The president’s man

Russ Mills has been named Chico State's chief of staff to replace the retiring Karla Zimmerlee, who's filled the role in the president's office since 2007.

Mills grew up in Chico and graduated from Chico State in 1974, earning his master's degree and doctorate from Stanford and then working as a project engineer in San Francisco, according to a Chico State press release. He returned to Chico State in 1982 and has been a faculty member in the Engineering Department ever since, also serving a 13-year stint on the Academic Senate. Mills has been involved in the off-campus community, including serving 12 years on the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission and 20 years as a member of the board of directors of Chico Velo Cycling Club.

The chief of staff acts as a liaison between the president, the provost and the Academic Senate.