UPDATE: Mary Ann Villarreal has been officially named the interim president of California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), effective January 1, 2024. The announcement, made by the CSU system on Wednesday, November 19, follows the impending retirement of outgoing president Thomas Parham, who will step down on December 31 after leading the university since 2018.
Villarreal, currently serving as the vice president for institutional excellence at the American Association of Colleges and Universities, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Her previous positions include serving as the first vice president for equity, diversity, and inclusion at the University of Utah and holding key roles at CSU Fullerton from 2014 to 2019.
“I am thrilled Dr. Villarreal has agreed to return to the CSU to serve as interim president,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García in the announcement. “She is equity-minded, student-focused, and a champion of strategic innovation. I have every confidence that she will be a principled leader and a devoted advocate for the CSUDH community during this transition.”
Villarreal expressed her excitement about the new role, stating, “As one of the most diverse campuses in the CSU system, Dominguez Hills is a vital anchor institution for the community it serves. A beacon of inclusivity, it inspires hope for both the community and for higher education in California.”
As a U.S. Air Force veteran and a first-generation college graduate, Villarreal’s journey is inspiring. She will lead CSUDH while the CSU system conducts a nationwide search for a permanent replacement for Parham.
This pivotal leadership change comes at a crucial time as the university aims to continue its mission of serving California students effectively. With Villarreal at the helm, stakeholders are optimistic about the future of CSUDH, emphasizing the importance of leadership that resonates with the diverse student body.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the search for a permanent president.
