Dr. Ruben Armiñana, President
Sonoma State University
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 664-2156
ruben.arminana@sonoma.edu
Professional Background
Dr. Ruben Armiñana became the sixth president of Sonoma State University in July, 1992. He is also professor of Political Science and teaches periodically. Dr. Armiñana is the former president of the Western College Association and also serves on several CSU systemwide committees.
Date and Place of Birth
May 15, 1947; Cuba
Citizenship
United States of America
Education
Ph.D., Political Science (Public Administration, International Relations,
and Comparative
Politics), University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1983.
Dissertation: Job Satisfaction in Municipal Government: The Incentives
Model, 1983.
M.A., Latin American Economics and Political Science, The University
of Texas at Austin, Texas, 1970. Thesis: Agricultural Policies and Production
in Cuba, (1966-1969), 1970.
B.A., Economics, Political Science, and Spanish, The University of Texas
at Austin, Texas, 1968.
A.A., Economics and Political Science, Hill Junior College (now Hill
College), Hillsboro, Texas, 1966.
Historical Perspective
Dr. Armiñana served as Vice President for Finance and Development at
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, 1988-1992. Previously
he served at Tulane University as Vice President/Assistant to the President.
In addition, Dr. Armiñana held faculty appointments at both institutions,
in Political Science at Pomona and in International Business and Political
Science at Tulane.
During Dr. Arminana’s tenure as president, he has been successful in
furthering the academic and instructional programs of the University.
Under his leadership, the University has experienced a steady increase
in private donor investment and has entered into numerous partnership
programs with businesses and public institutions in the North Bay region.
He created the Educational Mentoring Team program, instituted the Assured
Access Program (requiring 24-hour access to personal computing for all
students), and supported the founding of the master's degree program
in Computer and Engineering Science in conjunction with the North Bay
technology community. By partnering with the Santa Rosa Symphony, the
University has undertaken a $40 million capital campaign, with a lead
gift from Donald and Maureen Green, to build the Green Music Center.
The Lifelong Learning Institute, a program for senior citizens, was
started in the School of Extended Education, and the University’s academic
grants and contracts activity has developed significantly.
Dr. Arminana also has overseen the development of the campus with the
construction of the Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center and the
Environmental Technology Center, the renovation of Salazar Hall (to
offer a central location for all student services, along with modern
classrooms and laboratories), and the expansion of residential housing.
The building of the Student Recreation Center will support the co-curricular
life of students, and the pending renovation of Darwin Hall will enhance
the University’s science programs.
