Leadership
"When rapid change is the constant, the people who are succeeding are the ones who make learning a lifelong endeavor. They are enrolling in our business skills classes, tech courses, biopharma, education, and design courses, webinars, and bootcamps."
— P.K. Agarwal, Dean, UCSC Silicon Valley Extension
About P.K. Agarwal, Dean
UCSC Silicon Valley Extension
P.K. Agarwal, a celebrated technology and academic leader in Silicon Valley, was appointed dean of UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Professional Education in August 2019.
He previously served as dean and CEO of Northeastern University-Silicon Valley where he oversaw the launch and growth of the University by creating innovative programs, working with major employers, and contributing to the economic vitality of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Formerly, he was CEO of TiE Global, an organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship across 61 cities in 18 countries.
As Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s chief technology officer for the State of California, he helped pioneer the use of the internet in government and shaped related national and state policy.
He also served as the president of the National Association of State CIOs and the National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council (ec3). He is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, an adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California and the University of San Francisco, and he serves as chair of Future 500, a Bay Area-based pioneer in global sustainability.
Recent Articles
- US Visa Issues, AI Hurdles & Student Aid (video)
The Times of India, May 19, 2025 - Beyond the degree: Why Indian students continue to choose U.S. education for global careers
India Today, May 6, 2025 - Education sector had several watershed moments in 2024, here’s what to expect in 2025
Education Times, Dec. 28, 2024 - Addressing the nation’s physician shortage
From the Silicon Valley Campus Blog, Sept. 28, 2023 - Semiconductors: A global restructuring needs skilled people
From the Silicon Valley Campus Blog, Aug. 11, 2023 - How to get a job in Silicon Valley: A 6-part series
From the Silicon Valley Campus Blog
Dean Agarwal can be contacted through Kerry Williams, keeiwill@ucsc.edu, Communications Officer for the Office of the Dean, (408) 861-3740.
About Therese Ammiro, Assistant Dean
UCSC Silicon Valley Extension
Therese Ammiro has been part of UCSC Silicon Valley Extension for more than 20 years, working in roles across the organization. After several year working in major Silicon Valley companies and startups, she joined Extension in 2002. She's worked as an academic programs specialist, systems analyst and project manager before her talent, insight, and leadership led to more responsibility as as director of business communications and bureau chief for information communications technologies. She has served in her current role as assistant dean of UCSC Silicon Valley Extension since 2017.