As Sonoma State University begins the search for its next president, many on campus are reflecting on how the process will shape the future of the university. Communication has emerged as a central concern-not only in how the search itself is being conducted, but also in the qualities the next leader will need to strengthen relationships with students, faculty, and the wider community.
Dr. Baleria, an assistant professor in the communication and media studies department, emphasized the role that messaging plays in shaping perception. She noted that the search has, so far, left some feeling disconnected. “One email communicated to the public about the search on campus,” she said, “there was also distrust and frustration.”
Looking ahead, she argued that open and consistent communication will be key for the next president. “I would recommend more communication and being transparent about where things stand,” Dr. Baleria explained.
She also highlighted the potential for stronger engagement with media, both on and off campus.
“All stakeholders should have a stake, and welcoming [them] into the process would be smart,” she said. Dr. Baleria pointed to former President Mike Lee as an example of effective leadership, noting that “he was a benefit on campus, and cared about what people wanted.”
She spoke about how the campus community is eager for a leader who demonstrates both compassion and presence. The next president should prioritize students, remain actively engaged, maintain a visible presence on campus, and foster strong collaboration with faculty.
That sense of connection matters not only within the university but also in the surrounding communities. Local leaders have emphasized that SSU’s leadership decisions carry significant weight in the region.
Rohnert Park Mayor Gerard Giudice pointed out that while the university technically sits just outside city limits, it plays a major role in local life. Students shop and dine in Rohnert Park, use the parks and trails, and often stay in the area after graduation.
“Sonoma State is our neighbor, and when it struggles, the city feels that impact,” said Giudice. SSU is the second-largest employer in Sonoma County, and the school’s financial health is deeply tied to the local economy.
The city has already been working to strengthen ties with the university. Rohnert Park, Cotati, and SSU recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand collaboration on shared priorities. In addition, the city and county recently broke ground on the Crane Creek Regional Park Trail, which will connect SSU directly to Crane Creek Regional Park.
Guidice said he hopes the next president will embrace those partnerships and build more opportunities for students to engage locally, such as through internships with council members or projects that connect students with downtown businesses. “Collaboration in all areas with SSU is critical,” he said.
Other city leaders across Sonoma County also share close ties with the university. The mayor of Cotati is a current SSU professor, while the mayor of Santa Rosa works in the university’s administration. That overlap underscores how deeply SSU is woven into the fabric of the region.
Looking ahead, Giudice emphasizes that the next president should not only stabilize the university’s finances but also focus on its role as a cultural and community hub. He sees a vision where students not only study at SSU but also remain in the surrounding towns after graduation, contributing to the local economy and civic life.
“Sonoma State needs a president who understands the importance of being local, who embraces the liberal arts, and who builds strong ties with the community,” said Giudice. “That’s how the university can thrive and how our region can thrive with it.”
