The Dean’s Advisory Board at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics, comprised of distinguished alumni, top Southern California business leaders, and student representatives, will now be led by Tim Goff ’93 (MBA). This esteemed group plays a vital role in shaping the future of the college, providing insights and guidance to support its continued growth and success.
One of the board’s primary objectives is ensuring the college stays current by incorporating emerging industry trends. Additionally, the board serves as a critical bridge between the business community and the college, providing insights to enhance the student experience and promote innovation. By actively engaging with the dean and other college leaders, the board supports the college’s mission to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic, global economy.
Goff is Senior Vice President and head of Americas Residential for ASSA ABLOY, a $1.6 billion Swedish company focused on locks, doors, gates and entrance automation. Previously, Goff was president of HHI, a business with household brands such as Kwikset Locks and Pfister faucets. That company was founded in Anaheim in the 1940s and was acquired by ASSA ABLOY in 2023.
“I have a fun and challenging job of brands of consumer durables for your home that you’ll know instantly if you are into home improvement,” says Goff. “Consumers find us through Home Depot and Lowes, and we always have new business with new builders around the world.”
As chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Goff has three main initiatives as his focus:
• Continued Alumni Engagement
“There are thousands of alumni within a close radius who we never hear from after graduation. We want to build out the number of alumni we are touching – a more grassroots approach with a wider net and more outreach. My goal is to have 75-150 alumni in an advisory capacity for the college.”
• Brand Building Through Community Outreach
“We want to add three to four new members of the Dean’s Advisory Board who will be focused on reaching out to businesses in the community. We want to develop a relationship with 25-30 leading Orange County businesses that are familiar with CSUF and our grads but can get more involved. And we seek greater outreach into the community to tell our story.”
• Curriculum Advisement and Support
“With a diverse board, we have robust topic discussions at our meetings to influence curriculum. But we want to expand Professor for a Day guest lecturer programs so we have regular engagement with our students.”
More than 30 years after Goff left Cal State Fullerton as a student, he notes the campus is bigger and more engaging, infrastructure has expanded, there is greater diversity, and stronger alumni networks, not to mention the rise in technology, remote study and work, and changing social trends.
Today, he is focused on supporting a new generation of Business Titans achieve greatness.
“I was an average kid who went to high school in Orange County and ended up at the CSUF business college. I am a proud Titan committed to giving back,” he says. “Cal State Fullerton was really great to me, and I received an incredible education. I think I got one of the best educations that you can get in the country. It’s one of the best financial values. I like what the school stands for and enjoy giving back.”
Are you a business professional or Cal State Fullerton alumnus or alumna seeking to make an impact through the Dean’s Advisory Board? Reach out to Director of Development Chrissy Chase at cmvaughn@fullerton.edu.
