California State University Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester has appointed Dr. Sylvia A. Alva to serve as interim president of California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), effective Aug. 1.
Current President Fram Virjee in January announced his intention to retire after five years in the position.
This marks a return to CSUF for Alva, who began her career as an assistant professor of child and adolescent development before being promoted to associate professor and professor at Cal State Fullerton.
“I am confident that Cal State Fullerton will benefit from her equity-centered mindset, collaborative nature and student-driven leadership style,” Koester said in a statement.
In her current systemwide role as executive vice chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, Alva oversees the CSU’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs (ASA), which is focused on providing a high-quality educational experience for California’s diverse student body.