University Adds New Vice President for Student Affairs

California State University, Northridge leaders have appointed a veteran staff member as vice president for student affairs. William Watkins assumed the post at the beginning of the June, replacing Terry Piper, who died in May after a battle with melanoma. Watkins filled in for Piper starting in January when the former vice president temporarily stepped down from the position to concentrate on fighting cancer. “It’s a priority for me to make sure that I continue to have regular ways to hear and experience our students, and to keep an authentic understanding of what their experiences are today, which keep changing from year to year,” Watkins said. CSUN President Jolene Koester assigned Watkins to the position at the recommendation of the Faculty Senate’s Personnel Planning and Review Committee. Watkins earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from CSUN in 1974. He then earned a master’s degree in public administration from USC and a doctorate of education from UCLA. Watkins started working for the university as a work-study student and was later appointed his first staff position as a personnel assistant in human resources. He eventually moved up to the position of associate director of personnel and employee relations. Other positions Watkins held at the school were assistant vice president and associate vice president for student life. Jessica Selva