Æðµã´«Ã½

Dear Campus Community,

Higher education is changing rapidly, bringing both new opportunities and significant challenges. Enrollment pressures, financial sustainability, operational excellence, and workforce needs require us to think boldly, work collaboratively, and continually strengthen the way we lead and serve our university.

Our vision is clear: Æðµã´«Ã½ will be the nation's leading polytechnic university for opportunity, upward mobility, and student success. We are committed to delivering a transformative Learn. Do. Become. experience for every student. Fulfilling that promise requires an organization that is agile, innovative, and aligned around our highest priorities. To support this vision, I am implementing several organizational changes that strengthen leadership, improve collaboration, and position Æðµã´«Ã½ for continued success.

Advancing Strategic Priorities: Effective September 1, Nicole Hawkes will serve as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. Reporting directly to me, Nicole will lead many of the university's highest priority initiatives, including implementation of our new strategic plan, experiential leadership initiatives such as our partnership with TeachingHorse, development of the Lanterman property, public private partnerships, community engagement, and regional and statewide collaborations. Her leadership will help expand opportunities for our students and strengthen Æðµã´«Ã½'s impact across California.

To further strengthen the President's Office, I have launched a national search for a Chief of Staff and Vice President for Presidential Operations. This role will improve coordination across the university, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and help ensure our strategic priorities move efficiently from vision to implementation.

Strengthening Institutional Excellence: To better align our institutional storytelling and external engagement, Strategic Communications will join the Division of University Advancement under the leadership of Vice President Frances Teves effective August 1. This change will strengthen communications, marketing, advancement, and community engagement while presenting a more unified Æðµã´«Ã½ story.

I am also creating two new Cabinet level divisions that address critical priorities for our future. The new Division of Enrollment Management will provide focused leadership for recruitment, enrollment planning, financial aid, outreach and student pipeline development. I am pleased that Jessica Wagoner will serve as Interim Vice President beginning August 1.

The new Division of People and Culture reflects our commitment to becoming an employer of choice by strengthening talent development, employee well-being, organizational effectiveness, and a culture of excellence. I am grateful that Kimberly Allain has agreed to serve as Interim Vice President beginning August 1.

Building Community and Belonging: One of Æðµã´«Ã½'s greatest strengths is our people. Our diversity, our culture of belonging, and our commitment to creating a welcoming community are central to who we are and to our success. To elevate this work, I am establishing a Cabinet level Senior Associate Vice President for Community and Belonging, reporting directly to me. I am grateful that Dr. Jonathan Grady has agreed to serve in this interim role beginning August 1.

This office will be built with our community, not simply for our community. During the coming months, we will convene a university-wide working group of faculty, staff, students, and campus partners to help shape its priorities, structure, and long-term vision. Together, we will build an approach that reflects the strengths and aspirations of our Bronco community while fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Additional Leadership Updates: National searches are underway for the Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Senior Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications. I anticipate making appointments early this fall and am grateful to Michelle Cardona and Rachel Morrison for their outstanding interim leadership.

I am also pleased to welcome Michael Tam as Æðµã´«Ã½'s University Counsel, serving through the CSU Office of General Counsel. Michael most recently served California State University, Bakersfield, and will also join the Cabinet.

Looking Ahead: These changes are investments in our future and in our ability to better serve our students, employees, alumni, and community partners. Together, they strengthen our capacity to innovate, improve how we work, and advance the Æðµã´«Ã½ Promise.

Our future is bright because of the remarkable people who make up this university. Together, we will continue building a Æðµã´«Ã½ where every member of our community feels they belong, and where every Bronco has opportunities to flourish. I look forward to working alongside all of you as we continue building the nation's leading polytechnic university for opportunity, upward mobility, and student success.

With excitement and Bronco Pride,   

Vanya Quiñones, Ph.D.
President