Provost Communication: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Good morning, Colleagues, 

There is much to catch up on!

Did you know that over the summer Cal Poly Humboldt's WSCUC accreditation was reaffirmed through 2034? We have received eight years of accreditation reaffirmation with no special visits required during that period. While Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success Peggy Metzger regaled us with her song requesting 10 years at last spring’s accreditation exit event, we are far from disappointed with the outcome and are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. This reaffirmation is an important affirmation of the University's positive trajectory.

To read the President's campus announcement, dated July 17, 2026, click here: Cal Poly Humboldt WSCUC Accreditation Reaffirmed. You can also visit the accreditation webpage for additional information: Accreditation.

I also want to take one more opportunity to thank everyone who helped bring this accreditation cycle to a successful conclusion, from those who contributed to the Institutional Report to those whose work was recognized in the commendations we received. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our entire campus community. Let's enjoy the momentum, and recognize and continue our great work!

Classroom Technology Drop-In Training: August 20-21, 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. in Gist Hall 218

Information Technology Services (ITS) is offering drop-in classroom technology training to help faculty and staff prepare for the semester. Stop by Gist Hall 218 on August 20 and 21 from 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. for hands-on assistance, a technology refresher, or to get your classroom tech questions answered.

No appointment necessary - the drop in is open to all faculty and staff. Please contact help@humboldt.edu if you have any questions about the drop in, or any other technology needs.

The Humboldt Emeritus, Retired Faculty and Staff Association (Humboldt-ERFSA) Nominations are Due September 1, 2026

Nominations for Emeritus status for retired tenured faculty, lecturers, staff, and administrators are due to the Senate Office by September 1, 2026. Emeritus status recognizes distinguished professional achievement while providing opportunities for continued community, engagement, and advocacy.

Humboldt-ERFSA protects and promotes the rights, benefits, and interests of retirees from Cal Poly Humboldt. Through luncheons, special events, campus activities, and advocacy efforts, the association helps retirees stay informed, connected, and engaged. Membership is open to CalPERS annuitants, emeritus faculty and staff, and eligible retirees from other CSU campuses.

Nominations should be submitted to the Senate Office by emailing senate@humboldt.edu. More information can be found at the following link: Emeritus Status.

Comings, Goings & Changes in Academic Affairs 

A number of personnel changes have taken place across the division over the summer.

For the Provost's Office, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Pearl Podgorniak as Executive Assistant to the Provost. Pearl joined the Provost's Office in April 2025 from the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and has served as Interim Executive Assistant to the Provost since September 2025. Following a successful recruitment, I am pleased to share that Pearl has been appointed to the position permanently. Please stop by the office to congratulate Pearl, and also join me in welcoming back Annalisa Rush, Administrative Support Coordinator, and Pricilla Ceja, Administrative Support Assistant.

Academic Advising: 

Welcome to two new Academic Advisors: 

• Kristina Devenport, Advisor for Biology, Molecular Biology, and Botany Programs

• Blanca Luevanos, Advisor for Environmental Science & Management and Wildlife Programs

Academic Programs:

• Geneva Samuelson, Administrative Support Coordinator for Academic Programs, has relocated to Southern California

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS): 

Welcome tenure track faculty: 

• Sara Hart, PhD, Department of Applied Humanities

• Dominika Ksel, MFA, Department of Art + Film

• Ruben Morales Forte, PhD(c), Department of Anthropology

College of Natural Resources & Sciences (CNRS):

Welcome tenure track faculty: 

• Ammar Jafaripournimchahi, PhD, Department of Engineering

College of Professional Studies (CPS):

Welcome tenure track faculty: 

• Michelle Bates-Hoaglin, MSW, Department of Social Work

• Vincent Feliz, MSW Department of Social Work

Information Technology Services (ITS) and Institutional Research, Analytics & Reporting (IRAR):

• Rachael Gipson has been appointed Interim Director of ITS Business Operations and Resource Planning

• Mike Le has departed to accept the position of Chief Data Analyst at UC Santa Cruz

• Gay Hylton now serves as Interim Director of Institutional Research, Analytics & Reporting

• Seth Bradley now serves as Interim Lead for Institutional Research

Library:

• Mairead Sardina, Interim OLLI Program Coordinator, has moved from the College of Extended Education to the Library, along with the entire OLLI program!

Place-based Learning Communities (PBLC):

• Welcome Nicole Rahman-Garnier as PBLC’s new Assistant Coordinator 

While there is some sadness when our long-serving and exceptional colleagues move on to new professional opportunities, we are equally excited to welcome those joining our community and to congratulate colleagues who are stepping into new roles. Thank you to each of you for your continued dedication to our students, our colleagues, and the future of Cal Poly Humboldt.

If you have a personnel change in your unit, or an accomplishment that you would like to announce, please let us know! Email details to OAAVP@humboldt.edu.

Sincerely,

Shawna