CSUMB President Eduardo M. Ochoa is pleased to announce that effective April 26, Dr. John Fraire will be the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. Dr. Fraire’s appointment will extend until a national search is carried out and the position is filled on a permanent basis. Dr. Ronnie Higgs has announced his intention to retire after this academic year. In the interim, he will act as Special Advisor to the President regarding student affairs and enrollment management matters.

Dr. Fraire joins CSUMB after a distinguished career in senior student affairs positions in several universities, including Portland State University and Washington State University. He has had extensive experience in all aspects of student services as well as enrollment management, including with Hispanic-serving institutions. He received his BA and MEd from Harvard University and his PhD from Union Institute and University in Ohio. CSUMB is grateful for his willingness to join CSUMB on short notice and for The Registry in assisting us in recruiting him.

In addition to leading the Division of Academic Affairs, Provost Katherine Kantardjieff has also been the Acting Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management since last November, an extra assignment that will end with Dr. Fraire’s appointment. President Ochoa expresses his gratitude to her for her willingness and ability to take on such a heavy load, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.