Shari McMahan, Ph.D. 

Shari McMahan, PhD, is the 27th president of Eastern Washington University. As EWU’s chief administrative officer, Dr. McMahan supervises all operations and programs of the university and is especially passionate about being a champion of student support and success at Eastern.  

Before coming to EWU in July 2022, Dr. McMahan served for six years as provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University, San Bernardino, where she played a key role in university governance while leading its core teaching and research units. She was the first woman provost in the institution’s history.  

Prior to joining CSUSB, Dr. McMahan served for 16 years as a faculty member, dean and deputy provost at California State University, Fullerton. You can read more about her professional experience at ewu.edu/president  

In addition to her administrative attainments, Dr. McMahan also has a long track record of scholarly achievement. She has been awarded more than $5 million in external grant funding, authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, delivered dozens of scientific and community presentations, and served on numerous professional task forces.  

A Southern California native, Dr. McMahan has both a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree in social ecology from the University of California, Irvine, and a master’s degree in health science from California State University, Northridge.  

A first-generation college student herself, Dr. McMahan is dedicated to ensuring that EWU provides a high-quality education and marketable degree programs for both traditional students as well as those whose backgrounds and life experiences extend beyond the conventionally college-bound, especially non-traditional students and students from underserved populations.  

In her spare time, McMahan enjoys outdoor fitness activities including walking and hiking, and is a certified Zumba instructor.