Chico State Announces New Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Chico State has named Stephen Perez as its interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

A seasoned administrator with extensive experience in the CSU system, Perez comes to Chico State after serving as interim president since January 2022 at San José State University, where he has kept the institution on an upward trajectory during a time of transition. He previously served as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs and professor of economics at Sacramento State, providing leadership and support for the Division of Academic Affairs, including faculty and staff in all colleges, the University Library, and several offices that support students, faculty, staff and the Sacramento region.

“Having worked with Dr. Perez within the CSU, I have seen first-hand his ability to successfully lead and guide CSU campuses,” said Chico State President Gayle Hutchinson. “He is a transformative leader whose wisdom, experience, and savvy will provide stability to Academic Affairs. I’m looking forward to the positive contributions he will make during his time at Chico State.”

Perez will begin his role on January 17, 2023. He will carry out all functions held by the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, serve as president of Chico State Enterprises and as the campus Research Integrity Official, and co-lead the Enrollment Continuum workgroup as the University focuses on growth and retention.

“I can’t wait to get started at Chico State. I look forward to meeting all my new colleagues and learning about how we can continue advancing Chico State’s prominence,” Perez said. “Together, we will work to build greater trust within the Division of Academic Affairs, affirm transparency and advance our shared mission and strategic initiatives. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and students as we continue to work in service to our students.”

Perez joined Sacramento State as an assistant professor in the Department of Economics in 2001. Over his two decades of service to the university, he also served as associate professor, professor, assistant to the president for special projects, faculty athletics representative, interim dean for the College of Business Administration and interim provost. His previous experience also includes service as a member of the faculty at Washington State University and Virginia Commonwealth University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, San Diego, and his master’s and PhD in economics from UC Davis.

With President Hutchinson retiring at the end of the academic year, an appointment of a permanent provost and vice president for Academic Affairs will be made by her successor, the next president of Chico State.