Kate Eaton appointed associate dean of ASU’s College of Global Futures

Kate Eaton has been appointed associate dean for students and academic innovation at Arizona State University’s College of Global Futures, a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.

“We are very glad to have Kate join us in building a new kind of college where learning isn’t confined to a classroom but woven into the urgent work of building a better world,” said Miki Kittilson, dean of the College of Global Futures. “Her leadership, vision and deep commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration make her an exceptional fit for this role.”

Eaton will start her role Aug. 18, working to advance student success and academic innovation across the College of Global Futures.

Through her work as associate dean, Eaton will co-create transformational educational experiences that equip students with the knowledge and future-ready skills needed for impactful careers. This includes building partnerships within ASU and beyond, connecting students with organizations, projects and career paths.

The appointment is both an honor and a responsibility according to Eaton, who throughout her time at ASU has worked to ensure that academic offerings transform student trajectories.

“This new role feels like a natural extension of that mission: helping students grow into thinkers, innovators and leaders who understand the complexity of the world around them and are equipped to make lasting, positive change,” said Eaton.

A clinical professor of marketing in the W. P. Carey School of Business, Eaton brings a depth of leadership and personal experience. She has most recently served as associate dean for graduate programs at W. P. Carey where she successfully scaled programs, launched new degrees and modalities, and partnered across colleges to build interdisciplinary pathways that attract and support a vibrant student body.

Eaton was drawn to the College of Global Futures due to its bold mission and solutions-focused approach.

“I grew up in rural Montana, where you see the ripple effects of environmental and social decisions firsthand,” said Eaton. “That interconnectedness has shaped my worldview.”

“I’ve seen wildfires threaten my childhood home, floods destroy neighbors’ properties, and mining operations leave scars on some of the most beautiful landscapes I know,” she continued.

“These experiences instilled a lifelong passion for protecting the planet and a deep respect for the complex systems that sustain it, and I’m excited to join a college that puts those values at the center of everything it does.”

Eaton holds a PhD in business administration (marketing) as well as undergraduate degrees in finance and management from W. P. Carey. Her research interests include product and service innovation and transformative services research.

“This college is full of people who don’t just talk about solving global challenges — they build the structures to do it. I can’t wait to contribute to that momentum.”