May 29, 2026 - Dr. Reginald Stewart Named University Diversity Officer

Dear campus community, 

I’m thrilled to share that Dr. Reginald Stewart has been selected as Chico State’s next University Diversity Officer, after a nationwide search. He will join our campus community on Monday, July 6.

Dr. Stewart holds a PhD and master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno, a bachelor’s degree in sociology from San Francisco State University, and an executive certificate in public leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School. With more than 30 years of leadership and equity-focused experience in higher education, he most recently served as vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Chapman University and previously held similar leadership roles at Iowa State University and the University of Nevada, Reno. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Stewart has led initiatives focused on student success, belonging, institutional effectiveness, and expanding educational opportunity for historically underserved students and communities. His work has included advancing Hispanic-Serving Institution initiatives, improving retention and degree completion outcomes, strengthening community partnerships, supporting affinity and resource centers, and integrating equity and inclusion efforts into broader institutional strategy and planning. He also brings extensive experience in policy and compliance, crisis response, strategic planning, fundraising, and external partnership development. In addition to his administrative leadership, he has taught courses in educational leadership, diversity and equity, disability studies, multicultural counseling, and student success.

Throughout the search process, campus community members consistently noted Dr. Stewart’s thoughtful and steady leadership style, broad national perspective, understanding of policy and compliance, and ability to connect equity and belonging work to student success and institutional priorities. Many also appreciated his experience navigating complex issues related to free speech, community engagement, disability services, LGBTQ+ initiatives, and support for historically underserved students.

Dr. Stewart shares this message with campus: “I carry a deep appreciation for the role that equity, access, and belonging play in shaping academic success. It is an honor to return to the system that opened doors for me and to join a community as committed as Chico State to student success and the public mission of higher education. I am excited to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to advance our shared commitment to fostering a campus where every student has the opportunity to thrive.” 

I want to thank the search committee for its thoughtful work and dedication throughout this important process. They brought forward four exceptional finalists in what proved to be a highly competitive search. 

I also want to commend our two on-campus candidates, Dawn Frank and Michelle Morris, and thank them for their willingness to serve in this role. Their expertise, leadership, and commitment to fostering a culture of belonging and student success continue to make a profound impact at Chico State, and we are fortunate to have them as part of our campus community. 

Finally, I want to once again thank Joseph Morales for his service as University Diversity Officer over the past three and a half years. For the many contributions he made to the University during his tenure and those still to come as he retreats to faculty, we are deeply grateful. 

At Chico State, fostering an environment rooted in belonging, access, and student success is foundational to who we are, have been, and will continue to be. I’m confident Dr. Stewart’s leadership and experience will help us strengthen and advance that important work in partnership with our students, faculty, staff, and broader community. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Stewart to Chico State.  

Thank you, 
Steve Perez