January 28, 2005 :: No. 120

A veteran geography professor and former urban planner has been appointed associate vice president for academic programs at Cal State Fullerton.

Robert A. Young, who most recently served as associate dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences – a position he has held since 1999 – now assumes responsibility for management, planning and development for graduate and international academic programs, and oversees program performance reviews, plus institutional and program accreditation.

He was appointed to the post by President Milton A. Gordon upon the recommendation of a search committee chaired by Anthony Fellow, professor of communications.

“We’re excited about Ray taking this new position and look forward to working with him,” said Ephraim Smith, vice president for academic affairs. “His broad experience in both academic and administrative positions on campus and his service to the surrounding community make him an excellent choice for this position.”

Young joined the campus in 1976 after stints as assistant professor at West Virginia University in Morganton and senior planner with Alfred Gobar Associates in Brea. He was promoted to full professor in 1985.

In addition to teaching courses in both geography and political science, Young served as chair of the Geography Department for 11 years, during which he was involved in developing concentrations in urban geography and environmental analysis. He led the university’s Social Science Research Center for two years and currently serves on the Management Oversight Committee for the Center for Demographic Research. From 1998 to 2000, Young was a member of the campus steering committee for reaccreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and chaired the Campus Environment for Learning subcommittee. He also has chaired the university’s Long Range Planning and Priorities, Graduate Education, and Grants and Awards committees.

Urban planning, economic development, urban redevelopment in California and the geographies of the United States and Canada are among Young’s research interests. His recent studies include reports on “Commuting in Orange County,” “The Public School Systems of Orange County” and “Census 2000: Orange County’s Seniors” for Orange County Profiles, a quarterly journal published by Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Demographic Research.

Throughout his academic career, Young has been successful in securing more than $900,000 in grants and contracts, and he has frequently served as a consultant to area cities and counties on urban planning issues. He also has been a member of the Orange County Council of Governments.

In 2002, Young was selected to attend Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Leadership, a management development program in higher education. The Fullerton resident earned his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Young succeeds Keith O. Boyum, who joined the California State University Chancellor’s Office in August as associate vice chancellor for academic affairs.

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