Brian BelardiChapman’s leadership strength and continuity have been hallmarks of its success over the last several decades. That tradition continues as President Matt Parlow, entering the second year of his presidency, and his executive team fill key leadership roles following several retirements and transitions. The university continues to attract high-caliber talent that will help usher in its next era.
Together, these new leaders join a university with significant momentum: a $1 billion endowment, continued gains in national rankings, and the nearly completed $500 million Inspire campaign. More importantly, each was recruited to strengthen a different part of the Chapman experience — from attracting students and expanding research opportunities to preparing graduates for an AI-driven economy and supporting student success.
“Every one of these leaders was chosen because they’ll make a difference in our students’ lives,” said President Matt Parlow. “Together, they strengthen the academic excellence, innovation, and personalized experience that define a Chapman education.”
Every one of these leaders was chosen because they’ll make a difference in our students’ lives,. Together, they strengthen the academic excellence, innovation, and personalized experience that define a Chapman education.”
— President Matt Parlow
RECRUITING TOMORROW’S PANTHERS
Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management Rick Bischoff arrived from Case Western Reserve University, where he spent 16 years transforming the university’s admissions strategy from regional to national, significantly increasing applications and enrollment while making the institution more selective. Earlier in his career, he led admissions at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and held senior enrollment roles at the University of Chicago and Macalester College.
A first-generation college student from a small rural town, Bischoff chose his own college from pamphlets in the local library without ever visiting campus.
Now he leads Chapman’s efforts to recruit the next generation of students while preserving the personalized experience that distinguishes the university.
After a career at five highly selective universities, Chapman has earned his highest praise: “America’s best college town — hands down,” he said.
SUPPORTING STUDENTS AT EVERY STAGE
Genia Herndon, Ed.D., joins Chapman as senior vice president for student affairs after nearly two decades at the University of Colorado Denver, where she most recently served as associate vice chancellor for student affairs.
Her experience spans the full student journey — from recruitment and campus life to wellness, career readiness, and post-graduation success. At CU Denver, she launched a career and experiential learning ecosystem that has generated more than 68,000 internship and job placements.
During her campus visit, Herndon said Chapman’s culture was immediately apparent.
“What has stood out to me throughout this process is that Chapman has a deeply personal and distinctive culture,” Herndon said. “The sense of connection, pride, and care reflected in the Chapman Family was evident.”
EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY THROUGH LAW
Antony Page, J.D., joins the Dale E. Fowler School of Law as dean after leading Florida International University’s law school to higher national rankings while expanding its academic offerings.
His path to legal education began not in a courtroom but in diplomacy, working for Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs before earning degrees at Stanford University and practicing law internationally.
At Chapman, Page will focus on strengthening the law school’s national reputation while preparing students for a rapidly evolving legal profession.
“Antony’s global perspective and accomplishments as a leader and academic have uniquely prepared him to lead the world-class Fowler School of Law,” said Mike Ibba, executive vice president, provost, and chief academic officer.
RESEARCH WITH STUDENTS AT THE CENTER
Christopher Kim, Ph.D., becomes the next dean of Schmid College of Science and Technology after more than two decades as a member of the Chapman faculty.
An environmental geochemist whose research has attracted more than $3.7 million in external funding, Kim has mentored more than 100 undergraduate researchers and built programs that connect both Chapman and community college students with hands-on scientific discovery.
As dean, he hopes to expand that approach across the college. “The transformative impact of undergraduate research has been a constant throughout my academic career,” Kim said.
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR AN AI ECONOMY
Amy Zeng, Ph.D., joins Chapman as dean of the Argyros College of Business & Economics after leading two business schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, most recently Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School.
Her work integrating artificial intelligence across Sawyer’s business curriculum earned a 2025 Eduventures Innovation Award and reflects the vision she’ll bring to Chapman. A goal: preparing graduates for careers increasingly shaped by AI while strengthening the Argyros College’s reputation for innovation.
“Amy’s deep experience and leadership will accelerate the momentum in Argyros College,” Ibba said.
