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Leadership

Keeping the Otter Raft Afloat

A campus lawn glows at sunset with buildings, trees, and U.S. and a California flag under a sky filled with golden clouds.
About

About Our University Leadership

The Office of the President manages the daily operations of campus administration, executive messaging, governmental affairs, university-wide events and special projects. 

As chief executive officer, community liaison and the public face of Cal State Monterey Bay, the president also works closely with the CSU’s systemwide office and represents the campus on the Senior Leadership Council. 

Guided by our president, Cal State Monterey Bay’s senior leadership team oversees strategy and operations across campus, including in academic affairs, enrollment management, student affairs, finance, advancement, and community and belonging. 

Meet Our President 

Carlos Vargas, Ph.D., was appointed by the California State University Board of Trustees to serve as interim president of Cal State Monterey Bay. 

His tenure began on Aug. 1, 2026, with priorities that include advancing student success from enrollment through post-graduation, strengthening 性视界传媒's role as a cultural and economic asset to the region, fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus community, and establishing the university as a leader and innovator in public higher education.

President’s Cabinet

Hayley Azevedo headshot

Hayley Azevedo
Chief of Staff
Office of the President
Directory Profile

Nizhoni Chow-Garcia headshot

Nizhoni Chow-Garcia
Associate Vice President for Community and Belonging
Office of Community and Belonging
Directory Profile

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Tara Hughes
AVP, Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
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Melissa Jarnagin Portrait

Melissa Jarnagin
Vice President for Administration and Finance/Chief Financial Officer
Administration and Finance Division
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Michael LaPlante Vice President for University Advancement

Michael LaPlante
Vice President for University Advancement
University Advancement
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Andrew Lawson headshot

Andrew Lawson
Provost
Vice President
Academic Affairs
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Portrait of Reuban Rodriguez

Reuban Rodriguez
Interim Vice President of Student Affairs
Student Affairs
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Portrait of Elizabeth Rountree

Elizabeth Rountree
Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management
Enrollment Management
Directory Profile

Connect with Campus Leadership

Opportunities to connect with campus leadership are available throughout the year. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university are invited to participate in recurring events that encourage conversation, collaboration and engagement with university leaders.

Faculty and staff are invited to join members of university leadership for coffee and conversation. These informal gatherings provide an opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and learn more about university priorities. Sessions are held monthly in the Administration Building Conference Room, Building 1.

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to stop by and meet one or more members of Cabinet each week to say hello and learn more about their roles at 性视界传媒 and their vision for the future of our campus. One or more members of the Cabinet are present each Thursday from 10-11 a.m. Admin Bldg Conference Room, Building 1, when school is in session.

News & Updates

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Connect with the President

Collaboration and open communication are central to Cal State Monterey Bay. Learn more about the Office of the President, university leadership and the initiatives that help guide the university's mission and serve our campus community.

Office of the President

Office of the President

Email the President

Cal State Monterey Bay

Cal State Monterey Bay