Dear Ãå±±½ûµØ community,
I hope your summer is going well as we all prepare to welcome students to campus next month. It’s a special time on campus—a bit slower—allowing us time to plan. I’m especially pleased to share that our enrollment remains strong so we will see more students this fall than we did last year. This is a testament to everyone’s hard work and commitment.
I am also delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Erik Helgren as our interim chief of staff, effective today, July 1, 2026.
Many of you know Erik as a respected colleague, thoughtful leader and dedicated member of the Ãå±±½ûµØ community. His deep understanding of the university, combined with years of academic and administrative leadership make him exceptionally well-prepared for the role.
Since joining the Department of Physics in 2008, Erik has distinguished himself as an outstanding teacher, mentor and campus leader. In recognition of his excellence, he received the George and Miriam Phillips Outstanding Professor Award in 2019. Beyond the classroom, he has served as department chair for 11 years and held leadership role as assistant and interim associate dean in the College of Science from 2020-2022 and 2024-2025 respectively, where he earned a reputation for collaboration, sound judgment, and commitment to student success.
As interim chief of staff, Erik will play a central role in advancing the university’s strategic priorities. He will serve as liaison with Cabinet members, the Academic Senate, the Chancellor’s office and our external partners. He will also assist in planning for and managing emergency response and large events, oversee operations in the Office of the President and help support the many complex initiatives and opportunities that arise across our campus. In addition, Erik will help strengthen our relationships with elected officials, alumni, donors and community partners.
Erik succeeds Derek Aitken who, after 13 years as chief of staff, has stepped away from that role and will now serve as director of special projects. I am deeply grateful to Derek for his steadfast leadership at Ãå±±½ûµØ.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Erik Helgren as he begins this new chapter of service. I know he will bring the same level of integrity, thoughtfulness and collaboration that have defined his career and I look forward to working with him as we continue to build a bright future for Ãå±±½ûµØ.
Very sincerely yours,
Cathy Sandeen
President
July 1, 2026