Schools

Obama Aid Returns to Lead CSU-Monterey Bay

Dr. Eduardo M. Ochoa will be interim president of the university.

Dr. Eduardo M. Ochoa, U.S. assistant secretary for postsecondary education, has been named as interim president of California State University, Monterey Bay.

He is returning to the CSU after serving since 2010 in the Obama Administration as the secretary's chief adviser on higher education issues, administering more than 60 programs, and overseeing financial aid policy and accreditation. Prior to joining the department, he served for seven years as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Sonoma State University. 

"I am honored and excited to return to the California State University, and to have been selected to lead the Monterey Bay campus," Dr. Ochoa said. "The campus ideals of diversity, sustainability and community embody the values of Monterey Bay, and its focus on innovation reflect the spirit of California. I look forward to working together with faculty, students and staff as we build on the university's excellent accomplishments and reputation."     

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A native of Buenos Aires, Dr. Ochoa attended bilingual schools in the Argentinian capital until his sophomore year in high school before immigrating with his family to Portland, Oregon. He earned his bachelor's degree in physics from Reed College, a master's degree in nuclear science and engineering from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in economics from the New School for Social Research. 

Dr. Ochoa taught at Fresno State as well as at California State University, Los Angeles, where he was a full professor and chair of the economics and statistics department. He also led the university’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research, and served as acting dean of its School of Business and Economics.

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In 1997, Dr. Ochoa was hired as the dean of Cal Poly Pomona's College of Business Administration, where he served for six years. 

He will begin his new position on July 16.

Current Monterey Bay President Dianne Harrison, who will serve until June 10, will assume the presidency of California State University, Northridge.

Until Dr. Ochoa’s arrival, Kevin Saunders, vice president for administration and finance and executive director, University Corporation at Monterey Bay, will be the administrator in charge at CSUMB.


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