Cal State Fullerton leaders Sridhar Sundaram and Dave Edwards were both selected for the Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education.
Sundaram serves as the dean of the College of Business and Economics and Edwards is the associate vice president and executive director of Associated Students Inc.
Established by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, the institute is designed for innovative and adaptive leaders who have a passion for higher education. Through mentoring sessions, online workshops and networking opportunities, the institute aims to strengthen participants’ ability to lead complex institutions, work effectively with governing boards and navigate institutional changes. Since the institute began in 2019, fewer than 30 higher education leaders have been chosen for each cohort.
“The AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance is designed to prepare leaders not just for the roles they hold today, but for the responsibilities they will carry tomorrow,” said Jason Lane, director of the AGB Institute. “Each cohort represents a powerful community of changemakers committed to strengthening governance, advancing institutional mission and shaping the future of higher education.”
With 35 years of experience in higher education, Sundaram began his career as a finance faculty member and later served in various university leadership positions for 15 years. He joined the CSUF community in 2021 to lead the College of Business and Economics, which has a top-tier reputation in Orange County for its academic excellence, hands-on applied learning and an alumni network with more than 88,000 Titans.
Under Sundaram’s leadership, the college has celebrated several key milestones, including the introduction of innovative academic programs, the growth of global partnerships, the development of career preparation initiatives like the Titan Business Executive Fellow Program, and the current construction of the Landmark Hall leadership hub.
“I am honored to join the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education as a member of the 2026-27 cohort. This program offers an invaluable opportunity to learn from leading experts and talented colleagues — strengthening my capacity to lead with clarity and purpose in an ever-changing higher education landscape,” said Sundaram. “I am proud to represent Cal State Fullerton as a fellow and grateful for the university’s support in making this opportunity possible.”
Edwards joined CSUF in 2015 to lead ASI after serving in student affairs and university leadership roles for more than 30 years. ASI is currently one of the largest student-serving auxiliaries in the California State University system, supporting 45,000 students. Among his many leadership accomplishments have been the expansion of the Titan Student Union, the opening of the ASI Food Pantry and the launch of the signature Beyond the Conversation speaker series.
He also played an integral part in developing the ASI Student Wellness Initiative, which will expand wellness programs, basic needs support and campus spaces to strengthen student wellness and belonging.
“I’m honored to join this year’s AGB cohort and to represent Cal State Fullerton at the national level,” Edwards said. “CSUF is a place that leads with purpose, resilience and heart, and I’m proud to carry that spirit into a program focused on the future of higher education leadership.”