Steve Buchan received his Bachelor of Arts Degree and Secondary Teaching Credential from CSULB in 1974, he began his teaching career, teaching Special Education in the Los Angeles Unified School District, later returning to CSULB in 1980 to serve as the Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach. Four years later he joined the ARCO Products Company and spent 15 years in the world of petroleum products and convenience stores, culminating in leading the Marketing Department for the nationally recognized ampm Convenience Store Franchise, setting new standards for the industry.

 

He earned his MBA in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. Steve also led the Marketing and Sport Partnership efforts for Carl Karcher Enterprises as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product development for the Carl’s Jr. restaurant franchise. He later joined LA Fitness, a national fitness club chain, as the Vice President of Marketing. Most recently, he directed the retail operations for The Pepsi Bottling Group's Inland Empire Market Unit, receiving the ‘Presidents Circle of Excellence Award’ and ‘Chairman’s Award’ for outstanding contributions to the business.

After twenty-three years, he comes full circle returning to Long Beach State University, as our Manager of Business Affairs and Marketing.

Diane Higgs graduated from the Graduate Program in Sport Management in 2003. She received her M.Ed from the University of Arkansas in 1976. Diane has nearly 30 years of experience in management and leadership positions. Those years have primarily been with the U.S. Marine Corps and FedEx. She has also served as the '09 Conference Manager for the Western Society of Physical Education for College Women. Diane is the program's Manager of Student Affairs, dealing with current and prospective students in a variety of ways.