Matthew Smith, a Cal State San Bernardino alumnus, has been appointed the university’s new dean of students and associate vice president for Student Affairs.

“I am incredibly excited to return to my alma mater and serve the students of CSUSB and the greater Inland Empire,” Smith said. “As a first-generation college student, I understand the transformative power of education and community.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to partner with faculty and staff to create an environment where every student feels seen, supported and empowered to thrive both inside and outside the classroom,” he said. “I look forward to building on CSUSB’s strong foundation to enhance student success, belonging and well-being. This role is more than a job, it’s a homecoming and a personal commitment to the region that helped shape who I am.”

With a wealth of leadership experience and the perspective of a first-generation student, Smith is deeply committed to ensuring students benefit from the transformative power of education and a strong sense of community.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Smith to the Coyote family," said Paz Oliverez, vice president for Student Affairs. "His experience as both an educator and a Student Affairs leader are matched by his passion for equity, student success and belonging. I am confident he will make a lasting impact on our students and the broader CSUSB community."

Prior to joining CSUSB, Smith served as the senior associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students at Cal State Dominguez Hills, where he led institution-wide initiatives focused on student retention, basic needs and holistic student development. He also co-chaired the university’s strategic planning process and collaborated with Academic Affairs to launch First-Year Interest Groups and a Student Success Committee, ensuring data-informed and equity-driven programming.

Under his leadership, Smith helped secure more than $15 million in grants to expand college access and support for first-generation and low-income students. This included funding for a new residence hall and more than $500,000 for basic needs services, such as emergency housing, food support and emergency grants. He also launched a Parent and Family Programs office and led a campus-wide culture shift centering the needs of student parents, student well-being, and belonging.

In addition, Smith co-founded the CSU Young Males of Color Consortium, a statewide network across the California State University and California Community Colleges designed to advance equity and student success.

Smith received his bachelor’s in sociology from Cal State San Bernardino, master’s in higher education from Cal State Fullerton, and doctorate in education from Claremont Graduate University.

"Dr. Smith’s record of innovation and student-centered leadership reflects the values we hold dear at CSUSB," said Oliverez. "His vision will strengthen our efforts to provide students with the resources, community and opportunities they need to thrive."