A Legacy Of Innovation

The Dean Jay Tontz Innovative Teaching Award was renamed this year in honor of the longest serving dean of the College of Business and Economics (CBE) - Dr. Jay Logan Tontz. He served as dean for 30 of the 50 years the college has been established. Every year, a CBE faculty member is selected to receive this award for excellence in innovative teaching practices that have had a significant, positive impact on student learning. 

Jay Tontz was recognized for innovative programs and the significant growth of the college. Under his leadership, Cal State East Bay (Hayward)’s business college gained a local, national, and international reputation for quality and innovation. He led the establishment of the first nationally accredited American MBA program in Moscow in 1993, the first American Executive MBA in Vienna, Austria in 1995, an MBA program in Hong Kong in 1996, an Executive MBA in Beijing in 1999, and one in Singapore in 2000. 

Jay Tontz worked in higher education for 45 years and served as dean of the College of Business and Economics from 1973-2003. He was a frequent and popular public speaker throughout the Bay Area on the topic of economic forecasting and international executive development programs. 

To further honor Dean Tontz, current CBE Dean George Low is challenging the community to help endow a new student award, the Dean Jay Tontz Memorial Award for International Business Experiences, that will cover some costs for studying abroad through an international program or an internship experience with a company outside the United States. Eligible expenses may include travel to or from the international program, lodging abroad, or program tuition. To support the Dean Jay Tontz student award, please click here. For more information about the award, contact Penny Peak, Director of Development.