Eco chief takes his leave

Scott McNall, executive director of Chico State’s Institute for Sustainable Development, is giving up his post as the leader of the campus-based environmental center. McNall (pictured) served as the university’s provost for about 13 years before helping to establish the institute, and has served as its chief for the past 2 1/2 years.

He was on vacation this week and could not be reached for comment, but according to an announcement from the office of Provost Sandra Flake, he requested to step down from the position earlier this year. Flake and Chico State President Paul Zingg praised McNall’s leadership, including his work on the annual sustainability conference, and the development of collaborations on sustainability across the university and in the community.

A longtime champion for environmental work, McNall will stay involved in Chico State’s sustainability efforts while devoting more time to research and writing. The university is looking to appoint a new director this spring.