Steve Perez

Steve Perez is the 13th president of Chico State. He has worked in higher education for more than 30 years, most recently at San José State University and Sacramento State. He holds a PhD in economics from University of California, Davis.

Contact Steve Perez at presidentoffice@csuchico.edu

We see President Steve Perez addressing a crowd during the California College Guidance Initiative workshop.

Strengthening North State Student Pathways

President Perez unveils the California College Guidance Initiative and Impact Day, two initiatives that strengthen our position as the university of choice for students in the North State.

Students Angela Arguelles (left), Christian Hutson (right), representing Women of Excellence and Men of Chico, hold up signs in support of Giving Day 2024 at Chico State.

President’s Column: Thank You, Wildcats

This year, on March 6, more than 3,900 University students, staff, faculty, friends, alumni, and supporters came together to raise more than $1.2 million for Chico State—in just one day!

President's Perez sits with his back to the camera, wearing a red jacket with 'Chico State' written in bold white letters.

President’s Column: Chico State is Strong and Resilient

President Perez discusses Chico State's bright future and how our campus community is doing to ensure it.

President Perez shares a laugh with a group of students on the first week of school after asking them their majors and what made them choose Chico.

President’s Column: 6 of My Favorite Moments from 2023

President Steve Perez reflects on his first six months on the job and shares some of his favorite moments.

President Steve Perez runs through Expressions Dance team with raised pom poms as the campus community enjoys the Alumni and Family Weekend BBQ barbecue as part of Wildcat Weekend

We are Making a Good First Impression

A note from a parent after Wildcat Weekend impresses upon President Steve Perez the value of every interaction with prospective students and their families.

People are gathered on the lawn in front of Kendall Hall, which decorated with lights, balloons, and a bouncy house in honor of Homecoming Weekend.

President’s Column: Excitement Builds For Wildcat Weekend

Embracing the cooler weather and beautiful seasonal changes, President Steve Perez is excited about the upcoming celebrations planned for Wildcat Weekend.

A crowd of students walk down the sidewalk at Chico State

Increased Enrollment at Chico State Benefits the Entire Community

President Steve Perez discusses why increased in enrollment is good for the University and the community of Chico.

President Steve Perez and his wife, Tanya, walk their two dogs through the Catastic carnival.

Living in Historic Home Gives New Meaning to Residential Campus

President Steve Perez reflects on being Chico State's newest on-campus resident, as the new tenant of the Warrens Center.

President Steve Perez shares a laugh with incoming students and their families at Orientation.

30 Days In: President Perez Reflects on New Role

President Steve Perez marvels at the warm welcome he has received and the excitement of students who are also just starting their journeys.