Dr. Dilcie Perez was appointed deputy vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs in April 2023 and co-leads the division with Dr. Nathan S. Evans through June 2024. Through this co-leadership structure, the division centers its support for student success by maximizing the knowledge and expertise of both Academic Affairs and Student Affairs and creating space for collaboration and innovation at the intersection between the two. Dr. Perez joined the Chancellor’s Office as associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs, Equity and Belonging in June 2022, with more than 23 years of experience in many facets of student affairs. In this role, she served as the Chancellor's Office liaison to the CSU campuses' vice presidents of student affairs and the senior diversity officers. For her efforts to advance student success and equity, Perez was recently recognized with the Cal State Student Association's Administrator of the Year award.

She formerly served as vice president and assistant superintendent of Student Services for the Cerritos Community College District, where she led the restructuring of student services to focus on learning and career pathways to ensure high-impact student services and support, co-led the development for The Village (California's first housing facility for students experiencing homelessness), and led the creation of the Falcon's Nest—a comprehensive center focused on addressing student basic needs. Prior to that role, Perez served as dean of student life and judicial affairs at the MiraCosta Community College District in Oceanside, and for 13 years in leadership positions at her alma mater, CSU San Marcos.

Perez holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership from San Diego State University, a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University and a bachelor's degree in political science from CSU San Marcos.

In this interview, Perez explains how CSUSM was ahead of its time in regards to DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) work; however at the beginning of her employment with CSUSM, the university did not have Multicultural Programs (the predecessor to the Cross-Cultural Center). Perez recalls her work with Multicultural Programs, including her being offered the opportunity to open the program upon tendering her resignation to the university.