Dr. Wm. Gregory Sawyer to Retire at the End of the Fall Semester

Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 10:00am

Dear Campus Community,

It is with warm wishes that I share that Dr. Wm. Gregory Sawyer, Vice President of Student Affairs, has announced plans to retire from Sonoma State at the end of this fall semester.

When Dr. Sawyer joined our Sonoma State University community over 3 years ago, he brought an enthusiastic vision and unmatched student-centered energy to our campus. Affectionately known as “Doc” by students and colleagues during the course of his 40+ year career, Dr. Sawyer provided invaluable leadership for Sonoma State University’s Division of Student Affairs. Additionally, he served as a senior leader on the California State University (CSU) Vice Presidents for Student Affairs Council (SAC) and was a California Student Aid Commissioner (CSAC) for 8 years. 

We are indebted to him for his vision, leadership, and commitment. He has cared deeply about student mental health, basic needs, and student engagement. He has been a trusted and beloved campus leader who has had a profound impact on the culture of our campus. His resolute focus on the development of students and staff has helped distinguish the Division within the CSU community and nationally. Dr. Sawyer takes great pride in SSU’s Division of Student Affairs’ recognition as one of the nation’s Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs for each of the last three years.

We look forward to building on Dr. Sawyer’s legacy of excellence, inclusiveness, and, most importantly, his student-centeredness. Dr. Sawyer’s time and commitment to SSU would not have been possible if not for the support of his wife and thought partner, Dr. Rita Gloria Sawyer. Please join me in thanking them for their unwavering dedication to our students and our Seawolf community. We wish them well in the next chapter of their lives.
 
Sincerely,
Judy K. Sakaki, Ph.D.
President