"We need to think like a start-up with some momentum—what becomes of SSU 2.0 is critical to the university’s long-term success..."
as a place to study, would students not come? Headwinds are both local and existential. To reverse that, SSU needs to become a more integrated regional partner, start doing things no other CSU campus is doing, and monopolize that position once established. We need to think like a start-up with some momentum—what becomes of SSU 2.0 is critical to the university’s long-term success and gaining access to global investment in our programs. If that change works,
communities clamor for universities to appear, expand and find external funding sources. Entire communities can be uplifted as universities grow in size and stature, especially if these communities become integrated partners in retail, student rentals and events. In the coming months,
I will expand on these themes as our Fall 2025 semester begins and my journey on campus continues. A key theme is getting high school,
Full-Time Equivalent Students (FTES), Sonoma State University, Academic Years 2013-14 to 2023-24 Source: California State University, Chancellor’s Office
the surrounding communities are enhanced. Like any employer, every university has economic effects in concentric circles of benefits and costs for the surrounding communities. Generally, economic effects are net positive for universities. This is why
community college and non-traditional students to push Sonoma State toward top-of-wallet, again with a global view on changing student perceptions about what this university offers new and continuing students. g
July 2025
NorthBaybiz 19
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