Honoring a Legacy of Leadership

Dr. Raj Pillai, a longtime faculty leader in the College of Business Administration (CoBA), was recently honored by the City of San Marcos with a formal proclamation recognizing her decades-long commitment to leadership development.

Presented by Deputy Mayor Mike Sannella '00, the proclamation celebrates Dr. Pillai’s enduring impact through the Center for Leadership Innovation and Mentorship Building (CLIMB), a program she co-founded and continues to lead. The recognition also acknowledged the vital contributions of Dr. Jeff Kohles, whose partnership has helped shape CLIMB’s mission and reach. 

Dr. Raj Pillai Honored for 20 Years of Impact

Since its founding 20 years ago, CLIMB has served as a bridge between the university and the broader business community. Its signature program, In the Executive’s Chair (ITEC), brings top industry leaders into the classroom for candid conversations with students, providing invaluable insights into leadership, innovation, and real-world business practices. Inspired by the popular show Inside the Actor’s Studio, ITEC has hosted more than 450 guest speakers over two decades, including business CEOs, entrepreneurs, and non-profit leaders. 

“ITEC has gone through many evolutions, but its impact remains constant,” said Dr. Pillai. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see former students return as accomplished professionals and guest speakers themselves. That full-circle moment is what education is all about.” 

CLIMB and ITEC have also benefited from a deep bench of dedicated co-hosts and colleagues over the years, including David Bennett, Bruce Nichols, Emilie Hersh, Miguel de Jesus, and current co-host David Berry. Together, they’ve shaped a program that is not only academically enriching, but also deeply reflective of CSUSM’s diverse student population and regional business community. 

Dr. Pillai joined CSUSM in 1998, following a recommendation from fellow SUNY Buffalo doctoral student and CoBA faculty member Dr. Glen Brodowsky. Drawn to the university’s collaborative culture, she quickly established herself as a leading scholar and educator. The core tenets of her work, fueling her research and the classroom, focuses on charismatic and transformational leadership, presidential personality and decision-making, and global cultural frameworks. Her co-authored work with the late Dr. Marty Gannon on Understanding Global Cultures remains a foundational text for students of international business. 

Outside of the university, Dr. Pillai has contributed her leadership to the broader North County community. She served on the board of the Women’s Resource Center in Oceanside and was named Volunteer of the Year by the North County Philanthropy Council. She is also a recipient of CSUSM’s highest honor, the Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award. 

As for the future, Dr. Pillai remains committed to advancing CLIMB’s mission. “My goal is to ensure CLIMB continues to serve our students, alumni, and partners for years to come. Leadership isn’t just a role—it’s a responsibility. And that’s the message we hope every student takes with them.”