August 27, 2004

New leadership in place

The leadership at Sacramento State has a decidedly new look this year, following the retirement of numerous long-time administrators. The people put in place over the summer include the following:

Matthew Altier has been named vice president for capital planning and resource development, and executive director of the CSUS Foundation. He was previously associate vice president for facilities management. As executive director, he replaces Elroy Littlefield, who is retiring after a long career at Sacramento State. In his new dual role, Altier will provide leadership for the CSUS Foundation and its operations, while also continuing to assist in the development and oversight of the campus master plan. That includes planning efforts on campus and at other possible sites such as the Placer County Campus. He will also continue to develop new resources and relationships for future projects.

Phil Hitchcock was given a two-year appointment as the director of School of the Arts. Hitchcock will continue to serve as the director of the University Library Gallery, which opened three years ago, and remains responsible for developing the library’s overall art collection. He is a professor of art who previously served nine years as chair of the art department. He has also worked as a corporate art consultant for major projects including the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel.

Marion O’Leary has been named interim vice president for University Advancement (formerly University Affairs). He will be responsible for moving Sacramento State forward on the numerous fundraising and community relations goals that have been established over the last year. He will serve in the position while the search continues for a permanent vice president, and will continue to serve as chair of that search committee.

Joseph Sheley, who holds two degrees from Sacramento State, has been named interim director of alumni relations and executive director of the Alumni Association. He will hold the position in addition to his role as dean of the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Laurel Heffernan has been named acting dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, where she is the student services director.

Nancy Tooker has been named acting dean of the College of Arts and Letters, where she is associate dean. Her appointment follows the retirement of Bill Sullivan as dean.

Carolyn Pittman has been named the interim associate vice president for financial services. She holds the position of University budget officer. Her appointment follows the retirement of Jonathan Self.

Many other leadership changes were announced during the last academic year. They include Ric Brown, who was named vice president for Academic Affairs; Stephen Garcia, who was named vice president for Administration and Business Affairs; Michael Lewis, who was named dean of the College of Education; Sanjay Varshney, who was named dean of the College of Business Administration; and Mike Lee, who was named special assistant to president for planning (one- to two-year appointment).

In addition, two programs now report to different vice presidents. Payroll Services is now part of Human Resources, though it remains in the same office – Sacramento Hall 161. Public Safety now reports to Administration and Business Affairs. That office remains in the Public Safety Building.

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