Dr. Hsi-Jen “James” Yeh, is the dean of Seattle Pacific University’s College of Business and Technology, leading undergraduate and graduate programs in business and apparel design and merchandising in the Division of Business, as well as undergraduate programs in engineering, computer science, and data science in the Division of Technology.
Joining the Seattle Pacific community in 2025, Dr. Yeh brings to SPU more than 20 years of experience in both industry and higher education, including senior leadership roles at Azusa Pacific University and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he helped launch interdisciplinary programs, build new academic structures, and expand student opportunities in engineering and technology fields.
Dr. Yeh began his career in the telecommunications, semiconductor, and biometric industries, working across research, product development, project management, technology marketing, and sales. He holds seven U.S. patents and has a strong record of translating innovation into real-world impact.
In academia, Dr. Yeh has served as department chair, associate professor, and inaugural associate dean, leading faculty teams and developing programs that integrate technical excellence with ethical leadership and professional readiness. His leadership philosophy centers on empowering faculty, fostering collaboration, and equipping students with the skills and character needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
Dr. Yeh holds a BS in electrical engineering from Caltech, a doctorate in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California -- Berkeley, and an MBA from Columbia University. At SPU, he is committed to preparing graduates who pair innovation and expertise with integrity, purpose, and service.