Regents appoint Natalie Brazwell as interim chancellor, promise independent probe into prior leadership conduct

Chair Ari Santiago opened his first meeting as board chair by promising a transparent, independent review of allegations concerning the prior interim chancellor and outlining next steps for system leadership.

"We issued a public RFP for which the submission period closed on May 18th," Santiago said, and he told the board the Office of Compliance together with the audit and human resources chairs are finalizing a firm selection. "There will be an initial report by June 30 and the final findings will be made public upon completion," he added. Santiago said the board will hold itself accountable to that timeline.

On Tuesday the board appointed Natalie Brazwell as interim chancellor. Santiago said the appointment followed a deliberate process that produced 17 candidates and two finalists, and that the interim chancellor's mandate is to stabilize operations, support campuses, and steward CSCU during a national search for a permanent chancellor. The transcript states Brazwell’s first day will be June 15.

The appointment and the promised investigation came amid widespread public comment earlier in the meeting, including faculty votes of no confidence and repeated calls for accountability. Santiago said he recognizes those concerns and has begun direct outreach with faculty leadership in an effort to rebuild trust.

What happens next: according to the board remarks, the compliance office and committee chairs will complete firm selection, an initial investigative report is expected by June 30, and the final report will be released publicly when the investigation concludes. The board also told the public it will continue the national search for permanent leadership while Brazwell serves as interim chancellor.

No votes on investigative outcomes were taken at the May 28 meeting; the board moved to executive session later in the day for separate preliminary-draft discussions and adjourned after reconvening.