Pacific Names New College of Business Dean

Jennifer Yruegas will become dean of the Pacific University College of Business, effective July 1.

Yruegas has served as associate dean of the college since 2020, while Provost John Miller served as interim dean. She has been instrumental in building relationships within the college and in obtaining the college’s recent accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

“It was a major accomplishment and really also a turning point in terms of where we were and what we were trying to become,” said Krishnan Ramaya, College of Business faculty chair and member of the Faculty Personnel Committee that recommended Yruegas for the deanship. “The personnel committee was impressed with her credentials and was optimistic that she would be an excellent fit for us.”

Yruegas is an undergraduate alumna of Pacific University, where she earned her bachelor of science in biology and bachelor of arts in English literature. She holds a juris doctorate from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College and is an active member of the Oregon State Bar. 

She brings more than 20 years of business and law experience, including serving in legal positions in an international capacity with InFocus Corporation, Nike, Keen Footwear and Viewpoint Inc. She also served as an adjunct faculty member at the Northwestern School of Law from 2012 to 2019.

“She has already been successful in building relationships and trust within the College of Business,” said Provost Miller. “Her comprehensive experience in industry, management, and academia make her an ideal candidate to strengthen and grow the college and build connections in the business community,” said Provost Miller. 

During her time at Pacific, Yruegas has also served as associate vice president of Human Resources, the university’s general counsel, Title IX coordinator, and director of the Student Health Center. 

As Yruegas takes on the deanship, Tammy Scheenstra will serve as interim director of Human Resources while the university pursues a national search for the role. Scheenstra currently serves as associate director of the department.

The university has named Cherie Scricca as the interim Title IX coordinator.

Yruegas will retain her role as general counsel, except in any legal issues related to the College of Business.

“The College of Business is interested in the continuity of all the good things that have happened this year, starting with accreditation and growing programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level,” Ramaya said.