JIM DOTI
PRESIDENT EMERITUS
CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY
WHY: Served as Chapman’s 12th president. Stepped down in 2016 to return to teaching. Issues annual economic forecast in December and midyear update, closely watched by all sectors of Orange County. In 2002, was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans.
IN THE NEWS: Celebrated his 50th year with the university last year. Under his leadership, has shaped Chapman’s history and fueled its massive growth from a small, regional institution to a nationally ranked university. Popular author of the Business Journal’s Leader Boards.
NOTABLE: Genuine Renaissance man – runs marathons and has climbed some of the world’s highest peaks. Reputation as one of the country’s most accurate economic forecasters. Also has a rep for accurately predicting the popular vote winner in presidential elections.
QUOTABLE: “My new book, ‘Using Data Analytics to Drive Transformational Change,’ opens with the statement, ‘Most strategic plans are a waste of time – a drain on precious assets.’ That view is based on my belief that comprehensive strategic plans usually promise positive outcomes for everyone. As a result, these broad-based plans become vapid wish lists rather than action plans rooted in economic reality.” — Leader Board
