Greta Carl-Halle
Greta Carl-Halle is a dedicated higher education leader with nearly 33 years of service at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where her professional journey began when she arrived as an 18-year-old undergraduate from rural Pennsylvania. Over the decades, her career has been shaped by her deep commitment to the University of California’s mission and her belief in the value the institution provides to students, faculty, and staff. Currently serving as Business Officer for the Computer Science department at UCSB, she oversees departmental operations including budget management, resource allocation, space planning, and staff leadership. Known for her strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex priorities, Greta is often seen as a connector and problem solver, helping colleagues navigate administrative processes and find clarity in their work. In addition to her departmental leadership, Greta serves as Chair of the Council of UC Staff Assemblies (CUCSA), a systemwide organization representing staff across all University of California campuses, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Berkeley National Laboratory, and the UC Office of the President. In this role, she travels throughout the UC system collaborating with campus leadership and staff representatives to elevate staff voices and strengthen shared governance. Her work reflects her passion for people-centered leadership, research support, and student success. She finds great fulfillment in helping faculty and students engaged in research by ensuring they have the operational resources needed to pursue discovery and innovation. Throughout her career, Greta has been motivated by her love of working with people and supporting academic advancement within higher education. She is passionate about mentoring staff, building inclusive workplace environments, and inspiring confidence in those she leads. Her leadership philosophy centers on empowering others with knowledge, tools, and opportunities to succeed. Greta holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in History of Art and Architecture from UC Santa Barbara and has been recognized for her contributions to equity, community engagement, and staff advocacy, including receiving the Kevin McCauley Memorial Outstanding Staff Award. Through her long-standing service, she continues to demonstrate unwavering dedication to the University of California and its research, teaching, and public service mission.
• UC Santa Barbara - BA, History of Art and Architecture
• UC Santa Barbara - MA, History of Art & Architecture
• Kevin McCauley Memorial Outstanding Staff Award
• Council of UC Staff Assemblies (Chair)
• University of California Staff Assembly
• University of California Santa Barbara Staff Groups
• University of California Staff Groups
• Council of UC Staff Assemblies
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying focused on my goals while maintaining a leader-driven, task-oriented approach to my work. I make a conscious effort to remain organized, prioritize effectively, and move projects forward with purpose and clarity. Equally important is maintaining a positive mindset, even when managing complex responsibilities or navigating challenges. By staying solution-focused and committed to continuous improvement, I am able to support the people around me while also achieving meaningful results in my professional roles.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to not be intimidated by others, to be proud of who I am, and to stay true to my values. Throughout my career, this guidance has helped me build confidence in my own abilities and perspectives, even when working in large or highly complex organizations. By focusing on integrity and authenticity rather than comparison, I have been able to contribute meaningfully to my work while remaining grounded in what matters most to me. This advice continues to guide my leadership style, my interactions with colleagues, and my commitment to serving others with respect and professionalism.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I advise young women entering higher education and administrative leadership to be good listeners, practice kindness and respect in all professional interactions, and consistently strive for excellence. I believe that listening carefully helps build strong relationships, deepen understanding, and support sound decision-making. I also encourage women to confidently share their ideas, advocate for themselves, and embrace opportunities that promote growth. I have found that excellence comes from continuous learning, attention to detail, and a commitment to improving both personally and professionally. Building a strong network of mentors and colleagues has also been essential in my career, and I encourage others to surround themselves with people who support, challenge, and celebrate their success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Higher education is facing significant funding challenges, requiring institutions to sustain the high level of student service and support we have long provided while navigating increasingly constrained resources. Identifying innovative and sustainable approaches to maintain excellence during this period of financial uncertainty is both a priority and a responsibility.
Within computer science, our large international student community adds another important dimension. We are deeply committed to ensuring that international students are able to pursue their education safely and successfully, and we remain attentive to the evolving policies and conditions that affect their ability to study and thrive here.
At a time when many aspects of higher education feel uncertain, we remain grounded in our mission and values—continuing to prioritize access, academic excellence, and meaningful support for all students.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life include a commitment to continuous learning, leading by example, and maintaining an open mind. I believe strongly in the importance of continuing education and personal growth, as it allows me to stay adaptable and contribute meaningfully in an ever-evolving environment. I also strive to lead by example through integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic, demonstrating the standards I hope to see in others. In addition, I value being open to new ideas, exploring new approaches, and being willing to try new things in order to foster innovation and improvement. Above all, I am driven by the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others through my work and service.