Cal State Fullerton alum Chris Manriquez is returning to his alma mater Aug. 1 to serve as vice president for information technology and chief information officer.
“We look forward to his leadership in advancing our technology infrastructure and services,” said CSUF President Ronald Rochon.
Manriquez has more than 25 years of experience in higher education technology leadership, including 16 years at Cal State Fullerton. Since 2012, he has served as vice president for information technology and chief information officer at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
“Returning to Cal State Fullerton to lead information technology is a full-circle moment. It’s an institution that helped shape my leadership values, deepened my commitment to equity and innovation, and fostered a lifelong dedication to student success,” Manriquez said.
“CSUF’s vibrant, diverse and future-focused community exemplifies the evolving landscape of higher education, and I am inspired by the opportunity to give back with purpose.”
As the senior IT executive for the campus, Manriquez will play a critical role in shaping and carrying out the university’s technology future. He will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight and forward-looking innovation across campus, including infrastructure, academic technology, cybersecurity and digital transformation.
His vision focuses on putting people and purpose at the center of IT and strengthening partnerships across campus divisions.
“I look forward to working collaboratively to shape a future-ready, service-oriented and inclusive digital environment that positions technology not as an end, but as a bridge to a more connected, inclusive and resilient Titan future,” he said.
Manriquez is energized by the opportunity to support and empower the university’s IT workforce to cultivate a culture of innovation, professional growth and shared purpose.
“I want to ensure that each team member is valued, heard and equipped to deliver transformative results,” he added.
A first-generation college graduate who grew up in Santa Ana, Manriquez earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geography from Cal State Fullerton, where he studied geographic information systems. His mother and sister also earned CSUF degrees.
“Our family’s story is a testament to the power of public higher education and its ability to change lives across generations,” he said. “Being first-generation drives my commitment to designing systems and strategies that meet students where they are, reduce barriers and empower all learners to succeed.”
After graduation, Manriquez worked as a systems administrator for a technology company before joining CSUF in July 1996 and later serving on the Academic Senate.
His first university position was manager for technical support in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He was promoted to other positions, including help desk service manager, director of desktop computing and help desk, and director of the common management systems project.
He rose through the leadership ranks, eventually serving as CSUF’s associate vice president for information technology and acting chief information technology officer.
Throughout his career, Manriquez has led transformative initiatives across such areas as AI integration, academic support technologies, cybersecurity, infrastructure and development, project management and esports.
A recognized leader in his field, he serves on professional boards and committees, including the CSU’s Academic Technology and Online Education Committee and Security Operations Committee.