by Tim Akin

Bringing more than 18 years of higher education management experience in development, alumni relations, student affairs and communications activities, Judy Nagai joined the School in Nov-ember as assistant dean of development and external relations.

“Judy has the in-depth understanding of institutional advancement and capital campaigns to build momentum and financial support for our mission,” said Dean Steven Currall. “She has hit the ground running to lead our team and the School to even greater heights of effectiveness and visibility.”

“I’m pleased to join the Graduate School of Management at such an exciting time in the history of UC Davis,” Nagai said. “I’m impressed by the MBA program ranking among the top six percent in the nation, and by the School’s entrepreneurial approach to educating a diverse student body.

“I’m delighted to see the generous philanthropic support by our alumni and friends, which is critical to our success as a top-tier business school.”

From 2002 to October 2011, Nagai served at the director of external relations at the College of Hotel Administration at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She was actively involved with key gifts that led to the completion of a $500 million comprehensive campaign, led the Dean’s Advancement Team, managed the Dean’s Advisory Board, and directed alumni relations, publications and communications.

Before joining UNLV, Nagai developed and implemented successful alumni engagement strategies at Stanford University, where she served as the Stanford Alumni Association’s deputy director of young alumni and university outreach, and associate director of class alumni relations.

Nagai earned her B.S. from California Polytechnic State University, and a Master of Education in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont. In 2011, she received a Ph.D. in educational leadership from UNLV.