By Mike Harris Thursday, July 10th, 2025

California State University Chancellor Mildred García announced July 10 that she has appointed Susan Andrzejewski to serve as CSU Channel Islands’ interim president.

Andrzejewski, who currently serves as the university’s dean of the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, will begin her new appointment Aug. 4.

Richard Yao, who has served as the university’s president for nearly five years, will step down Aug. 1 to join Trade Desk founder Jeff Green’s family foundation.

“Dr. Andrzejewski is an innovative and collaborative leader, recognized for advancing student success through data-informed initiatives, experiential learning and regional partnerships,” García said in a press release.

Andrzejewski has also been a trusted and strategic partner to Yao, demonstrating impressive university-wide leadership and strategic acumen, the chancellor said.

“With her strong connections to CSU Channel Islands and outstanding professional skills and personal qualities, Dr. Andrzejewski is the ideal person to lead the university through this time of transition,” García said.

Andrzejewski said it is an honor to be named interim president.

“I care deeply about this campus community and am inspired every day by the passion, resilience and dedication of our students, faculty and staff,” she said. “I’m excited to work alongside all of them and our community partners as together we continue to shape a bright and inclusive future for CSUCI.”

Andrzejewski joined the university in 2014 as an assistant professor of marketing.

In 2018, she was named interim dean of the Smith business and economics school and in 2021 was named permanent dean.