When Amir H. Toosi was 18 years old, he was tasked with writing down the place that he would choose to live. He wrote: Hawaiʻi.
The first time he visited Hawaiʻi was on his honeymoon in 2004. The second time was in 2024 with his wife and daughter to look at colleges. And the third time was in 2026 when he was named a finalist for the Dean of Chaminade Universityʻs College of Business, Innovation & Technology.
Now years later, he has been named dean of Chaminade University’s College of Business, Innovation & Technology, bringing nearly three decades of leadership experience in higher education, business consulting, and academic program development to the univeristy.
Toosi joins Chaminade after serving for 14 years as dean of the Division of Business and Security Studies at Rivier University in New Hampshire. Throughout his career, he has led academic innovation, expanded academic programs, and built partnerships that strengthen student learning and workforce development.
“I am excited and thrilled to be joining the academic leadership of Chaminade University and look forward to building relationships within the University and throughout the broader community,” Toosi said. “Hawaiʻi has always been a special place for my family and me, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue growing the outstanding programs at Chaminade.”
At Rivier University, Toosi also served as program director and professor, overseeing academic affairs and contributing expertise in risk and crisis management, learning management systems, and program administration. He previously held leadership positions at Herzing University and American InterContinental University. His applied approach to business practices is an ideal fit for Chaminade as well.
“Dr. Toosi brings a wealth of experience as an innovative academic leader and a deep commitment to student success,” said Chaminade Provost Dr. Lance Askildson. “His collaborative leadership style and vision for business education will strengthen our College of Business, Innovation & Technology as we continue preparing graduates to lead with purpose in an evolving global economy.”
In 2025, Toosi received the President’s Good Steward Award from the Education Alliance for New Hampshire and was recognized with the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber of Champions Eminence Award.
Born in Iran and growing up throughout the United States as his father is a college professor, Toosi earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Business Administration from Heidelberg University, and a Doctor of Business Administration in Management from Argosy University in Chicago.
Chaminade’s College of Business, Innovation & Technology offers undergraduate programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Entrepreneurship, International Business, Marketing, and Sport and Event Management. The College also offers a 12-month Professional MBA program designed for working professionals and is home to the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program and the Economic Education Center for Excellence.