Last Friday, newly appointed Sonoma State President Michael Spagna hosted a media briefing where he outlined his leadership priorities – Sonoma State’s plan for fiscal stabilization and major decisions affecting departments and intercollegiate athletics.
Spagna officially took office on Jan. 20 and has hit the ground running, announcing a revival of the geology bachelor of science program and its integration with the environmental science curriculum. This reflects the growing workforce demands.
With the Nursing graduate cohort doubling in size, SSU is expanding its Nursing program and announcing a new interdisciplinary Health Science major. “We expect this to be a popular major, serving a wide population of students,” states Spagna.
Engineering and business majors will also continue to grow. SSU is now offering a new Biomechanical Engineering minor and an online MBA program with a concentration in Wine Business. A new major and a new blended engineering master’s program are also being explored.
“These all represent significant moves forward for Sonoma State University, as we continue to emphasize student success as our north star and preparation, both before graduation and afterward, for their careers and for service to their communities,” said Spagna.
Recognizing the vital role sports play in campus pride as an attraction to SSU, Spagna officially names a Fiscal Feasibility team to assess the possibility of long-term, financially sustainable Division II athletics.
The team builds on the work of the Athletics Task Force, which spent the past six months developing a report of recommendations for the future of sports at Sonoma State.
The report recommends establishing thirteen Division II sports teams, creating a strong athletics external relations program to engage alumni, community members, and donors, and expanding SSU athletics facilities.
“The Athletics Task Force recommendations are a thoughtful starting point for how athletics might be reincorporated into Sonoma State in the coming years,” said Spagna.
Although $8 million was received for Division II athletics, ongoing funding is needed to avoid future financial risk. This newly formed Fiscal Feasibility team evaluates funding models by examining long-term operational costs, enrollment, student impact, and overall alignment with Sonoma State’s broader educational goals and financial sustainability.
The team includes campus leaders and experts in finance, academic, athletic, and student success. As the team members are finalized, the university will continue to assess athletics leadership needs.
“What is necessary now is a fiscal feasibility plan, which is essential for athletics to be sustainably implemented for now and in the future,” states Spagna.
Spagna is expecting a findings report from the Fiscal Feasibility Team by the summer of 2026 to navigate the path forward for athletics.
Stepping into this role after a year of fiscal challenges, he aims to breathe new life into Sonoma State, nurturing an institution that its students and community can be proud of. Spagna faces the important task of rebuilding SSU financially and strengthening relationships with the campus and the broader community.
