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

A nationally recognized scholar and inclusive leader, Dr. Christie K. Chung will guide PAU’s academic mission and advance innovation that centers people and community.

Palo Alto University is pleased to announce that Dr. Christie K. Chung will serve as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective January 20, 2026.

A cognitive psychologist and award-winning academic leader, Dr. Chung joins PAU from Northeastern University, where she serves as Executive Director of The Mills Institute. Her career bridges cognitive science, emotional memory, cross-cultural cognition, and responsible AI—work that aligns with PAU’s commitment to human understanding.

“Dr. Chung joins Palo Alto University at a pivotal moment of its evolution as we celebrate the university’s 50th anniversary,” said President Farouk Dey. “Her distinguished scholarship and leadership at the intersection of science, technology, and human understanding will position PAU for leadership in mental and behavioral health education, research, and practice amid the paradigm shifts shaping our world.”

Across Northeastern’s global network, Dr. Chung has held senior roles including Associate Provost for Student Success and Undergraduate Education, Associate Dean for Research, Scholarship, and Partnerships, and Special Advisor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She completed postdoctoral training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in behavioral neuroscience and earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Applied Cognitive Psychology from Claremont Graduate University.

Her scholarship and perspectives have been featured in national venues, including TEDx—“Bridging Minds and Machines: Advancing AI Innovations through Cognitive Science”—and The Boston Globe. She was recognized as a KRON4 Remarkable Woman (2025) and an ACAD Fellow (2022).

“PAU’s mission—preparing compassionate, confident leaders who change lives—resonates deeply with me,” said Dr. Chung. “I’m honored to join this community and excited to partner with faculty, staff, and students to advance learning, research, and service.”

Dr. Chung’s appointment follows a national search chaired by Interim Provost Dr. Sharon Washington and supported by WittKieffer. Community welcome opportunities are planned for February 2026.