Dr. Edward Inch Named Provost

Following a nationwide search, Dr. Edward S. Inch has been appointed provost and vice president of Academic Affairs for Cal State East Bay. He will begin his new position on Aug. 1.

Inch has served as the dean of the College of Arts and Letters at California State University, Sacramento since 2011. Inch previously served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and has participated as an American Council on Education Fellow and accreditor for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. At Sacramento State, Inch led the initiative to double his college’s four-year graduation rates and improve retention rates, and served as a member of the University Strategic Planning Committee. 

“I am very pleased that Dr. Inch has agreed to serve as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Cal State East Bay,” said President Leroy M. Morishita. “He is a proven leader with a collaborative and team-oriented style, who will continue strengthening our academic programs and student success initiatives. Dr. Inch’s knowledge of the California State University system and breadth of experience provides a strong background that will serve Academic Affairs and the university well. He is an excellent addition to the Cal State East Bay leadership team and will help take us to new heights.” 

Morishita praised the search committee for its diligent work throughout the process and showed appreciation to the campus community for its significant feedback.

“I am excited for the opportunity to work at East Bay,” Inch said. “The university plays an important role in students’ lives and the commitment to diverse and multicultural education is truly noteworthy. During my campus visit, I was impressed with the accomplished faculty and their focus on student success. Learning together, from each other’s strengths, is what has the potential to lift an entire region.”

Inch received his bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Western Washington University and his master’s degree in rhetoric and communication from the University of Oregon. He earned his doctorate in speech communication from the University of Washington. 

He began his academic career as a lecturer at Western Washington University before moving on to become an assistant professor in the Department of Communication and Theatre at Pacific Lutheran University, where he would eventually become the dean of the School of Arts and Communication. While at Pacific Lutheran, Inch led international initiatives and programs focused on mediation and conflict management in the Balkans.

Inch replaces Dr. Carolyn Nelson, who served as interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs for the past year.

“As interim provost, Dr. Nelson has done excellent work, most notably with the semester conversion process,” Morishita said. “I want to thank her for her fine efforts in transforming our university for student success and enhancing communication across the university. Carolyn is a highly valued member of the Cal State East Bay community and will continue to play a critical role on campus as dean of the College of Education and Allied Studies.”