Dr. Cameron comes to us from Palo Alto University (PAU), where she has served as provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs since 2021. During her tenure, she strengthened academic programs through comprehensive curriculum review processes, led successful accreditation efforts, and implemented key faculty success initiatives including a faculty compensation study and new faculty development programs.
Under her leadership, PAU achieved both Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) designations. Dr. Cameron worked to create a strong culture of shared governance and data-driven decision-making at PAU, and was successful in securing significant external funding. Her commitment to academic innovation led to initiatives in digital mental health and global mental health, while expanding access through digital learning programs and maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Prior to PAU, Dr. Cameron served as chair and associate professor of Counseling at the University of San Diego from 2009-2021, where she led curriculum development, faculty recruitment, successful accreditation processes, and developed innovative global study courses across the globe. Her scholarship focuses on counselor education, leadership, and multicultural counseling, and she has been recognized with multiple awards including the American Counseling Association's Counselor Educator Advocacy Award and the Outstanding Faculty Member Award from USD's School of Leadership and Education Sciences.
A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, Dr. Cameron earned her bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Bradley University as a Division I student-athlete in volleyball. She earned her M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Hawaii, Manoa, and her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.
Carlos Nevarez, Ph.D., will continue to serve as interim provost until Dr. Cameron joins us on March 17. Please join me in thanking Dr. Nevarez for his service as provost over the last three years, where he led significant student success initiatives, including a jump in four-year graduation rates from 21% to 31%, maintaining an 81% one-year retention rate, and reducing DFW rates by 5-10% across colleges. His efforts in advancing faculty research development led to a 30% increase in grant awards, while his equity-focused leadership resulted in successful initiatives like the disbursement of $1.6 million in Provost Grants to 1,820 students to support academic success and increase graduation rates.
I also would like to thank the members of the provost search committee for their dedicated service and careful evaluation of an impressive group of candidates for this critical role.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Cameron, her husband Stefan, and their children to Sacramento and to the Hornet Family.
Stingers Up!
