Jun 05, 2026 Dr. Luis A. Sánchez appointed Associate Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Luis A. Sánchez has been appointed as the next Associate Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences at Cal State Channel Islands, effective June 1, 2026.

Dr. Luis A. Sánchez has served with distinction as the Acting/Interim Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences since Summer 2024. In this role, he has supported academic operations across the School, working closely with faculty, staff, and students to advance student success, enrollment, faculty development, and strategic initiatives.

A native of Ventura County who grew up in nearby Santa Paula, Dr. Sánchez earned a dual Ph.D. in Sociology and Demography from The Pennsylvania State University in 2013 and joined CSU Channel Islands the same year as an Assistant Professor of Sociology. He was promoted to Professor of Sociology in Fall 2024.

Prior to joining the Dean's Office, Dr. Sánchez served as Faculty Director for CI Student Research, helping expand undergraduate research opportunities and mentoring student scholars across disciplines. He also served as Faculty Ambassador for Admissions and Recruitment, Faculty Representative to the CSUCI Foundation Board, Chair of the Chicana/o-Latina/o Faculty and Staff Association (ChiLFASA), and a member of the President's CI 2030/One Health Select Committee.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Sánchez's research focuses on immigration, demographic change, social inequality, and urban sociology. His work has appeared in leading peer-reviewed journals. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to supporting students, fostering faculty success, advancing equity and inclusion, and strengthening CSUCI's connections to the communities it serves.