Welcome incoming President Christopher Callahan

Dear Pacificans,

Today we warmly welcome Christopher Callahan as University of the Pacific’s 26th president.

Although today marks the first official day of his presidency, Chris and his wife, Jean, have been actively engaged with the Pacific community for the past several months. Chris has held listening sessions with students, faculty, staff and alumni—first, in person and then virtually—quickly getting up to speed on what makes Pacific a unique and special place. And he has been deeply engaged in the planning for the fall semester reopening of our campuses. I am filled with optimism for Pacific’s future with Chris as our president. Please join me in welcoming Chris and Jean by leaving a message on the special webpage we have created for their arrival.

I want to thank Dr. Maria Pallavicini for serving as our interim president for the past year. It has been, by any standards, an unprecedented time. Maria has led the university with thoughtful and steady guidance, helping us to rapidly transition to remote learning and working, while managing significant academic, operational and fiscal responsibilities. In addition, she achieved important accomplishments this year including the re-envisioning of our university library, the launch of a new School of Health Sciences, and the merger of the Gladys L. Benerd School of Education and University College. We owe her much gratitude for her stewardship during this year of transition. You can read more on this webpage honoring her presidency and also send notes of appreciation here.

Lastly, I want to thank outgoing Regent and Chair Kevin Huber for his nine years of service on the board of regents. Kevin is an exemplary Pacifican who truly embodies Pacific’s values. He has led with integrity and accountability, while always staying student-centered in his focus on academic excellence. Over the past three years, he has devoted untold hours to the university as chair, helping to navigate through a time of significant change. His love for Pacific and commitment to our mission set an example for all of us, but particularly for me as his successor. On behalf of the Board of Regents and the entire university community, I thank him and his wife, Sandy, for their unwavering support of our alma mater.

We find ourselves in extraordinary times and the road ahead will have some challenges. Still, having been around this university for 36 years and having seen firsthand the incredible talent in our faculty, staff, students, administration, regents and alumni, I have full confidence that we will not just find our way, but will thrive. We are an incredible community brimming with possibility. I am honored to serve as your board chair and look forward to partnering with President Callahan as we work together to lead this great university forward.

Warmly,

Norman Allen ’88, ’94
Chair, Board of Regents