A peer-to-peer discussion with the Dean Emeritus of the Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine and the Wisconsin School of Business at UW-Madison.

🎙️In Episode 97 of the Deans Counsel Podcast, legendary three-time dean Andy Policano joins panelists Dave Ikenberry, Ken Kring, and Jim Ellis to discuss the complex intersection of financial strategy, institutional positioning, and budgeting in higher education.

Having served successfully as a dean across three major universities for over a decade each, Policano brings an extraordinary depth of experience to the art of academic leadership. During Episode 97—moving into the core of financial strategy—he emphasizes that successful financial planning must be anchored by a strong, differentiated identity.

“What most universities do is have a statement…but what they really need to do is have a compelling positioning, a competitive positioning statement, something that really defines what they're about and what their priorities are,” noted Policano on the necessity of moving beyond generic mission statements to achieve true institutional clarity.

Policano also dives deep into the mechanics of university budgeting, contrasting traditional centralized allocation models with modern resource-driven frameworks.

“So that CAM model is something that's going by the wayside more and more…but RCM is low penalty [and] there are problems with RCM too,” explained Policano, offering practical advice for deans navigating budget flows, revenue generation and central administration negotiations.

Panelists Dave Ikenberry, Ken Kring and Jim Ellis guide a masterclass conversation packed with high-level overviews and granular, practical advice designed to help current and aspiring deans master the financial realities of running an academic unit.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: 👉🏼 

Photos courtesy of Andy Policano

Learn more about Andy Policano here