Pacific Lutheran University welcomes Dr. Woojun Lee as Dean of the School of Business
Image: Mt. Rainier in the evening light over the lower campus of PLU.
By Chris Albert
Director of Digital Communications
The Pacific Lutheran University community recently welcomed Dr. Woojun Lee as the new dean of the School of Business. Lee, a distinguished scholar and academic leader, joins PLU from Wilkes University’s Sidhu School of Business & Leadership, where he most recently served as Associate Dean and Director of Graduate Programs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Woojun Lee as the next Dean of the School of Business,” said Cameron Bennett, Dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Dr. Lee stands out as a collaborative, thoughtful, and innovative leader who is ideal to guide the school as we continue to innovate within the regional and international business communities.”
The PLU School of Business is among the top six percent of business schools worldwide to earn AACSB accreditation. The school offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA), emphasizing personal interaction between students and faculty.
“I am truly energized to join the PLU School of Business. What excites me most is that we already have a strong foundation — outstanding faculty, dedicated students, and a reputation built on quality. That gives us a real advantage,” Lee said. “Now it is time to build on that and boldly adapt to new market demands. I see a tremendous opportunity to create innovative programs that don’t just keep up with a fast-changing marketplace, but actually get ahead of it. That is what our students deserve.”
Lee has already expressed a deep alignment with PLU’s mission to educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care.
“Dr. Lee’s deeply collaborative, person-centered approach to leadership beautifully mirrors PLU’s core values,” said PLU Provost Joanna Gregson. “He brings a clear vision for building powerful pathways to our programs alongside a genuine commitment to student mentorship. I am confident that under his stewardship, the School of Business will cultivate a vibrant environment where innovation and student success flourish.”
Prior to his leadership at Wilkes University, where he also served as Department Chair of Marketing, Sports Management, and Hospitality Leadership, Lee was a faculty member at William Woods University. His administrative career has been marked by a focus on strategic execution, academic partnerships, and the continuous improvement of graduate program quality and assessment.
In his first year, Lee plans to focus on fostering engagement with local industry partners and overseeing the school’s diverse academic offerings.
“My vision is clear — I want PLU’s School of Business to become the premier destination for business education in the entire Pacific Northwest. Not just a great school, but the most innovative and agile business school in the region,” Lee said.
Lee will begin his new role on July 1, 2026.
“My vision is clear — I want PLU’s School of Business to become the premier destination for business education in the entire Pacific Northwest. Not just a great school, but the most innovative and agile business school in the region.”
Dean Woojun Lee: At a Glance
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Education: M.S. and Ph.D. in Sport Management from Texas A&M University
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Core Research: The intersection of business, technology, and social responsibility, including the use of AI, VR, and AR in the sports industry
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Expertise: Sports consumer behavior and social justice advocacy within sport organizations
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Professional Affiliations: North American Society of Sport Management (NASSM) and the Sport Marketing Association (SMA)
