January 6, 2023 - Appointment of Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Campus Community,

I’m honored to share the news that Stephen Perez will serve as interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Perez comes to Chico State after serving as interim president since January 2022 at San Jose 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. Perez has also taught macroeconomics at all levels, as well as econometrics, sports economics, labor economics, and mathematics for economists.

Perez will assume the role January 17. 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 Officer, and co-lead the Enrollment Continuum team as we focus on growth and retention.

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.

Perez joins Chico State in the wake of Debra Larson’s resignation from the position of provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. For the next several months, Larson will report to Dr. Perez to serve in an advisory capacity as she works toward retirement.

An appointment of a permanent provost and vice president for Academic Affairs will be made by my successor, the next president of Chico State. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Perez to Chico.

Sincerely,
Gayle Hutchinson
President