New Horizons: Meet Our Incoming Leaders
The Division of Academic Affairs will welcome an influx of new leaders to our ranks during the 2024 -2025 academic year. Serving in various permanent and interim positions, our incoming leadership will continue the tradition of Beach Excellence and aims to foster holistic student success throughout their appointments.
Serving under the leadership of Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Karyn Scissum Gunn, our four (4) new colleagues will serve as some of the most senior-ranking officials within the division of Academic Affairs. Their appointments are set to begin effective July 1.
INCOMING DEANS
Mark Suazo
Dean, College of Business
Dr. Mark Suazo will serve at the helm of the College of Business (COB) starting July 1. Following the retirement of his predecessor, Michael Solt, Mark Suazo was named the incoming college dean by Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Karyn Scissum Gunn.
“I am extremely excited to be joining the College of Business and CSULB and to work alongside the amazing people I met during my time at Long Beach and those I have yet to meet,” says Suazo.
After a nationwide search, Suazo was selected for his thorough understanding of administration and campus planning, fundraising advancement, and community building. He comes to CSULB with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Most recently, Suazo served as the Dean of the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies at the University of Central Missouri. Learn more about Dean Suazo.
Dina Perrone
Interim Dean, Graduate Studies
During the 2024-25 academic year, Dr. Dina Perrone will serve as Interim Dean of Graduate Studies. Perrone was appointed for the interim role by Provost Karyn Scissum Gunn following the retirement of the Dean of Graduate Studies, Jody Cormack. Perrone has served as the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies since 2022 and will oversee graduate studies at CSULB - working closely with graduate advisors to facilitate the academic progress of our graduate students.
Perrone has an extensive record of serving graduate students. Between 2020-22, she served as the Graduate Studies Faculty Director and is a full professor in the CHHS School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management (CCJEM) program, where she also served as CCJEM Graduate Advisor. “I am excited to serve as the Interim Dean and to continue my work to promote and further advance the CSULB graduate studies mission,” says Perrone.
Under her leadership, she remains committed to advancing graduate studies at The Beach, removing barriers for students, and promoting timely degree completion. Perrone continues to collaborate across the campus and throughout the CSU system to uplift and advocate for graduate programs, advisors, and students. Learn more about Interim Dean Perrone.
INCOMING SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Pei-Fang Hung
Interim Vice Provost, Academic Programs
Dr. Pei-Fang Hung will serve as Interim Vice Provost for Academic Programs during the 2024 – 2025 year. Following the retirement of Vice Provost of Academic Programs Jody Cormack, Hung was appointed for the interim role by Provost Karyn Scissum Gunn.
As Interim Vice Provost, Hung will be responsible for all matters of academic program planning, educational policy, curriculum review, and institutional/programmatic assessment. She will collaborate closely with all academic deans and associate deans, faculty, and the Curriculum and Educational Policy Council (CEPC) of the Academic Senate.
Additionally, Hung will develop and implement high-quality curriculum and degrees to enrich educational policies for the campus throughout her interim appointment. “I look forward to utilizing my experience in leading program assessments, reviews, and accreditation processes. I am confident that I can successfully lead curriculum planning and development by collaborating across academic units. I strongly believe that collaboration and open communication will lead to better outcomes and will create collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and constituencies on and off campus,” says Hung.
She is a valued member of The Beach – with her leadership extending across CSULB and beyond. Hung’s record of success in leadership roles led to her being named the 2024 Nicholas Perkins Hardeman Academic Leadership Award recipient. Learn more about Interim Vice Provost Hung
Barbara Taylor
Interim Associate Vice President, Research and Sponsored Programs
Barbara Taylor has been named Interim Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs during the 2024 -25 academic year by Provost Karyn Scissum Gunn.
Following the retirement of Associate Vice President of the Office of Research and Economic Development, Simon Kim, Taylor will promote research and scholarly activities that contribute to the mission of The Beach. Taylor will direct the Office of Research and Economic Development, prioritize faculty-student research engagement, and provide direction, resources, training, and technical assistance to faculty and students engaged in externally funded research, instruction, and community service. Since joining CSULB in 2016, Dr. Taylor has sustained her commitment to undergraduate research; she currently leads a Keck-funded program to enhance retention in STEM majors by infusing introductory science courses with authentic research experiences. Prior to her interim appointment, Taylor has served as Associate Dean for Research within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) where she discovered a passion for team-based and interdisciplinary research.
“I am thrilled to begin this new chapter in my career. Being Interim Associate Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs at CSULB presents an exciting opportunity to drive positive change, foster innovation, and have a meaningful impact on the research landscape both within the university and in the broader community,” says Taylor. She will continue the legacy of promoting a culture of research here at The Beach. Read more about Interim AVP Taylor.
