First Woman Provost in University's History

SAN BERNARDINO >> Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB) has named as its new provost and vice president for academic affairs Shari G. McMahan, who will become the first woman in CSUSB history to lead the faculty. McMahan, who is currently deputy provost at California State University, Fullerton, will join the CSUSB campus on Sept. 1, said university president Tomas D. Morales. “We are delighted to have someone of Shari’s knowledge, ability and talent to join us as CSUSB’s new provost and academic affairs vice president,” Morales said. “Her background and experiences in her many leadership roles and in the classroom at Cal State Fullerton will serve us well, not only in helping to expand, enhance and grow our exceptional faculty, but also provide and nurture academic programs for our students.” McMahan will take over academic affairs from professor Juan Delgado, who has been serving as interim provost. “I want to extend my personal appreciation to Juan Delgado, who has done a remarkable job as interim provost,” Morales said. McMahan was excited about joining CSUSB. “I am thrilled to be selected as CSUSB’s next provost,” McMahan said. “I look forward to working with the faculty and administration to continue our efforts to enhance student success, support faculty excellence in teaching and research and continue the good and important work in our community.” McMahan has served as Cal State Fullerton’s deputy provost since 2014. In this role, she manages a wide and impressive portfolio, including enrollment services, academic operations and finance institutional research and analytical studies, research, creative activities and technology transfer, university library, faculty affairs and records, the Faculty Development Center, online education and training, satellite campus operations and initiatives, and the Center for Excellence in Supplemental Instruction. McMahan joined CSUF in 2000 as an associate professor in the Department of Health Science. Through the years, McMahan has served in a myriad of leadership roles, including interim associate vice president for research, creative activities and technology transfer; dean of the College of Health and Human Development as well as professor and chair in the health science department. McMahan has a bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in social ecology from UC Irvine, and a master’s degree in health science from Cal State Northridge. Upon arrival at CSUSB, she will have an academic appointment as a full professor in the College of Natural Sciences, Department of Health Science and Human Ecology.