Dave Edwards, Ed.D.

Associate Vice President and Executive Director

Associated Students Inc. at California State University, Fullerton

A life-long educator focused on student engagement, meaningful collaboration, and inclusive education, Dave Edwards, Ed.D., serves as Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Associated Students Inc. (ASI) at California State University, Fullerton, a student-led nonprofit auxiliary organization dedicated to enhancing the student experience through programs, services, and facilities.

Dr. Edwards built his career across higher education institutions, including extensive experience within the California State University system, advancing through leadership roles focused on student development, organizational effectiveness, and campus engagement. His work focuses on creating campus environments where students can connect, grow, and thrive. 

At Cal State Fullerton, Dr. Edwards provides senior leadership to the Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management division, advises elected student leaders, provides executive leadership over ASI, oversees a nearly $40 million operating budget, and manages major student-serving facilities and operations, including a student union, a recreation center, a food pantry, and an early childhood education center. He also oversaw the construction and expansion of the Titan Student Union, a key investment in student facilities, services, and campus engagement.

He was instrumental in advancing the ASI Student Wellness Initiative, a multi-million dollar, unique, student-led effort to expand access to wellness resources, strengthen basic needs support, and transform campus spaces to better support student well-being and success. 

Earlier in his career at California State University, Long Beach, Dr. Edwards oversaw the development and construction of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, contributing to a major campus investment in student health, recreation, and wellness.

Dr. Edwards is known for his steady, adaptable leadership. In 2019, he served in a senior student affairs role overseeing student life, housing and residential engagement, and student government, helping foster a more engaging campus experience. A lifelong educator, he also holds a faculty appointment in the Communication Studies department at California State University, Long Beach.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Edwards held leadership positions at multiple institutions, including California State University, Long Beach; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Shawnee State University; Pfeiffer University; and Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Dr. Edwards earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Evansville and a Master of Education in College Student Personnel from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He later made history within the CSU system as the first individual to complete an independent Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Long Beach.

His research interests include university presidential leadership, student development, change management, and staff engagement.