Gregory Boardman’s career in higher education includes what he calls “Pacific bookends.”

Boardman’s first job out of college was in University of the Pacific’s Division of Student Life. And now, in retirement from Stanford University, he is stepping back into campus life serving as a Pacific regent.

Boardman also was named to the executive committee of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), a lobbying and advocacy organization for the state’s independent colleges.

“After nearly four decades in higher education, I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to do this,” Boardman said. “Pacific gave me a start, and the university means so much to me. My career has been in the area of student life, but both of these positions will allow me to be focused on the totality of the university. This is an exciting opportunity.”

Judy Chambers, Pacific vice president for student life emerita, hired Boardman in 1980. She saw “a spark” that made her know he would be an advocate for students.

“He was dependable, thorough, great with students and very dedicated to the overall university,” Chambers said. “When I heard Pacific was bringing Gregory back as a regent, I told President (Christopher) Callahan, ‘Congratulations. That is brilliant to have someone with a student affairs background on the board.’ Just to have someone who understands students’ different needs is tremendous.”

Norman Allen, Chair of the Board of Regents, reached out to Boardman about the position.

“Greg spent his entire career in student life and brings incomparable experience and perspective to our board, not just about the student co-curricular experience, but also the insights gleaned from years sitting at the leadership table of leading universities,” Allen said. “His voice on our board helps ensure we stay true to the university’s mission and remain student-centered in our work.”

Cross-country journey to Pacific

Boardman grew up on a multi-generational dairy farm in Vermont and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont (1979) and a master’s from Penn State (1982). He has “great love and respect” for farming, particularly his family’s farm, but says, “I knew that was not for me.”

From 1980 to 1988 he was director of fraternity programs and university apartments, assistant to the vice president for student life and director of special student life programs at Pacific.

Boardman said Chambers’ influence was profound.

“She got me involved in decision making and taught me about the overall work of student life,” Boardman said. “Judy was very involved in NASPA (the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators), our national organization, and she brought me in. Pacific set the foundation for my career.”

After eight years, Boardman left Pacific for Tulane University in New Orleans, where he worked for 16 years. In 2004, he was hired for the No. 2 role in student life by Stanford University. When his boss retired, Boardman was named the lead. He finished his career at Stanford.

Getting started and setting priorities

Boardman has embraced his role as a regent, and appreciated that the board met in person in October during President Christopher Callahan’s investiture.

“I found it much better for getting acclimated as a new Regent when I could be in the same room with my colleagues on the board and with the university,” he said.

Boardman is focused on a number of issues facing higher education in general and Pacific in particular, including diversity, equity and inclusion.

“It is very positive to see how Pacific is becoming a DEI leader,” Boardman said. “President Callahan made it a priority as soon as he arrived, and the university as a whole is dedicated to this effort. It’s especially important for faculty recruiting and hiring. Higher education as a whole must have more diverse hiring.”

Other areas of focus, Boardman said, include Pacific’s financial viability, mental health issues and athletics.

Opportunities through state committee

Pacific will continue to have a voice in statewide issues through Boardman’s membership on the AICCU Executive Committee, which is responsible for establishing the association’s agenda on education policy and encouraging support for association and member priorities. His appointment is for two years. Former Regent Dianne Philibosian also has served as an AICCU trustee.

“It’s exciting because it’s something broader than Pacific,” Boardman said.

“AICCU is an important voice on a state and national level,” Allen said. “Greg’s point of view as both a Regent and as someone who worked in higher education leadership makes AICCU stronger. And when AICCU succeeds in advancing its mission, Pacific directly benefits.”

Boardman and his partner, Michael Silvio, reside in New Mexico.

"I am honored and humbled to join this exemplary group of leaders," Boardman said. "This opportunity is a bookend to my career, making it even more special."