Interim President Villarreal

A striking painting of three musicians adorns Mary Ann Villarreal’s office in Welch Hall. It depicts two upright men with their violins on either side of a girl, slightly slumped, who holds a stringless violin. Entitled “Mute” and painted by CSU student Leonardo Lambaren, the art reflects one of the president’s deepest convictions: that we collectively share the responsibility to give voice to the voiceless.

Villarreal has drawn on that conviction throughout her career, which she has dedicated to expanding opportunity, fostering belonging, and shoring up organizations to better serve and engage students. A historian by training, her scholarship examines race, gender, class, and cultural narratives in U.S. history. She began her academic career as a faculty member at the University of Utah and the University of Colorado, Boulder before moving into senior leadership roles at the University of Denver, CSU Fullerton, and University of Utah. Most recently, she served as vice president for institutional excellence at the American Association of Colleges and Universities.   

As a first-generation college graduate and Air Force veteran, she has brought discipline, boundless energy, and deep personal commitment to the Toro community since her CSUDH interim presidency began in January 2026. Often seen zipping around campus to attend student performances, have coffee with faculty, or converse with staff, Villarreal is known for taking the time to listen and connect, then turning what she learns into action.  

That approach has already yielded significant results. Student enrollment is on the rise, bolstered by a more coordinated campuswide recruitment effort and the new Toro Tuition Pledge. The university recorded its strongest fundraising year ever, closing the fiscal year with a balanced budget. As a strong supporter of sports, Villarreal also elevated intercollegiate athletics as an institutional success strategy, including the launch of California’s first varsity collegiate cycling program.  

Villarreal is laser-focused on maintaining that momentum, ensuring that CSUDH is ready for its next president and an even brighter future. But above all, her goal is the same as ever: giving every student the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, be seen, and be heard. 

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