Santa Clara University

Jason Lau, Ph.D., is the new Assistant Vice Provost for Student Life Finance and Administration at Santa Clara University as of August 21, 2023.

Dr. Lau most recently served as the Interim Associate Dean, Senior International Officer, and the Interim Director of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in the School of Extended and International Education at Sonoma State University (SSU).  Prior to his position at SSU, he served as Director of Community Education, Lifelong Learning and International Education at College of Marin in Marin County, California. 

Jason has served effectively as senior management team member of the Camp Adventure Youth Services program headquartered at the University of Northern Iowa. As the Assistant Director, he was responsible for the day-to-day operations as well as managing quality school-age, youth and aquatics programs throughout Asia and Europe, including Hong Kong, Macau, China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Since its inception, over 10,000 college students participated in the program across 120+ locations in 17+ countries, serving 750,000 children and youth annually based on daily participation rates at U.S. military bases, U.S. embassies, and international schools throughout the world.  Jason brings to Santa Clara a wealth of experience in business and finance, human resources, grants and contracts. 

Jason traveled to the United States to pursue his education and he became the first member of his family to receive a college degree. He achieved a Diploma in Social Work from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and served as a registered social worker for a charitable organization named TREATS in Hong Kong prior to moving to the United States. He earned his BA (summa cum laude) and MA in Leisure, Youth and Human Services Admin from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). In addition, Jason holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy & Leadership Studies from The University of Iowa. 

In 2011, the UNI Alumni Association honored him with the prestigious Heritage Honours Young Alumnus Award. In 2016, he was inducted into the UNI's Elinor A. Crawford and William R. Thrall Hall of Excellence. In additiona, Jason is also a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE). This certification is the highest level a park and recreation professional can reach.

He lives with his wife and two children in Marin County. His wife, Mavis, is a director of administration and finance at the University of California, Berkeley School of Social Welfare. Jason is very active in the Marin community, serving as a member of the Marin County Child Care Commission, a past Chair of the Marin YMCA Board, vice chair of the Friends of China Camp Board of Directors, treasurer of the Marin Chinese Cultural Association Board, board member of the Asian Scholarship Fund in partnership with 10,000 Degrees, and the Marin Center for Independent Living. Jason is a proud Rotarian. Currently, he serves as the club treasurer for the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise. In addition, Jason currently serves as the elected chair and appointed member of Marin Community College District's Citizen Bond Oversight Committee to provide oversight for the $265M general obligation bond program.

Jason grew up in Hong Kong and is a multi-national, holding citizenship from Hong Kong, Portugal, and the United States.