Dean E. Wendt

Dean E. Wendt is dean of the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics at Cal Poly, a role he has held since 2017. A first-generation college student, Dean transferred to Cal Poly from Sierra College in 1989 and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology before pursuing graduate study at Harvard. He completed postdoctoral research at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and served as a faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro before returning to Cal Poly in 2002. He has since served in a range of leadership roles, including associate dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, director of the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences and dean of research.

A marine biologist by training, his scholarly work focuses on the physiology and ecology of marine invertebrates and on collaborative, stakeholder-driven marine conservation. In 2006, he co-founded the California Collaborative Fisheries Research Program.

As dean, he brings a homegrown Cal Poly ethos to his role, having lived and taught Learn by Doing, and remains committed to enriching lives through learning, discovery and innovation.

Education

• B.S., Biology, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, 1993
• M.A., Biology, Harvard University, 1995
• Ph.D., Biology, Harvard University, 1999