March 22, 2007
To the Campus Community:
As you know, after Ms. Judy Knudson retired last year as Vice President for University Advancement, she graciously agreed to provide continued leadership to the division while a search for her permanent replacement was conducted.
Identifying a suitable candidate for the Vice President for University Advancement position has proved challenging and taken longer than anticipated. Due to time limitations outlined in the rules governing the appointment of retired annuitants to campus positions, Ms. Knudson can no longer continue in this role.
Due to these circumstances and the need to have in place a senior officer who can provide administrative and executive oversight for the division, I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Mr. Tom McCarron to serve as Interim Vice President for University Advancement, effective March 26. Mr. McCarron is currently President and Executive Director of both The University Corporation (TUC) and the North Campus-University Park Development Corporation (NCUP). As a member of the President's Cabinet since 1999, Mr. McCarron has the knowledge and expertise to ensure that University Advancement continues operating at its current level of excellence during this time of transition.
We anticipate this assignment may last six to nine months, but may be shorter or longer since it is contingent on successfully finding a suitable permanent appointee for the Vice President for University Advancement position. During this time, Mr. McCarron will retain his positions with TUC and the NCUP, but will delegate many of his day-to-day responsibilities to his administrative staff. Mr. Rick Evans, TUC Associate Executive Director, will serve as Administrator-in-Charge of both corporations.
After July 1, 2007, when the new fiscal year begins, Ms. Knudson will be available to return to the university and serve as a consultant.
I am grateful for the campus community's patience and understanding during the past year. I commend the continued outstanding efforts of University Advancement staff. Their ongoing high level of performance attests to their commitment to Cal State Northridge, and I am confident we will sustain this good work as we move forward.
Jolene Koester
President