Veteran inland higher education leader becomes vice president of University Advancement

After a national search, Cal State San Bernardino named Robert J. Nava as its new vice president for the Division of University Advancement. Nava has spent 33 years in higher education advancement leadership roles, including 18 years in the inland region. “I look forward to working with President Morales and the university leadership to enhance fundraising, marketing and our alumni to advance the university and campus-wide priorities,” Nava said.    Nava, previously the vice president for university advancement at San Francisco State University, formally joined the Coyote family on Nov. 13 and began serving in his new role on Jan. 2. He replaced Ron Fremont, who retired from the university in December after serving 35 years in the California State University system, including six years as vice president of advancement at CSUSB. “His accomplishments in higher education advancement over the course of his career have greatly enhanced university and college programs to ultimately benefit students,” President Morales said of Nava. “Robert’s dedication and enthusiasm aligns with my longtime belief that our role as educators is to ensure our students come first.” Since joining the team, Nava has focused on expanding and refining various areas, including board development at CSUSB, and has begun building partnerships to establish fundraising priorities that align with the university’s Strategic Plan. He has also been instrumental in fulfilling significant campus initiatives, including exceeding the university’s campaign goal, bringing it to $53 million. In addition, Nava has played a major role in launching CSUSB’s first-ever Native American Speaker Series and in appointing new tribal relations director, Vincent Whipple, in the recently established Office of Tribal Relations. Nava was also active in orchestrating the third annual Rabbi Hillel Cohn Endowed Lecture on the Contemporary Jewish Experience.  Nava earned his Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice at the University of Texas at El Paso.