FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 5, 2007

Joe Wills
530-898-4143

New Dean Named for College
of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Gayle Hutchinson, chair of the Department of Kinesiology, has been named the new dean of California State University, Chico's College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Hutchinson will assume her new position July 1. She will replace Judy Bordin, the Child Development Program coordinator who has been serving as interim dean this semester.

Along with her duties as chair of kinesiology, Hutchinson is the current chair of the CSU, Chico Academic Senate. She has taught at CSU, Chico since 1990, and she became chair of the kinesiology department in 2002.

"Gayle brings the experience, passion and energy we need in this position," said CSU, Chico President Paul Zingg, in an e-mail to campus today announcing the appointment. "Her many strengths include an open communication style and a commitment to collegial values. After a long and thorough search process, it is clear that Gayle has emerged as the strongest candidate, someone who cannot only lead the college, but focus the energies of a fine faculty and staff in accomplishing our larger institutional goals."

Provost Scott McNall added, "Gayle is a perfect fit for a college committed to social justice, civic engagement and sustainability. We are fortunate to have identified a candidate whose interests and concerns match those of her colleagues in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Gayle will work closely with Interim Dean Judy Bordin and the chairs in the college in the coming months to help assure that no momentum is lost, that outstanding faculty and staff are hired and that the needs of the departments are understood."

"I am honored to accept the position of the dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences," said Hutchinson. "I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty, students and staff in the college of BSS. Together, we will pave our future as a college and strengthen our role within the University. Together, we will continue the strong tradition of outstanding service to the University, the region and global communities."

In 2005, she was selected as one of 40 faculty members and administrators nationwide for the American Council of Education (ACE) Fellows Program. As part of the program, which prepares senior leaders for higher education leadership, Hutchinson served for six months at Texas State University-San Marcos.

In 2004, Hutchinson received the Lyda Smiley Award given by the California School Nurses Organization for significant contributions by a professional outside of nursing to the health and well-being of students in public schools.

Hutchinson did her undergraduate work in physical education at the University of Massachusetts and received her master's degree in teaching analysis and curriculum development from Columbia University. She earned her Doctor of Education degree from U Mass in 1990.

Prior to being chair of the Academic Senate, Hutchinson served as chair of the Academic Senate's Educational Policies and Procedures Committee from 2002-2004, and was statewide senator from 2003-2005.

From 1997-2004, Hutchinson was co-director of the Northern California Physical Education-Health Subject Matter Project. The project trains teachers in standards-based physical education and health instruction as well as creates a professional network among educators in the region.

Hutchinson is the co-author of two books, co-author or author of 24 chapters and articles and has given more than 50 presentations to colleagues at state, regional and national conventions.

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