Joseph W. Watson
Vice Chancellor Emeritus
University of California, San Diego

After 41 years at the University of California, San Diego, Dr. Watson retired in 2007 as Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Professor of Chemistry.

Dr. Watson obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the City College of New York in 1961 and his doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1966. He also pursued postdoctoral studies at UCLA. He attended the Harvard University Institute of Educational Management - Executive Development Program in 1983.

Dr. Watson joined the faculty of the University of California, San Diego as an assistant professor of chemistry in 1966 and was promoted to associate professor in 1970 and professor in 1988. In 1970, Dr. Watson was named the first provost of Thurgood Marshall College and served for 11 years. In 1981 he was appointed Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.

As an administrator, Dr. Watson has held numerous posts on various committees on behalf of the University of California, most notably on the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) (1985-1989) and on the California Student Aid Commission (Chair 1990-1992 and 1999-2001).

Dr. Watson joined the College Access Foundation of California board in November 2005.

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