January 24, 2025 - Cabinet Changes this Semester

Dear Campus Community,

I'm writing to inform you of changes to the President's Cabinet this semester. Our esteemed colleagues Vice President Ahmad Boura and Chief of Staff Seema Sehrawat will be leaving the Cabinet. Ahmad will retire from Chico State effective May 16 and Seema will return to full-time faculty in fall of 2025.

Seema's strong leadership set the stage for a remarkable period of accomplishment during 2023–24 and this past fall. She played a key role in shaping all three presidential initiatives: the Chico State Playbook, Community Agreements, and the employee engagement plan. And she was instrumental in strengthening Chico State's relationships with North State community colleges and a key force behind Impact Day and the signing of transfer agreements with the seven colleges.

Her tenure in the Office of the President began as Chief of Staff under President Gayle Hutchinson in August 2022. Throughout her tenure, she has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Her strategic vision and innovative thinking have consistently driven the President's Office and Cabinet forward, and her ability to inspire and motivate those around her is remarkable. She established a reputation for fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and bringing together community members to advance strategic priorities. She strengthened the President's Office team and envisioned many new events and opportunities for connections with campus. Among her many impactful projects, Seema co-led the Implementation Team that created a roadmap for Chico State's systems of care and compliance related to Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation.

Prior to her role in the President's Office, Seema served for more than three years as the associate dean of the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management and as program director for the Concrete Industry Management Program. In Social Work, Seema holds the rank of full professor, and she has made significant contributions to the program where she began her Chico State career in 2009. She held various leadership roles, from director of the Interdisciplinary Center on Aging to director of the Distributed Learning BSW and MSW Program. At her request, Seema is returning to her faculty position in fall 2025. I will personally miss her presence, guidance, and friendship. I am confident she will continue to make an impact on our campus and in the lives of our students. Please join me in thanking Seema for a job well done and wish her success in her future role.

After 10 tremendously successful years of dedicated service, Ahmad will be retiring from Chico State. During his tenure, Ahmad has been instrumental in fostering a culture of philanthropy at Chico State and significantly advancing our University's outreach and engagement efforts. His energy and passion for this work have been infectious as he envisioned, invited, and empowered a wave of generosity among Chico State's alumni and friends.

Some remarkable milestones achieved under Ahmad's leadership include: securing the first eight-figure gift in the University's history; raising $55 million in earmarked funds to support the Human Identification Lab; setting records in fundraising on an annual basis; successfully completing the first capital campaign— Transform Tomorrow—ahead of schedule and over goal, and launching a new comprehensive campaign— Decide the Future—which is already nearly 40 percent toward its goal; leading Chico State's first million-dollar Giving Day; forming the Tower Society and generating significant philanthropic support and reliable recurring gifts; and creating the Student Philanthropy Council. Ahmad also led Chico State's inaugural branding initiative, establishing a strong foundation for a comprehensive implementation plan centered around the bold and dynamic “Do & Dare” tagline. Through those accomplishments and many others related to alumni engagement, public events, and communications, he has led a team that garnered more than 56 prestigious awards from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, including International Circle of Excellence Awards in eight of the last nine years.

Ahmad's vision and commitment have not only amplified Chico State's presence and reputation but also ensured the continuous development of vital resources that support our students, faculty, facilities, and programs, not just today but for generations to come. During his tenure, the Foundation's assets grew significantly, increasing from $50 million to $140 million. He also expanded the Foundation Board membership, fostering a team of dedicated leaders who have played a pivotal role in supporting the University's mission. His impact on the University is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire us. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ahmad for his friendship, unwavering dedication, boundless energy, and exemplary service. Please join me in wishing him every success in his next chapter and a well-deserved retirement. The President's Office will launch a nationwide search to fill the Vice President for University Advancement position this semester.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that Ashley Gebb has accepted the position of Interim Chief of Staff and Executive Director of University Communications effective March 1, 2025. Ashley has been the executive director of University Communications since 2022 and has been critical to the campus' strategic communications initiatives, branding, and marketing efforts. A proud Chico State alumna, she oversees our award-winning public relations strategy, centralized communications, publications, creative services, and media relations. She is an adept project manager with established relationships on campus and in the community. Importantly, she serves on the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, Employee Engagement Committee, and the Implementation Team for Title IX, and she is well-positioned to move these and other important initiatives forward. Please join me in congratulating Ashley.

Thank you,
Steve Perez