Lopes comes to Humboldt State with a 30-year career in education administration, including fiscal affairs, financial systems, accounting software, strategic planning, labor relations and risk management.
“Joyce Lopes brings outstanding professional credentials to HSU,” Richmond said in announcing the appointment in a campus message. “The Search Committee and those who met Joyce during her campus visit spoke highly of her sincere dedication to students, the exceptional breadth and depth of her experience and her skill at teamwork.”
A certified public accountant, Lopes holds a master’s in business administration and an exclusive certificate from the Chief Business Officer Leadership Institute sponsored by the California Association of School Business Officers. She is also a trained consultant in interest-based negotiations.
Previously Lopes was director of finance at Sierra Joint Community College, director of grants and contracts administration at the CSU Sacramento Foundation and controller at Colorado College, Colorado Springs.
“While touring the HSU campus,” Lopes said, “I observed fantastic research and learning that were truly impressive, from the Marine Laboratory to the Aquatics Center to the various academic departments. The graduation pledge of social and environmental responsibility really inspires me. The faculty and staff commitment to improving decision-making and governance through the newly formed University Senate makes me eager to join this collaborative team. I look forward to meeting each of the faculty and staff over the next several months.”
Lopes has been active in a variety of community organizations and serves on the Parent Guild of her daughter’s school. She mentors international exchange students and volunteers with the Girl Scouts of America.