Dr. Paul J. Zingg '63

Paul J. Zingg had served as the 14th president of California State University, Chico from 2004 to 2016. Zingg had led the university to a 10-year re-accreditation award, created innovative academic and student service programs, and positioned the university among the nation’s leaders in civic engagement and sustainability. Zingg also developed a campus strategic plan that enabled him to work more closely with faculty on the crucial issues of curriculum and teaching quality, including such elements as improving student retention and time to degree, and promoting diversity as a core value of the institution.

Zingg’s research interests focus on American higher education, including student learning, educational leadership, sports history and intercollegiate athletics. Zingg has received support for his research from the National Endowment for the Humanities, spoken and lectured extensively, and has published 12 books and over 100 articles.

Zingg has served nationally as an educational consultant and is currently an accreditation reviewer for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. His service also includes the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges Commission on Academic Affairs and Commission on Human Resources and Social Change. Zingg was also appointed a fellow of the American Council on Education and has served as chair of the California Central Coast Performing Arts Center Commission.