March 24, 2022 – Jolene Koester Announced as CSU Interim Chancellor

Dear campus community,

Yesterday, the California State University Board of Trustees appointed(opens in new window) former Cal State Northridge president Dr. Jolene Koester as the interim CSU chancellor.

I've known Dr. Koester for roughly 10 years. Her achievements as a campus president, experience in higher education leadership nationwide, along with her academic acumen will serve the CSU system well.

Dr. Koester began her CSU career in 1980 as assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Sacramento State. During her 17 years there, she served as an associate professor, professor, department chair, assistant vice president, associate vice president, vice president for academic affairs and provost. The pinnacle of her career was spent as president of CSUN from 2000–2011 where, through challenging times, she grew the campus and elevated its reputation.

Interim Chancellor Koester is the first woman to serve as CSU chancellor in more than 30 years, and the second woman to hold the position in the system's history. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I'm encouraged to see her named for this role, and I look forward to her leadership and working closely together to implement programs that enhance Chico State's commitment to student success.

Sincerely,

Gayle E. Hutchinson

President