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Welcome to the

OFFICE OF THE

PRESIDENT

 

Farouk Dey, PhD

PAU-Official-University-Seal-White-Navy-Background-only

Welcome to the

OFFICE OF THE

PRESIDENT

 

Farouk Dey, PhD

A Visionary Leader

Dr. Farouk Dey is the fourth President of Palo Alto University. Celebrated for pioneering life-design approaches that broaden access to meaningful education and careers, he is widely recognized for innovations in career development, experiential learning, and student success. At PAU, he is renewing the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and clinical training, and charting a future driven by innovation and centered in the human condition in a rapidly changing world. 

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Leadership & Expertise

Under President Dey’s leadership, Palo Alto University is committed to advancing the human condition in a world shaped by technology. The University is strengthening its role at the intersection of behavioral health science, education, and innovation, preparing practitioners and scholars to meet the emerging and complex challenges facing individuals, organizations, and communities worldwide. Dr. Dey’s presidency reflects a forward-looking commitment to academic excellence and social impact, anchored by an unwavering focus on human well-being amid profound technological and societal change.

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President's Office & Board Administration

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Natalie Oyarce
Director of the President's Office &
Board Administration and Board Secretary

The Office of the President and Board Administration supports the President and Board of Trustees by coordinating governance, strategy, and executive operations in service of the university’s mission. The office facilitates effective shared governance, ensures strong stewardship and compliance, and fosters thoughtful engagement between leadership, trustees, and the broader PAU community.

 

Office of Institutional Research

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Jeff Harr
Senior Director of Institutional Research & Digital Transformation

The Office of Institutional Research and Digital Transformation provides accurate, accessible data to internal and external stakeholders, supports compliance with accreditation and federal reporting requirements, and coordinates the university's technology strategy.

 

Latest News

Winter Gathering Brings Employees Together
February 11, 2026

Winter Gathering Brings Employees Together

Faculty and staff gathered in person for a winter holiday celebration filled with food, activities, and shared moments that strengthened community at PAU.

PAU employees gather at Allen Calvin Campus
February 11, 2026

Cocoa, Cookies, and Connection: People Operations Brings Warmth to PAU

People Operations hosted a Cocoa & Cookies Meet and Greet at Wiesneiski Hall, bringing staff together to connect and share updates on supporting employees at…

PAU’s Commitment to Academic Freedom and Approach to Public Statements
February 10, 2026

PAU’s Commitment to Academic Freedom and Approach to Public Statements

Read Palo Alto University’s official statement on academic freedom and its thoughtful, mission-aligned approach to issuing institutional statements on national…

PaloA lto University staff enjoying the celebration
February 05, 2026

All In Together: Kicking Off 2026

Palo Alto University launched the year with its All In Community Celebration, bringing faculty and staff together to connect, reflect, and align around shared…

Sara Nasserzadeh speaks at Ted Next
January 13, 2026

Love by Design

PAU alumna Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh shares the research behind her Emergent Love Model, redefining how couples build intentional, lasting relationships worldwide.

Rose Wong
January 13, 2026

Building a Culturally Informed Future for Behavioral Health

PAU launches a new Clinical MSW program focused on culturally informed behavioral health practice, preparing graduates to meet California’s urgent workforce…

Co-Inquiry in the Age of AI: Rethinking Research Education at PAU
January 13, 2026

Co-Inquiry in the Age of AI: Rethinking Research Education at PAU

At PAU’s Provost Colloquium, Dr. Charlotte Beard explores how artificial intelligence can support ethical learning, critical thinking, and human-centered…

Chloe Corcoran stands in front of an audience speaking
January 08, 2026

Honoring Lives, Uplifting Community: Chloe Corcoran Keynotes Transgender Day of Remembrance

Chloe Corcoran of Palo Alto University delivered the keynote at San Mateo County’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, centering compassion, accountability, and…

Board of Trustees Welcomes Four New Members
December 18, 2025

Board of Trustees Welcomes Four New Members

Palo Alto University has elected four new members to its Board of Trustees as it celebrates 50 years of advancing mental and behavioral health education.

A large, diverse group of people stands in a circle, smiling, cheering, and clapping around a central interaction. Several individuals wear conference badges, and the atmosphere is lively and celebratory.
November 21, 2025

Unified Student Orientation: Building Community, Inspiring Connection

Unified Student Orientation at Palo Alto University brought together incoming students from all programs for a day of connection, community-building, and…

A group of five Palo Alto University faculty, students, or alumni stand together smiling in front of a PAU research poster at an academic conference. They are wearing conference badges, and other attendees and poster sessions are visible in the background.
November 20, 2025

Palo Alto University Showcases Leadership and Community at ACES 2025

Palo Alto University faculty, students, and alumni showcased leadership, research, and community impact at ACES 2025 in Philadelphia.

A Writing Studio staff member engages with participants at an outdoor event, speaking with attendees and handing out materials, with others gathered nearby.
November 19, 2025

Writing Studio Expands Support for Doctoral Writers

PAU’s Writing Studio launches a new Dissertation Boot Camp and expands programs that support doctoral students with structure, community, and expert guidance.

Image of President Emerita Maureen O'Connor in a light blue shirt seated on a chair in front of a bookcase
November 19, 2025

Palo Alto University Renames Center for Educational Excellence in Honor of President Emerita Maureen...

Palo Alto University renames its Center for Educational Excellence as the Maureen O’Connor Center for Teaching and Learning and establishes a new endowed fund.

Christie K. Chung smiles at the camera. She is wearing a bright pink blazer over a light top, standing with her arms crossed in a softly lit indoor space.
October 30, 2025

Palo Alto University Welcomes Dr. Christie K. Chung as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affai...

Palo Alto University welcomes Dr. Christie K. Chung as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, beginning January 2026.

The Second Phase of My Life
October 24, 2025

The Second Phase of My Life

After a successful career in journalism and brand communications in China, Maggie Tsai found a new calling in counseling at Palo Alto University. Her journey…

Finding the Balance Between Pragmatism and Idealism
October 24, 2025

Finding the Balance Between Pragmatism and Idealism

From defying convention in the 1970s to shaping inclusive training models today, Dr. Peter Goldblum’s legacy at Palo Alto University reflects a lifelong…

Build Your Own Adventure
October 22, 2025

Build Your Own Adventure

From first-generation student to U.S. Navy clinical psychologist and national LGBTQ health leader, Dr. Nick Grant (PhD ’15) credits Palo Alto University and…

Opening Day
September 09, 2025

Opening Day 2025: Launching PAU’s 50th Year with Innovation, Connection, and Design Thinking

Palo Alto University launched its 50th Anniversary year at Opening Day 2025, celebrating innovation, connection, and a shared vision for the future.

The Power of Giving: PAU Innovart Research Grant Propels Student Research Momentum
August 02, 2025

The Power of Giving: PAU Innovart Research Grant Propels Student Research Momentum

When Maggie Tsai enrolled in Palo Alto University’s Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, she was in the midst of a personal reinvention. A…

Community Message | President Dey's First Week at PAU
July 11, 2025

Community Message | President Dey's First Week at PAU

President Dey reflects on his first week at PAU, highlighting the welcoming community, design thinking-inspired empathy tour, and his commitment to the…

General Inquiries and Speaking Requests

For general inquiries, please reach out to the Office of the President by emailing presidentsoffice@paloaltou.edu..
For invitations and requests for meetings and speaking engagements with President Farouk Dey, please contact the Director of the President's Office & Board Administration, Natalie Oyarce at
 noyarce@paloaltou.edu.

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