Leadership

Open Arms, Open Skies: Students Welcomed at Spirited, Soggy Scholars Bridge Crossing

August 26, 2025

Spirits were high and futures bright while all else was soaked in a summer storm that made Tuesday morning’s Scholars Bridge Crossing, UC Merced’s traditional greeting to new students, a welcome unlike any before. Call them Thunder ‘Cats. The ceremony embraced about 2,000...

New AVC and Police Chief Combines All Things Safety

Albert Vasquez is putting to use his more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and administration as UC Merced’s first assistant vice chancellor for campus and public safety and second...

Program Makes Transition Easier for Transfer Students

Four weeks after her move to UC Merced in January 2014, psychology major Valara Villanueva wasn’t sure if she fit in. She felt academically prepared, but the transition from community college to a...

New Engineering Dean Brings Experience to School, Campus

New School of Engineering Dean Mark Matsumoto is not new to UC Merced. In fact, he’s not even new as the engineering dean, having served in the interim between founding Dean Jeff Wright and Dean...

Campus Enters Second Decade Poised for Continued Growth

Ten years ago, the University of California, Merced, opened its doors with 875 students, a handful of permanent buildings and high hopes for the first new UC campus in 40 years — and the first ever...

Robbins Named Dean of School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts

Jill Robbins has been named dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA) at the University of California, Merced, the university announced today. She will begin serving full time...

Regents Approve UC Merced’s New Downtown Center

The University of California, Merced, has moved a step closer to realizing its plan to build a new center in downtown Merced that will provide space for administrators and collaborations with...

Matsumoto Appointed Dean of School of Engineering

Mark Matsumoto has been named dean of the School of Engineering at the University of California, Merced, the university announced today. His appointment is effective Sept. 1, 2015. Matsumoto is...

Campus Names New Police Chief, Assistant Vice Chancellor

The University of California, Merced, announced today (July 7) the appointment of Albert Vasquez to the dual role of police chief and assistant vice chancellor for campus and public safety, effective...

Campus Wins National Career Services Award

UC Merced’s Center for Career and Professional Advancement has long been a source of campus pride for the quality services it provides to students, and now it can add national recognition to its list...