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.