THOUSAND OAKS : Cal Lutheran Picks New Vice President

Pamela M. Jolicoeur, a 20-year sociology professor at Cal Lutheran University, has been named to a three-year post as the university’s vice president for academic affairs, officials said.

After three years, Jolicoeur, 48, will be eligible to apply for the job during the private four-year university’s national search for the permanent successor, officials said.

In her new role, Jolicoeur of Thousand Oaks will oversee the university’s undergraduate and graduate academic programs in addition to academic services, such as the registrar’s office.

“I think you could say I’m excited,” Jolicoeur said. “I’m also sobered by the magnitude and complexity of the job.”

Jolicoeur earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Santa Clara and earned her master’s and doctorate in sociology from Purdue University. She has served the university in a variety of roles since beginning there as a professor in 1972.

As a scholar, Jolicoeur has researched, presented and published on topics such as higher education, the sociology of religion and aging. She is now working on a study of elderly Latinos and their family care-givers.

In addition to teaching and research, Jolicoeur has been an associate dean, assistant dean, department chairwoman and faculty chairwoman. She was elected Professor of the Year by the school’s students in 1976.

Under her leadership, the university developed the Adult Degree Evening Program and the PLUS program for under-prepared students.

Jolicoeur replaces James Halseth, who left after seven years in the job and 30 years in Lutheran education.