Susan Elrod is the new Chico State interim provost and vice president of academic affairs.

Elrod will begin her tenure Oct. 20 after former provost Belle Wei resigned more than one month ago. She comes from Fresno State, where she served as the dean of the college of science and mathematics.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to return to Chico State as interim provost,” said Elrod in a press release. “I know how transformative the Chico experience is because of the impact that it had on my life. Chico is truly a special place.”

Elrod comes to Chico State after serving more than year as a dean at Fresno State. Prior to that she worked as a faculty member in the biological sciences department at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She has also served as associate dean for strategic initiatives, special assistant to the provost and vice chair of the academic senate.

“With a national reputation in STEM teaching and learning, extensive experience leading efforts with and for faculty and staff and an ability to work with other divisions like student affairs and advancement to achieve her institution’s priorities, Susan is an ideal choice as our interim provost,” Zingg wrote in a statement to the campus. “And it doesn’t hurt that she is a proud alumna and looking forward to returning to Chico.”

Elrod graduated from Chico State with honors in 1986, according to a press release.

“I look forward to working with the faculty, students, staff, alumni, friends and community members to continue to advance the mission of this great university,” Elrod said.

Zingg said Elrod will remain as the interim until fall 2015, when the search for a permanent provost will begin.

David McVicker can be reached at [email protected] or @DavidPMcVicker on Twitter.