CSULB University Honors Director Sandra Pérez named 2026 NCHC Fellow
Sandra Pérez, Ph.D., director of University Honors at California State University, Long Beach, has been selected for the National Collegiate Honors Council's (NCHC) 2026 Class of Fellows, recognizing her sustained contributions to honors education, scholarship and leadership.
The distinction honors educators and professionals whose work has helped advance honors teaching and learning, strengthen academic programs and expand opportunities for students in higher education.
Pérez's selection recognizes her extensive leadership and service within NCHC and across the broader honors education community. Through her service on the organization's Board of Directors and committees, including her leadership of the Foresight Committee, Pérez has helped shape conversations about the principles guiding honors education and the challenges facing its future.
“I am so very grateful to be named an NHCH Fellow because it allows me to stand beside transformative honors colleagues from across the U.S. whose contributions and leadership I deeply admire and respect,” Pérez said.
She has also contributed to NCHC's Shared Principles and Practices of Honors Education, helping strengthen the collective understanding of honors education across institutions. Her leadership extends regionally through the Western Regional Honors Council and the CSU Honors Consortium, where she has supported collaboration and the advancement of honors education.
Mentorship and advocacy have also been central to Pérez's contributions. Through NCHC's Beginning in Honors initiative and her work supporting new Board members, she has shared her experience with colleagues taking on leadership responsibilities in honors education. Her nominators highlighted her thoughtful mentorship, careful listening and determined advocacy for access and equity.
"Our 2026 Fellows demonstrate the lasting impact of dedicated leadership, thoughtful scholarship, and generous service to honors education," said NCHC President Daniel M. Roberts, Ed.D. "Through their work, they have expanded opportunities for students, mentored colleagues, and helped shape the future of our honors community."
At CSULB, Pérez serves as director of University Honors, where her leadership contributes to the university's commitment to academic excellence, inclusive learning and student success. Her selection as an NCHC Fellow reflects the impact of her work beyond The Beach and her continued dedication to strengthening honors education for students and educators alike.
NCHC Fellows are selected through a peer-review process that considers leadership at the state, regional and national levels; scholarly contributions; participation in honors conferences; professional development; outstanding teaching; and service to the broader honors education community.
Pérez will be recognized alongside the 2026 Class of Fellows during the NCHC Awards Ceremony on Nov. 13 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans. The ceremony is part of the organization's annual conference, taking place Nov. 11–14.
Founded in 1966, the National Collegiate Honors Council supports and strengthens honors education at institutions around the world. With nearly 700 member institutions and several hundred individual members, NCHC serves a community of more than 330,000 honors students through professional development, scholarly collaboration, educational resources and student opportunities.
