Meet the new Academic Affairs leadership for the 2026-27 academic year
The Division of Academic Affairs welcomed new leaders to the Provost's Council for the 2026-27 academic year. Serving under the leadership of Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Karyn Scissum Gunn, our new leaders will advance Beach Excellence by fostering holistic student success and preparing students for meaningful careers and further study.
NEW DEANS
Jennifer Wade-Berg
Dean, College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Jennifer A. Wade-Berg began serving at the helm of the College of Health and Human Services on June 1, 2026. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, her work advances inclusive excellence and prepares students to be impactful human services professionals.
Upon starting her role, Dr. Wade-Berg shared, “It is an honor to step into this role and partner with such an exceptional community of faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders. I look forward to building on the college’s strong foundation to advance a shared vision for intentional, innovative, and impactful health and human services education, research, and community engagement. I cannot wait to begin this new chapter together.”
Learn more about Dean Wade-Berg.
Donna Nicol
Dean, College of Liberal Arts
Dr. Donna J. Nicol began leading the College of Liberal Arts on July 1, 2026. She previously served as Associate Dean, Personnel and Curriculum in the college. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, her work strengthens academic programs, centers faculty and student success, and advances inclusive excellence for ALL students.
Upon starting the new role, Dr. Nicol shared, “I am honored and humbled by this appointment, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our faculty, staff, students, and Provost Scissum Gunn for entrusting me with this responsibility. I am committed to listening, leading with integrity and equity-mindedness, and ensuring that the College of Liberal Arts continues to be a place where every member of our community can thrive."
Learn more about Dean Nicol.
Dina Perrone
Dean, Graduate Studies
Dr. Dina Perrone continued leading Graduate Studies in a permanent appointment on July 1, 2026, previously serving as the interim dean. With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, her work has strengthened advising infrastructure, improved thesis and dissertation processes, and expanded pathways to advanced degrees for students across disciplines.
Dr. Perrone shared her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am honored and excited to serve as the next Dean of Graduate Studies at Cal State Long Beach. Graduate education plays a vital role in advancing research, innovation, and opportunity, and I look forward to continuing our work to support graduate students, strengthen pathways to advanced degrees, and foster a culture where all can thrive. It is a privilege to continue serving The Beach community in this role.”
Learn more about Dean Perrone.
NEW SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Pei-Fang Hung
Vice Provost, Academic Programs
Dr. Pei-Fang Hung continued serving as the Vice Provost of Academic Programs in a permanent appointment on January 2, 2026, previously serving in the interim role. Dr. Hung’s blend of academic expertise, clinical experience, and collaborative leadership uniquely equips her to guide programs that foster student achievement and innovation.
Upon starting her permanent appointment, she shared, "It is an honor to continue serving the Beach community by advancing academic programs that foster innovation, global engagement, and inclusive excellence. I remain committed to moving our academic mission forward with integrity and shared governance, and I look forward to supporting ֦Ƶ through collaborative, transparent leadership that strengthens curriculum, assessment, and pathways for all learners."
Learn more about Vice Provost Hung
Kerop Janoyan
Interim Associate Vice President, Research and Sponsored Programs
Dr. Kerop Janoyan began serving as the Interim Associate Vice President, Research and Sponsored Programs on July 27, 2026. He previously served at the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies in the Hung Family College of Engineering. As Associate Dean in HFCOE, Dr. Janoyan led initiatives that advanced research productivity, faculty development, graduate education, and external funding, while overseeing the college's research facilities and equipment.
On his appointment, Dr. Janoyan shared, "֦Ƶ has tremendous research talent and momentum. I look forward to working with colleagues across the University to build on that momentum, strengthen our research enterprise, foster innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, and expand partnerships that enhance our impact across the region and beyond."
