish for CPGE.
A Cal Poly Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ alumna, Preiser-Houy brings more than 35 years of higher education and industry experience to the role. She has held several leadership positions at CPP, including interim dean of the College of Business Administration, associate provost for academic planning and faculty excellence, interim associate vice president for academic programs, and associate dean of academic and student success innovations in the College of Business Administration.
As dean, Preiser-Houy will continue guiding CPGE’s strategic priorities, including the development of innovative academic and non-degree programs, expanded global engagement, deeper industry and community partnerships, strengthened branding and marketing, enhanced staffing and infrastructure, the establishment of an industry advisory board, and increased philanthropic and community engagement.
"CPGE plays an important role in advancing Cal Poly Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s polytechnic mission by expanding educational pathways and connecting academic excellence with professional, workforce, and global opportunities,” Preiser-Houy said.
"I am honored to continue working with our faculty, staff, students, partners, and university colleagues to expand access, strengthen connections to industry and community, create new opportunities for learners throughout their educational and professional journeys, and strengthen the value CPGE brings to Cal Poly Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and the communities we serve."
Her work in CPGE has included strengthening organizational capacity, supporting new workforce development initiatives, and elevating the college’s visibility through strategic planning, collaboration, and storytelling.
Please join Cal Poly Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ in congratulating Dr. Larisa Preiser-Houy as she leads the college into its next chapter of growth, innovation, and impact.