ASU names Nancy Gonzales executive vice president, university provost

PHOENIX — Arizona State University has named Nancy Gonzales as its next executive vice president and university provost, the school announced Tuesday.

Gonzales, an ASU alumna and the first in her family to earn a college degree, currently serves as the dean of natural sciences at the university.

ASU says Gonzales will focus on academic success for students and faculty, as well as recruiting new faculty members and developing the quality of both on-campus and online classes, according to a press release.

She said she hopes to help bring quality, affordable education and success to students of all backgrounds.

“I don’t think it’s a big mystery as to what individuals need to thrive in life. But we need to find flexible ways to provide those opportunities for more of our students, and at times in life when they can benefit most,” Gonzales said in the release.

“I am inspired by ASU’s charter that prioritizes access and inclusion, and our commitment to universal learning as a means to achieving these goals.”

Gonzales received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from ASU, and earned her master’s and PhD in the same subject at the University of Washington. She has been a professor at ASU since 1992.

ASU President Michael Crow said that Gonzales’ background as a former student as well as her psychology research will help advance the university.

“Nancy is a highly credentialed, well-respected leader among her peers who is a natural fit to be our next executive vice president and university provost,” ASU President Michael Crow said in a press release. “As a first-generation college graduate, she is representative of so many of the students we currently serve and strive to serve more of.”

Current Executive Vice President and University Provost Mark Searle announced in September that he would be stepping down from the position in 2021.

Gonzales’ term will begin on July 1.

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