Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

 

As I previously announced, Vice Chancellor Peter Hayashida will retire in December after 12½ years of service to UCR. While a search is underway for his replacement, our national search is not scheduled to culminate in finalist visits to campus until after the winter break. Given the vital functions housed in University Advancement, I have decided to install interim leadership for the organization to ensure continuity after Vice Chancellor Hayashida leaves.

 

I’m pleased to share that Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) Johnny Cruz has agreed to serve as interim vice chancellor for University Advancement, effective January 1, 2022.  AVC Cruz will provide stability and ensure a smooth transition until a permanent vice chancellor arrives on campus.

 

Johnny is well-known to many of you across campus. Last year, he ably served as acting associate chancellor while Dr. Christine Victorino was on leave for several months, and he has been a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet since his arrival in March, 2018. During his tenure, Johnny has overseen an institutional rebranding effort, driven innovation in our regional alumni engagement events, led messaging and storytelling at the close of our first comprehensive campaign, and provided essential crisis communication support to leadership the past 18 months. 

 

The strength of Johnny’s existing campus relationships, combined with his experience in the Chancellor’s Organization, will allow him to manage the complex set of departments that engage alumni, donors, and friends to inspire pride, commitment, and investment in UCR. I’m grateful for Johnny’s willingness to accept this additional responsibility as we move into 2022 and I know I can count on all of you to support him in this role.