Steve Whitehead Named Director of Consulting Initiatives for Zeigler College of Business

Commonwealth University (CU) has announced the appointment of Steve Whitehead, Ed.D., as the new director of consulting initiatives for the Zeigler College of Business (ZCOB), a strategic leadership role made possible through grant support from the Bloomsburg University Foundation. The position is focused on expanding the college’s consulting services, strengthening business and industry partnerships, and enhancing workforce-aligned opportunities for students and regional employers.

Whitehead brings more than two decades of progressive leadership experience in higher education, organizational innovation, and business development. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for translating strategic vision into measurable impact through academic innovation, workforce alignment, and cross-sector collaboration. His appointment marks an important step forward as the ZCOB continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for economic growth and business innovation across the region. 

Before joining CU, Whitehead served as associate provost of innovation at PennWest University, where he led enterprise-wide strategic initiatives, launched adult-focused academic programming, and founded an off-campus Innovation Center designed to strengthen university-industry collaboration. He also served nationally as head of practice for academic innovation at Academic Impressions, where he advised higher education leaders across more than 3,500 institutions on organizational strategy, leadership development, and workforce transformation. Most recently, as founder of 5th Hammer Innovation, Whitehead led consulting engagements focused on practical solutions for complex organizational challenges. 

“Dr. Whitehead’s exceptional combination of academic leadership, strategic innovation, and business development expertise makes him uniquely qualified to lead this important initiative,” said Peter Campbell, J.D., ZCOB interim dean. “His proven ability to build meaningful partnerships, align institutional strengths with workforce needs, and create sustainable growth opportunities will significantly advance the college’s mission. We look forward to partnering closely with the Bloomsburg University Foundation as we expand this innovative model to serve students, businesses, and the broader region.”

In his new role, Whitehead will oversee the development and expansion of consulting initiatives designed to connect faculty expertise, student talent, and industry needs while positioning ZCOB as a leading resource for business innovation and professional development.

“I am honored to join the Zeigler College of Business at such an exciting time,” Whitehead said. “This opportunity aligns perfectly with my passion for connecting higher education with real-world business solutions. I look forward to building impactful consulting initiatives that create value for the communities we serve, strengthening workforce development, and providing transformative experiential opportunities for students.”

Whitehead’s leadership will play a critical role in advancing the college’s commitment to innovation, applied learning, and regional economic development while supporting CU’s broader strategic goals.

His appointment reflects ZCOB’s continued investment in innovative leadership and its dedication to preparing future business leaders while serving as a trusted partner to organizations throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.