Dear Campus Community, 

After a national search, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Paules as director of intercollegiate athletics. His first day will be March 23, 2026.  

Paules currently serves as the senior associate athletics director and chief operating officer at Cal State Fullerton, where he provides leadership in marketing, development, and operational management of a $24 million Division I program with 18 teams. He supervised completion of more than $30 million in facility enhancements to strengthen the student-athlete and fan experience, supported by public and private funding.  

At Cal State Fullerton, Paules also served as the associate athletic director for development, spearheading athletic fundraising efforts. During his tenure, he secured over 100 major gifts, raising more than $20 million for athletics. He built a $2 million endowment for the golf program and a planned giving initiative that has generated $10 million in estate commitments.     

Prior to Cal State Fullerton, Paules held various roles supporting athletics at UC Irvine. As the special assistant to the athletic director, he established the Athletic Director’s Advisory Board and created a five-year strategic plan.  

As director of intercollegiate athletics, Paules will report to me, with a dotted-line relationship to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Brian Haynes, to ensure alignment with the university’s commitment to a high-quality student experience. A member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, Paules will provide executive leadership and oversight of athletics operations and resources, advancing competitive sports and academic excellence while building pride and momentum for Highlander athletics across campus and the Riverside community.  

Paules received both a B.A. and an M.B.A. from UC Irvine. He is active in community efforts that support youth development and youth sports.   

Thank you to the members of the search advisory committee (listed below) for their work on this important search. 

Brian Haynes, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs  (Chair) 

Michelle Almazan, Interim Director of Athletics 

Luis Alvarez, Interim Chief Financial & Administrative Officer 

Gus Argenal, Men's Basketball Head Coach 

Kendra Gage, Assistant Professor of Teaching, History 

Leila Haidar, ASUCR President 

Selina Hernandez, Marketing & Events Specialist 

Damon Richardson, UCR Foundation Board Member 

Kathryn Uhrich, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry & Faculty Athletics Representative 

Jakob Schnitzler, Graduate Student & Student Athlete, Men's Soccer 

Makena Tong, Undergraduate Student & Student Athlete, Women's Volleyball 

Denise Woods, Vice Chancellor for Health, Well-being & Safety 

Fatimat Yusuf-Olukoju, Assistant Track & Field Coach 

Staff support: Tanya Adams (ASSET)