Palo Alto University's Dr. Christie Chung Named Recipient of the 2026 Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award
PALO ALTO, Calif. — Palo Alto University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Christie Chung has been named the 2026 recipient of the Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award, presented by the Asian Pacific Fund.
This is one of the most prestigious honors in American higher education for an Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI) leader. Named in honor of Dr. Chang-Lin Tien, the first AANHPI leader of a major U.S. research university as Chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley, the award has been presented to distinguished presidents, provosts, deans, and academic leaders from institutions across the nation.
"Christie has earned the trust of our community through her thoughtful leadership, deep commitment to students, and ability to bring people together around a shared vision," said Palo Alto University President Dr. Farouk Dey. "She has worked closely with faculty, staff, university leadership, and our Board of Trustees to help shape PAU's future while honoring the values and history that define our institution. She listens, she aligns, and she leads with clarity and care."
As Provost, Dr. Chung serves as Palo Alto University's Chief Academic Officer, overseeing the university's academic departments and advancing initiatives that support teaching excellence, student success, research, and clinical training. Since joining PAU, she has played a key role in helping guide the university's evolving vision and strategic direction.
A cognitive psychologist by training, Dr. Chung's research has focused on emotional memory, cognitive aging, and cross-cultural cognition. Her scholarly work has been published in leading journals and has contributed to a deeper understanding of how culture influences thought, behavior, and human experience. These themes continue to inform her approach to leadership and higher education.
"Receiving the Chang-Lin Tien Leadership in Education Award is both an honor and a responsibility," said Dr. Chung. "As an Asian American woman in higher education leadership, I am grateful to the mentors, colleagues, and communities that have shaped my journey. This recognition reflects the importance of representation, belonging, and creating pathways for future generations of leaders and scholars."
The award includes a grant to establish a scholarship fund supporting AANHPI students at Palo Alto University. The scholarship will help expand educational opportunities for students while creating a lasting legacy from Dr. Chung's recognition.
Her selection comes as Palo Alto University marks its 50 year anniversary. The recognition reflects both Dr. Chung's contributions to higher education and the university's ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student success.
