Sylvia A. Alva

Dr. Sylvia A. Alva was appointed executive vice chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs for the California State University effective August 2, 2021.

Alva joins the CSU Chancellor's Office and Chancellor Castro's executive team from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she served as provost and vice president for academic affairs. In her role as provost, Alva led the strategic and academic direction of the campus's Division of Academic Affairs. She also held a faculty appointment in the Psychology Department.

Alva began her career in higher education as an assistant professor of child and adolescent development before being promoted to associate professor and professor at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). While at CSUF, she served in a number of administrative roles, starting as the educational equity coordinator for the College of Health and Human Development and culminating as associate vice president for undergraduate programs. She joined California State University, Northridge, where she served as dean of the College of Health and Human Development before assuming her role at Cal Poly Pomona.

Alva is a first-generation college graduate and a product of the CSU, having earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from California State University, Los Angeles. She earned a master's and Ph.D., both in psychology, from the University of California, Los Angeles.