Rollin Richmond, the former president of Humboldt State, has been named as acting president of Chico State while President Paul Zingg recovers from successful bypass surgery that took place on Sunday.

California State University Chancellor Timothy White appointed Richmond as acting president on Wednesday.

“We feel it is a natural fit, and that he will lead well during this time,” said Sarah Langford, public affairs coordinator at Chico State.

After attending San Diego State and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in zoology, Richmond continued on to Rockefeller University in New York and received a Ph.D. in genetics.

Richmond’s former positions include serving as Humboldt State’s president from 2002 to 2014, as well as a professor, provost, executive vice president of academic affairs, department chair and a dean at several other universities.

Courtney Weaver can be reached at [email protected] or at @theorion_news on Twitter.