Chico State’s Flake replaced

Chico State President Paul Zingg has announced an interim replacement for Sandra Flake, the university’s former provost and vice president who suddenly stepped down from her position on Feb. 2.

Phyllis Fernlund, who served as the dean of the College of Communication and Education from 2004 to 2011, will assume the role of vice president of academic affairs while Zingg conducts his search for a long-term replacement. In the meantime, Zingg will personally assume the responsibilities of the provost.

Zingg will interview candidates for Flake’s former position this spring and bring a handful of candidates to campus in May, hoping to announce her successor by Aug. 1.

Flake, who was hired in December 2006, will begin a teaching position in the English Department at Chico State this fall.