Susan West

As Executive Director in the Dean's Office at Columbia Business School, Susan West is responsible for partnering with leadership to advance the School’s mission through strategic and operational initiatives that strengthen academic and administrative performance. Susan brings to this role more than 20 years of experience in higher education leadership, organizational strategy, and transformational change.

Before joining Columbia Business School, Susan served as Senior Director in Huron Consulting Group’s Higher Education and Research practice, advising executive teams at leading research institutions and academic medical centers. Her work included guiding universities in designing new academic organizational structures to enhance core programs, including at peer institutions.

Susan started her career at Furman University, taking on roles of increasing responsibility at The Ohio State University, Columbia Business School, and Yale University. Susan is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, purpose-driven cultures and advancing equity in education, athletics, and the arts. Susan holds an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University and a B.A. in Communication Studies from Furman University.