From eliminating dozens of major programs and shutting down the athletics department to dealing with contaminated water on campus, it has been quite an unforgettable year for Sonoma State. These events have taken place during the tenure of Interim President Emily Cutrer. Her time in this role is ending as the Board of Directors prepares to announce a new president for the university.

After months of searching, the CSU announced Wednesday that Dr. Michael E. Spagna will be the next president of Sonoma State University.

Dr. Spagna currently serves as the interim president of Cal Poly Humboldt, a role he has held since August 2024. Before that, he was provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at CSU Dominguez Hills, starting in 2017. Over his career, he has held various roles at CSU Northridge, including professor and dean of the Michael D. Eisner College of Education. At California State University, Spagna holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from UC Berkeley/San Francisco State University, a master’s from UCLA, and a bachelor’s from Northwestern.

“I am deeply honored to be entrusted to lead Sonoma State University,” Spagna said at his inauguration. “This university has a long history of educational excellence and a deep connection to the community that must continue to be strengthened.”

The Presidential Search Committee consisted of 18 members, including Dr. Gerald L. Jones, Mildred García, and Ajay Gehlawat.

Since 2016, Sonoma State has had four presidents: Judy K. Sakaki (2016–2022), Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee (2022–2024), Nathan S. Evans (Acting in 2024), and Emily F. Cutrer (2024–present). This will be its fifth president in 4 years.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.