Longtime UC Santa Barbara Chancellor Henry Yang, left, is leaving his position July 14 and his interim replacement is David Marshall, right, the executive vice chancellor of UCSB.
Longtime UC Santa Barbara Chancellor Henry Yang, left, is leaving his position July 14 and his interim replacement is David Marshall, right, the executive vice chancellor of UCSB. Credit: Noozhawk photo and courtesy photo

UC Santa Barbara’s Executive Vice Chancellor, David Marshall, will serve as interim chancellor as the search continues for Henry Yang’s permanent replacement.

Yang’s historic 31-year tenure as chancellor will conclude on July 14, and the search for his successor is still active, according to the University of California President’s Office.

In a message sent to the UCSB community Monday afternoon, UC President Michael Drake announced that Marshall will temporarily step into Yang’s shoes on July 15 .

Marshall has served as UCSB’s Executive Vice Chancellor since 2014, and previously served as dean of humanities and fine arts for 16 years. He is also a professor in English and comparative literature.

“David has led major campus initiatives in academic planning, faculty diversity, undergraduate education, and interdisciplinary research,” Drake wrote.

“His deep experience, institutional knowledge, and longstanding partnership with Chancellor Yang position him exceptionally well to guide UCSB during this transitional period.”

Regarding the search for UCSB’s permanent Chancellor, Drake wrote: “We are committed to identifying an outstanding leader who will carry forward UCSB’s legacy of excellence and take it to new heights. We will continue to update you as the search progresses.”

A search committee had reportedly recommended five to six candidates for chancellor to Drake for his consideration in March. However, no replacement, or update on the search, had been announced until Monday.

Drake also took the opportunity to acknowledge Yang’s departure, celebrating him for shaping UCSB into a premier research institution.

“Under his visionary guidance, the campus has seen historic growth in academic achievement, research prominence, and global reputation,” Drake wrote. “He has led with integrity, humility, and a genuine dedication to students, faculty, and staff, touching every corner of campus life with his steady presence and thoughtful leadership.

“His contributions to the University of California system—and to higher education broadly—are truly profound and enduring.”

Drake added that Yang and Marshall have a close working relationship, and will ensure a seamless transition over the next few weeks.

After Yang leaves office as chancellor, he is set to return to teaching and research at UCSB.

— Noozhawk staff writer Rebecca Caraway can be reached at rcaraway@noozhawk.com.