President Matthew J. Parlow | Chapman University

President Matthew J. Parlow | Chapman University
14th President of Chapman University
President Matthew J. Parlow
Matt Parlow assumed his role as the 14th president of Chapman University on September
2, 2025, after serving and advancing Chapman for more than a dozen years as a law
professor, dean, and executive vice president/chief advancement officer. He is passionate
about building bridges with community partners to create opportunities for students
and will prioritize the student experience as he leads a comprehensive, nationally
ranked university in the heart of beautiful Orange County, California.
We've had an incredible trajectory the last 30 years as an institution. And yet with
where we stand today, there's still incredible potential and opportunity ahead of
us.
I love Chapman. It's been a home for me in so many ways. It's a community I feel really
connected to. Chapman is special.
- Matthew J. Parlow
October 10, 2025
Inauguration
In October 2025, our community and university delegates from across the nation and
world gathered for the momentous inauguration of President Parlow on Chapman’s Orange,
California campus.
Presidential Priorities
At Chapman, everything we do is in service of delivering a high-quality, student-centered
experience. Focus areas include:
Highlighting students’ talent and success
Promote the academic, creative, and professional depth of our students who come here
prepared to learn and leave here with a readiness to shape society and industry
Building on our academic excellence
Reach new academic heights that place us among the most elite institutions in the
country
Supporting interdisciplinary collaborations
Bring faculty from different disciplines together to create new research, knowledge,
and innovative and in-demand degree programs that prepare our students to work with
others to solve complex issues and questions.
Fostering community engagement
Build new and more extensive bridges that connect our students and faculty with our
local communities to support societal needs while creating the experiential learning
intrinsic to our mission.
Deepening our commitment to free speech and civil discourse
Create a model university for welcoming students from all different backgrounds, where
numerous perspectives can be shared and challenging conversations can occur respectfully
and thoughtfully.
Leadership
Get to know Chapman’s key leaders and their impact in elevating the university to
new heights.
Our Boards
Our Senior Staff
Our Academic Deans
News & Event Highlights
Chapman’s Momentum Continues at State of the University Event
Historic announcements take center stage at President Parlow’s first annual
address.
Chapman Receives $25.5 Million Gift from Christine Cross
Read Article
A Deeply Personal Endeavor: Matt Parlow Carries the Chapman Legacy Forward
Read the Story
Parlow Champions Higher Education in Investiture Speech
Watch or Read the Speech
Past Presidents
Delve into Chapman’s rich tradition of strong leadership continuity and its transformational
journey over the last 30 years.
Connect
Reach out to us with opportunities to engage or partner.